<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This financial data schedule contains summary financial information
extracted from the Company's 1997 3rd quarter 10Q and is qualified
in it's entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000784539
<NAME> FAMILY STEAK HOUSES OF FLORIDA, INC.
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-01-1997
<CASH>                                         1193900
<SECURITIES>                                   1546300<F1>
<RECEIVABLES>                                   506200
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     259000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               4074500
<PP&E>                                        42279000
<DEPRECIATION>                                15545600
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                32147000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          4467300
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        105700
<OTHER-SE>                                    11579600
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                  32147000
<SALES>                                        8660100
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               8660100
<CGS>                                          3544000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  8962500
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              401100
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (597900)
<INCOME-TAX>                                  (126300)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                           (471600)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (471600)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.04)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.04)
<FN>
<F1>Represents investments in certificates of deposit and other low risk
financial instruments with maturities in excess of 90 days but less
than one year.
</FN>