EXHIBIT 10.4
 
                 LANDRY'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS, INC. CALLS OFF
              MERGER WITH CONSOLIDATED RESTAURANT COMPANIES, INC.

                                Houston, Texas

                                 March 8, 1999

    Houston, Texas--(NASDAQ-"LDRY") Landry's Seafood Restaurants, Inc.
("Landry's") announced today all further discussions had ended with Consolidated
Restaurant Companies, Inc. regarding a proposed merger as well as all other
related transactions.

    Tilman J. Fertitta, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive 
Officer of Landry's stated that after announcing the proposed merger on March 2,
1999, the reaction of the market and Landry's stockholders caused each of the 
parties to reconsider the proposed business combination.

    Mr. Fertitta stated that "I have always tried to represent our stockholders 
in doing what was best from the long term future of Landry's and this at present
seems to be to refocus on Landry's core business, improve profitability and try 
to enhance stockholder values." Mr. Fertitta continued, "I have always tried to 
maximize the value of the Company for our stockholders and while I believed 
there were positives to be achieved through this merger, our stockholders have 
spoken and we have listened. We have some very positive and exciting things 
going on at Landry's. We have commenced a national marketing campaign for our 
Joe's Crab Shack restaurants and are very encouraged by the initial results."

    "Over the last few days, I have come to realize how much Landry's, Landry's 
stockholders, and Landry's employees mean to me and how important the creation, 
running the day-to-day operations, and growth of this Company into one of the 
most successful restaurant chains has been a part of my life," Mr. Fertitta 
concluded.

    Landry's operates over 146 restaurants in 30 states under the names Landry's
Seafood House, Joe's Crab Shack, The Crab House, Willie G's, Rusty Pelican, 
Cadillac Bar and the Kemah Boardwalk with 1998 sales of approximately $400 
million and approximately 15 restaurant openings slated for 1999.

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on 
current plans and expectations of Landry's and involve risks and uncertainties 
that could cause actual future activities and result of operations to be 
materially different from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. 
Important factors that could cause actual results to differ include, among 
others, the risks associated with the ability of Landry's to continue its 
expansion strategy, changes in cost of food, labor and employee benefits, the 
ability of Landry's to acquire prime locations, general market conditions, 
competition and pricing, all of which involves risks and uncertainties that 
could cause actual future activities and result of operations to be materially 
different from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

    For more information, contact Tilman J. Fertitta, Chairman of the Board, 
President and Chief Executive Officer of Landry's Seafood Restaurants, Inc. at 
713-850-1010.