<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION DERIVED FROM THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS OF KASH N' KARRY FOOD STORES, INC. AS OF AND FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
NOVEMBER 3, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH CONDENSED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-03-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-29-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               NOV-03-1996
<CASH>                                           9,655
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    9,428
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     94,455
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               102,820
<PP&E>                                         172,063
<DEPRECIATION>                                  41,950
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 370,843
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           77,640
<BONDS>                                        228,762
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            46
<OTHER-SE>                                      48,624
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   370,843
<SALES>                                        242,418
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               242,418
<CGS>                                          194,044
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  240,256
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               6,703
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 (4,541)
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,355
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             (3,186)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    (3,186)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   $(0.68)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   $(0.68)