<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE 2000
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERIKING, INC. AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-25-2000
<PERIOD-START>                             DEC-28-2000
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-25-2000
<CASH>                                          23,841
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    4,310
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                      6,608
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                41,039
<PP&E>                                         112,002
<DEPRECIATION>                                  39,640
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 296,408
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           28,153
<BONDS>                                        100,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                           48,856
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                             9
<OTHER-SE>                                    (22,971)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   296,408
<SALES>                                        299,415
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               299,415
<CGS>                                           93,243
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  273,165
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                14,872
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 3,213
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              16,483
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (8,318)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   (3,326)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (4,992)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (4,992)
<EPS-BASIC>                                    (11.05)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  (11.05)