1 EXHIBIT 12.1 COMPUTATION OF RATIOS The ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated below were as follows: 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 44 WEEKS ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED AUGUST 26, AUGUST 31, AUGUST 30, AUGUST 29, JULY 3, 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- Ratio of earnings to fixed charges............ -- -- 1.09 -- 1.01 Deficiency in the coverage of fixed charges by earnings.... $20,617 $2,034 -- $8,057 -- For purposes of calculating the above ratios, earnings are defined as income before income taxes and extraordinary items, plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consists of interest expense on all indebtedness, amortization of deferred financing costs, and one-third of rental expense on operating leases representing that portion of rental expense deemed by the Company to be attributable to interest. The ratio of earnings to fixed charges equals earnings divided by fixed charges. 1