1


EXHIBIT 99.1

Date:      May 25, 2001
Contact:   Henry R. Hillenmeyer, Chairman & CEO
           Mark W. Mikosz, Vice President & CFO
Phone:     (561)615-6000      Fax:  (561)615-6001

COOKER RESTAURANT CORPORATION - FILES FOR CHAPTER 11 PROTECTION

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - The Cooker Restaurant Corporation today announced that it
has filed voluntarily for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy
Code in the Southern District of Ohio, the state where the Company was
originally incorporated, and in which it currently operates 25 full-service
restaurants.

In making the announcement, Chairman and CEO Henry R. Hillenmeyer noted "we have
sought protection under Chapter 11 because we acknowledge it allows us the best
possible way to restructure our finances while we continue our normal business
operations. We know The Cooker has a bright future, and that this action will
enable us to formulate and execute a plan that will enable us to realize that
future. We plan not just to continue, but actually to escalate our efforts to
upgrade our famous made-from-scratch menu selections, to offer our guests not
only efficient and friendly service, but also incredible VALUE for their dining
out expenditures."

This news release may contain forward-looking statements, as defined in the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve a number of risks
and uncertainties, including the Company's ability to meet the objectives
included in its business plan. Important factors that could cause results to
differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements
include the Company's ability to obtain necessary Bankruptcy Court approvals of
its restructuring plans, its ability to retain its employees, customers and
vendors during the Chapter 11 proceedings and factors that are set forth in
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial
Condition in Cooker's Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31,
2000.

The Company currently operates "Cooker Bar & Grille" full-service restaurants in
Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia. The restaurants offer a family-friendly,
cozy ambience, with menu selections that include a wide variety of appetizers,
soups, salads, entrees, sandwiches and desserts, as well as a full beverage menu
in most locations; a large percentage of these items are actually prepared "from
scratch" daily, using original recipes and fresh ingredients. Portion sizes are
generous, service is prompt, friendly and efficient, and The Cooker backs
everything with its famous "100% Satisfaction Guarantee".

Cooker is traded on the Over the Counter - Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the
symbol CGRT.