EXHIBIT 23


        CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement on
Form S-8 (File No. 333-64091) and related Prospectus pertaining to the
Shoney's, Inc. 1998 Stock Plan; in Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File
No. 333-11717) and related Prospectus pertaining to the Shoney's, Inc. 1996
Stock Option Plan; in Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-11715)
and related Prospectus pertaining to the Shoney's, Inc. 1981 Stock Option
Plan; in Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement on Form
S-8 (File No. 33-605) and related Prospectus pertaining to the Shoney's, Inc.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan; in Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 2-84763) and related Prospectus
pertaining to the Shoney's, Inc. 1981 Stock Option Plan; in Post-Effective
Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-25725)
and related Prospectus pertaining to the Shoney's, Inc. 1981 Stock Option
Plan; and in Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-45076) and
related Prospectus pertaining to the Shoney's, Inc. Directors' Stock Option
Plan; of our report dated December 10, 1998, except for paragraphs one
through ten of Note 13, as to which the date is December 31, 1998 with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Shoney's,
Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended October 25,
1998.


                                      /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Nashville, Tennessee
January 18, 1999