VOLUME SERVICES AMERICA, INC. COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (IN THOUSANDS) Fiscal Year Ended 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (984) (3,868) (2,787) (2,220) (6,068) Add Fixed Charges: Interest Expense (excluding capitalized) 474 6,778 7,562 10,771 21,554 Amortization of loan costs 16 478 354 551 1,475 Interest factor in rents 262 297 352 338 643 --- --- --- --- --- Total Earnings as defined (232) 3,685 5,481 9,440 17,604 ==== ===== ===== ===== ====== Fixed Charges: Interest Expense 474 6,778 7,562 10,771 21,554 Amortization of loan costs 16 478 354 551 1,475 Interest factor in rents 262 297 352 338 643 --- --- --- --- --- 752 7,553 8,268 11,660 23,672 === ===== ===== ====== ====== Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges - - - - - Deficiency in the coverage of fixed charges (964) (3,868) (2,787) (2,220) (6,068) ==== ====== ====== ====== ======