VOLUME SERVICES AMERICA, INC. COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (IN THOUSANDS) 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (3,868) (2,787) (2,220) (6,068) (5,507) Add Fixed Charges: Interest Expense 6,778 7,562 10,771 21,554 25,066 Amortization of loan costs 478 354 551 1,475 1,511 Interest factor in rents 297 352 338 643 878 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Total earnings as defined 3,685 5,481 9,440 17,604 21,948 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Fixed Charges: Interest Expense 6,778 7,562 10,771 21,554 25,066 Amortization of loan rents 478 354 551 1,475 1,511 Interest factor in rents 297 352 338 643 878 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ 7,553 8,268 11,660 23,672 27,455 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges - - - - - Deficiency in the coverage of fixed charges (3,868) (2, 787) (2,220) (6,068) (5,507) ====== ======= ====== ====== ======