SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, DC 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event report): Dcember 17, 2003 RYAN'S FAMILY STEAK HOUSES, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) South Carolina 0-10943 57-0657895 (State or other (Commission (IRS Employer jurisdiction of File Number) Identification incorporation) No.) 405 Lancaster Avenue (29650) Post Office Box 100 Greer, SC 29652 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (864) 879- 1000 (No change) (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) Item 5 Other Events On December 17, 2003 Ryan's Family Steak Houses, Inc. (the "Company") issued a press release on the planned phase-out of its Florida franchise relationship. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. RYAN'S FAMILY STEAK HOUSES, INC. (Registrant) By: /s/Janet J. Gleitz Name: Janet J. Gleitz Title: Corporate Secretary Date: December 17, 2003