<PAGE>   1

                UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
[X]      Annual report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
         Act of 1934

                  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 30, 2000
                                       or
[ ]      Transition report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
         Act of 1934

                         Commission file number 1-12104

                            BACK YARD BURGERS, INC.
                (Name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                      <C>
               DELAWARE                                                     64-0737163
    (State or other jurisdiction of                                        (IRS employer
     incorporation or organization)                                      identification no.)

  1657 N. SHELBY OAKS DRIVE, SUITE 105
           MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE                                                 38134-7401
(Address of principal executive offices)                                      (Zip code)
</TABLE>

                                 (901) 367-0888
                        (Registrant's telephone number)

       SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE SECURITIES
                             EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Name of Each Exchange
           Title of Each Class                                             on Which Registered
           -------------------                                          -----------------------
           <S>                                                          <C>
                  None                                                          None
</TABLE>


       SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE SECURITIES
                             EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Name of Each Market
            Title of Each Class                                             on Which Listed
            -------------------                                          ---------------------
       <S>                                                               <C>
       Common Stock, $.01 par value                                      Nasdaq SmallCap Market
</TABLE>

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes |X| No

         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or in information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]

         The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates on
March 1, 2001 was approximately $3,565,000.

         The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as
of March 1, 2001 was 4,629,535.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         CERTAIN PORTIONS OF PART II ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE FROM THE
REGISTRANT'S ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 30, 2000
AND CERTAIN PORTIONS OF PART III ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE FROM THE
REGISTRANT'S PROXY STATEMENT RELATING TO THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO
BE HELD ON MAY 17, 2001.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>   2


                                     PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

GENERAL

         Back Yard Burgers operates and franchises quick-service and
fast-casual restaurants in Memphis, Little Rock, Nashville and other markets
across 17 states. Our restaurants specialize in charbroiled, freshly prepared,
great tasting food. As our name implies, we strive to offer the same
high-quality ingredients and special care typified by outdoor grilling in your
own back yard. Our menu features made-to-order gourmet hamburgers and chicken
sandwiches charbroiled over an open flame, fresh salads, chili and other
special entrees as well as hand-dipped milkshakes, fresh-made lemonade and
fresh-baked cobblers. As of December 30, 2000, our operations included 35
company-operated restaurants and 58 franchised restaurants.

CORPORATE HISTORY

         The company was incorporated in December, 1986 as Back Yard Burgers,
Inc., a Mississippi corporation, and opened its first restaurant in Cleveland,
Mississippi in March 1987. The company was reorganized under the laws of the
State of Delaware in January 1991. The company consummated its initial public
offering on July 2, 1993 and its common stock has traded on the Nasdaq SmallCap
Market since that time.

OPERATING STRATEGY

         Our restaurants are designed to project a back yard theme that
emphasizes charbroiled, freshly prepared, great tasting food, including gourmet
hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and other gourmet items as customers would
prepare in their own back yard. Our operating strategy includes:

         -        offering a diverse menu of freshly prepared food items that
                  are competitive with the everyday prices of the three largest
                  hamburger chains;

         -        utilizing restaurant designs featuring a single drive-thru
                  concept integrated with an inviting indoor dining area, which
                  projects a uniform image and creates pleasing curb appeal;

         -        serving premium quality, great tasting food comparable to
                  that of the best full-service casual restaurants;

         -        providing fast and friendly service with emphasis on a
                  positive customer experience; and

         -        actively training, supervising and supporting franchised and
                  company-operated restaurants.

GROWTH STRATEGY

         During 2001, we will continue to focus on increasing same-store sales
by emphasizing quality food and service. Our growth strategy is to continue to:

         -        set our restaurants apart from the fast-food competition by
                  serving premium fast food and enhancing dine-in facilities,
                  so the design and feel of the restaurant will match the
                  standards set by the quality of the food;

         -        improve the work flow of existing units to improve
                  productivity and throughput; and

         -        develop additional franchised restaurants with a committed
                  and enthusiastic group of franchisees.


                                       1
<PAGE>   3


RESTAURANT OPERATIONS

         RESTAURANT LOCATIONS. The following tables set forth the number of
restaurants located in each market of the company's system at December 30,
2000.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPANY-OPERATED:                                     FRANCHISED:
-----------------                                     -----------

                             Number of                                            Number of
Core Markets                Restaurants               Core Markets                Restaurants
------------                -----------               ------------                -----------

<S>                         <C>                       <C>                         <C>
Memphis, TN Area                23                    Kansas City, MO Area            8
Little Rock, AR Area             7                    Chattanooga, TN Area            3
Nashville, TN Area               5                    Fayetteville, NC Area           3
                                --                    Jackson, MS Area                3
    Total                       35                    Knoxville, TN Area              3
                                ==                    Asheville, NC Area              2
                                                      Birmingham, AL Area             2
                                                      Little Rock, AR Area            2
                                                      Marietta, GA Area               2
                                                      Memphis, TN Area                2
                                                      Tulsa, OK Area                  2

                                                      Other Markets(1)
                                                      ----------------

                                                      Mississippi                    5
                                                      North Carolina                 5
                                                      Kentucky                       3
                                                      Florida                        2
                                                      Ohio                           2
                                                      Texas                          2
                                                      Alabama                        1
                                                      Arkansas                       1
                                                      Illinois                       1
                                                      Kansas                         1
                                                      Louisiana                      1
                                                      Missouri                       1
                                                      South Carolina                 1
                                                                                    --
                                                         Total                      58
                                                                                    ==
</TABLE>

---------

         (1)      The "Other Markets" portion of the table reflects the total
number of restaurants located in such markets by state. Other markets for the
restaurants range from small towns to large cities where franchisees have only
one restaurant.


                                       2
<PAGE>   4


         The following table sets forth information as to the sales of both
company-operated and franchised restaurants in operation for the periods
indicated.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Year Ended                        Year Ended
         Restaurant Sales                        December 30, 2000                  January 1, 2000
         ----------------                        -----------------                  ----------------

         <S>                                     <C>                                <C>
         Company-operated                          $26,182,000                        $26,480,000

         Franchised                                 42,257,000                         38,639,000
                                                  ------------                       ------------

         System-wide                               $68,439,000                       $65,119,000
                                                  ============                       ===========
</TABLE>

         RESTAURANT OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS. The following table presents an
activity summary of the company-operated and franchised restaurants during the
periods presented.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Year Ended
                                   ------------------------------------------------
                                   Dec. 30,      Jan. 1,       Jan. 2,      Jan. 3,
                                     2000         2000          1999         1998
                                   --------      -------       -------      -------
<S>                                <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
Restaurants (a)
Company-operated
  Open beginning of period           35            33            32            34
  Opened during period                0             5             3             1
  Converted to Company                3             0             0             0
  Converted to Franchise             (1)           (1)            0             0
  Closed during period               (2)           (2)           (2)           (3)
  Open at end of period              35            35            33            32

Franchised
  Open beginning of period           51            48            45            47
  Opened during period               10             6             8             5
  Converted to Company               (3)            0             0             0
  Converted to Franchise              1             1             0             0
  Closed during period               (1)           (4)           (5)           (7)
  Open at end of period              58            51            48            45
     Total Restaurants               93            86            81            77
</TABLE>

         (a)      Subsequent to December 30, 2000, (1) one franchised
                  restaurant closed in each of Austin, TX, Cleveland, TN and
                  Sarasota, FL. (2) one franchised restaurant opened in each of
                  Simpsonville, SC, Madisonville, KY, Mitchell, IN, Orlando, FL
                  and Sevierville, TN.


                                       3
<PAGE>   5


         SITE SELECTION. The company believes that the location of a restaurant
is critical to its success. Management inspects each potential restaurant site
prior to final selection of the site. In evaluating particular sites, the
company considers various criteria including traffic count, speed of traffic,
convenient access, size and configuration, demographics and density of
population, visibility and cost. The company also reviews potential competition
and the sales and traffic counts of national and regional chain restaurants
operating in the area. A majority of both company-operated and franchised
restaurants are located on leased land.

         RESTAURANT DESIGN AND SERVICE. The restaurants are built to
company-approved specifications in configurations including:

         -        single drive-thru with indoor dining; and

         -        double drive-thru without indoor dining.

         In some circumstances, restaurants may be constructed via the
conversion of buildings used previously by other concepts, including other
restaurants. The restaurants range in size from 820 square feet to 3,400 square
feet. The restaurants also include company-approved interior and exterior
decor, equipment, fixtures, furnishings, signs, parking and site improvements.
The restaurants have a highly visible, distinctive and uniform look that is
intended to appeal to customers of all ages.

         Prior to 1994, the company operated and franchised predominately
double drive-thru restaurants without indoor dining. Since that time, the
company has added a number of indoor dining facilities to its operations,
including the retrofitting of many existing double drive-thru restaurants to
include indoor dining. At December 30, 2000, the number of restaurants with
indoor dining was 26 company-operated facilities and 44 franchised facilities.

          It is the company's objective to serve customers within 60 seconds of
their arrival at the drive-thru window. Each restaurant has a computerized
point-of-sale system which displays each individual item ordered on a monitor
in front of the food and drink preparers. This enables the preparers to begin
filling an order before the order is completed and totaled, and thereby
increases the speed of service to the customer and the number of sales per
hour. The restaurants are generally open from 12 to 15 hours per day, seven
days a week, for lunch, dinner and late-night snacks and meals.

         SUPPLIES. The company and its franchisees purchase their food,
beverages and supplies from company-approved suppliers. All products must meet
standards and specifications set by the company. Management constantly monitors
the quality of the food, beverages and supplies provided to the restaurants.
The company has been successful in negotiating price concessions from suppliers
for bulk purchases of food and paper supplies used by the restaurants. The
company believes that these arrangements have achieved cost savings, improved
food quality and consistency and helped decrease volatility of food and supply
costs for the restaurants. All essential food and beverage products are
available or, upon short notice, could be made available from alternate
qualified suppliers.

         MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES. Each company-operated restaurant employs an
average of approximately 25 employees, many of whom work part-time. The
management staff of a typical restaurant operated by the company consists of a
unit supervisor and two co-unit supervisors. Each company-operated restaurant
unit supervisor reports directly to a district manager. The district managers
are able to provide close, hands-on management of each company-operated
restaurant since they have responsibility for only five to eight restaurants.
Each district manager reports directly to a director of operations.

         SUPERVISION AND TRAINING. The company believes that training and
personnel development is crucial to its success. The company's training program
is an intensive four week program consisting of both in-store and classroom
training. The in-store training stresses food quality, fast, friendly customer
service, restaurant cleanliness, and proper management operations of a quick
service restaurant. The classroom training consists of such topics as food
safety and sanitation, employment laws and regulations, interviewing and hiring
of employees,


                                       4
<PAGE>   6


and systems to control both food and labor costs. Prior to opening, each
restaurant must have a minimum of three trained and certified managers that
have successfully completed the company training program.

         The company sends a store opening team for each new restaurant
opening. The team arrives prior to the opening and stays during the first
several days of operation. The primary function of the store opening team is to
ensure a smooth and successful new store opening by assisting the franchisee's
management staff in the training and development of their employees.

         The company has a staff of three franchise district managers that
visit each restaurant in their territory every eight to ten weeks. Franchise
district managers act as business consultants to franchisees to ensure that
each restaurant is providing quality products and fast, friendly service. The
franchise district manager acts as the communication link between the company
and each franchisee. In addition, the district manager assists in developing
business and marketing plans, as well as assisting in the training and
development of the franchisee's staff. Presently, the company has one franchise
district manager for each 19 restaurants. That ratio will increase as existing
franchisees develop new stores within existing territories. Franchise district
managers are compensated on a fixed salary basis.

         ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION. Marketing promotions are planned by the
company's national marketing committee made up of four company employees and
four franchisees, two chosen by the company's franchise association and two
chosen by the company and certain of its executive officers. Production of some
marketing materials is paid for through a national advertising fund, which
collects 1% of taxable sales from each franchisee and company-operated
restaurant. Of that 1%, 50% goes toward the creation of marketing tools such as
advertising copy for use on local radio and television, ad slicks, four-color
art, design and other collateral pieces and marketing expenses and 50% goes
toward testing new products and systems, market research, improvements in
operation methods and techniques or for other such purposes that the company
deems to be in the interest of improving operations and earnings of
restaurants.

         Franchisees are required to participate in the seasonal promotions,
which are supported by television, radio, newspaper, banners, point-of-purchase
materials and other local store marketing activities. The company's marketing
manual outlines advertising and public relations promotions as well as new
store opening information, grand opening information, trade area surveys and
describes how to write a marketing plan and budget for the franchisee's area.
Marketing is supported by a staff consisting of a marketing director and
marketing managers who coordinate plans and implementation with a national
advertising agency. Approved suppliers are set up to facilitate such things as
uniforms and collateral materials.

         RESTAURANT REPORTING. Each restaurant has a computerized point-of-sale
system monitored by the management of the restaurant. With this system,
managers are able to monitor sales, labor and food costs, customer counts and
other pertinent information every 30 minutes that the restaurant is open. This
information allows a manager to better control labor utilization, inventories
and operating costs. For company-operated restaurants, management monitors
sales, food and labor costs, product mix, inventories and customer counts on a
weekly basis and profit and loss statements and balance sheets on a monthly
basis.

FRANCHISE OPERATIONS

         STRATEGY. In addition to the development of company-operated
restaurants, the company will continue to emphasize the development of
additional franchised restaurants expected to be opened pursuant to existing
area development agreements and franchise agreements as well as the pursuit of
additional franchised restaurants pursuant to new area development agreements
and franchise agreements. The company believes that it has attracted a
committed and enthusiastic group of franchisees as a result of the strength of
its concepts and operating strategies.

         FRANCHISEE SUPPORT SERVICES. The company maintains a staff of
well-trained and experienced restaurant operations personnel whose only
responsibilities are to help train and assist franchisees in opening new
restaurants and to monitor the operations of existing restaurants. These
services are provided as part of the company's franchise program. Upon the
opening of a new franchised restaurant, the company sends an opening team to
the


                                       5
<PAGE>   7


restaurant to assist the franchisee during the first several days that the
restaurant is open. This management team works in the restaurant to monitor
compliance with the company's standards as to quality of product and service.
The company employs three franchise district managers, each of whom supervises
franchised restaurants in defined geographic areas. Each franchise district
manager has been fully trained by the company to assist franchisees in
implementing the operating procedures and policies of the company once a
restaurant is open. As part of these services, the franchise service
representative rates the restaurant's hospitality, food quality, speed of
service and cleanliness and maintenance of facilities. The franchisees receive
a written report of the findings and, if any deficiencies are noted,
recommended procedures to be followed to correct such deficiencies.

         The company also provides construction support services to its
franchisees. All site plans must be approved by the company before construction
or site improvements begin. These plans include information detailing building
location, internal traffic patterns and curb cuts, location of utilities,
walkways, driveways, signs and parking lots and a complete landscape plan. The
company also approves all plans and specifications for the restaurant building
to ensure uniformity of design of the building and the site improvements. The
company's personnel also visit the site during construction, to meet with the
franchisees and verify that all standards are met.

         AREA DEVELOPMENT AND FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS. Except in those instances
where a franchisee operates a single restaurant under a single franchise
agreement, each franchisee also is required to execute an area development
agreement. The area development agreement grants to the franchisee the right to
develop and open a specified number of restaurants within a limited period of
time and in a defined geographic territory and thereafter to operate each
restaurant in accordance with the terms and conditions of the franchise
agreement. The franchise agreement grants an exclusive license at a specified
location to operate a restaurant in accordance with the Back Yard Burgers
system and to utilize the company's trademarks, service marks and other rights
of the company relating to the sale of its menu items. The term of a franchise
agreement is 10 years, renewable for successive five year periods, if certain
conditions pertaining to such renewal are met, including the payment of a
$1,000 renewal fee.

         Each area development agreement establishes the number of restaurants
the franchisee is to construct and open in the territory during the term of the
area development agreement after considering many factors, including the
residential, commercial and industrial characteristics of the area, geographic
factors, population of the area and the previous experience of the franchisee.
The franchisee's development schedule for the restaurants is set forth in the
area development agreement. As of December 30, 2000, the company had entered
into franchise agreements and area development agreements with certain
franchisees which require them to open or have under construction a minimum of
54 restaurants by the end of June 30, 2006. Of the 58 franchised restaurants as
of December 30, 2000, 38 were being operated under area development agreements
by multiple unit franchisees and 20 were being operated under single franchise
agreements by single unit franchisees. The company may revoke an area
development agreement of any franchisee who is unsuccessful in meeting its
projected development schedule. During the past three years, the company has
exercised its right to terminate five area development agreements, none of
which were during 2000, for lack of performance by multiple unit franchisees
with respect to their projected development schedules. Additionally, during the
past three years, one franchise agreement was terminated because of a lack of
performance by single unit franchisees with respect to certain franchise
agreement requirements. The company believes that its overall experience with
franchisees who commit to develop restaurants under franchise agreements and
area development agreements has been favorable, although there can be no
assurance that future performance by franchisees under these agreements will be
successful.

         The franchise agreement and area development agreement require that
the franchisee submit information regarding proposed restaurant sites to the
company for its review. The company does not arrange or make any provisions for
financing the development of restaurants by its franchisees. Each franchisee is
required to purchase all fixtures, equipment, inventory, products, ingredients,
materials and other supplies used in the operation of its restaurants from
approved suppliers, all in accordance with the company's specifications. The
company provides a training program for management personnel of its
franchisees. Under the terms of the franchise agreement, the company has
adopted standards of quality, service and food preparation for franchised
restaurants. Each franchisee is required to comply with all of the standards
for restaurant operations as published from time to time in the company's
operations manual.


                                       6
<PAGE>   8


         The company may terminate a franchise agreement for several reasons,
including among others, the franchisee's bankruptcy or insolvency, default in
the payment of royalties or advertising fees to the company, failure to
maintain standards set forth in the franchise agreement or operations manual,
material violation of any law, ordinance or governmental rule or regulation or
cessation of business. In such event, the company may also elect to terminate a
multiple unit franchisee's area development agreement.

         FRANCHISE FEES AND ROYALTIES. Under the current franchise agreement,
each franchisee is generally required to pay a franchise fee of $25,000. If a
franchisee purchases an area pursuant to an area development agreement, the
franchisee must pay $25,000 for the first restaurant and agree to pay a
franchise fee of $22,000 for each additional restaurant covered under the
agreement. With respect to the area development agreement, the amount of the
fee varies depending upon the number of restaurants the company estimates can
be developed within the territory. Upon signing the area development agreement,
the franchisee will pay to the company a franchise fee of $25,000 for the first
restaurant, plus a $5,000 (per restaurant) area development fee (to be credited
toward the subsequent $22,000 franchise fees(s)) for subsequent restaurants
covered under the area development agreement. For example, for a franchisee
whose area development agreement requires the development of five restaurants,
the franchise fee will be $25,000 for the first restaurant, and $17,000
($22,000 less $5,000) for each of the next four restaurants for an aggregate
total of $113,000. Each franchisee is also generally required to pay the
company a weekly royalty of 4% of the restaurant's taxable sales and to pay 1%
of the restaurant's weekly taxable sales to the company's national advertising
fund. Each restaurant is required to spend not less than 2% of the restaurant's
taxable sales on local store marketing.

COMPETITION

         RESTAURANT OPERATIONS. The restaurant industry, particularly the fast
food segment, is highly competitive with respect to price, service, food
quality and location and there are numerous well-established competitors
possessing substantially greater financial, marketing, personnel and other
resources than the company. The company believes that its primary direct
competitors consist of McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's. In addition, there
are other national, regional and local fast food chains, many of which
specialize in or offer hamburger products. The company can also be expected to
face competition from a broad range of other restaurants and food service
establishments. Many of the company's competitors have achieved significant
national, regional and local brand name and product recognition and engage in
extensive advertising and promotional programs, both generally and in response
to efforts by additional competitors to enter new markets or introduce new
products. In addition, the fast food industry is characterized by the frequent
introduction of new products, accompanied by substantial promotional campaigns.
In recent years, numerous companies in the fast food industry have introduced
products positioned to capitalize on growing consumer preference for food
products which are, or are perceived to be, healthful, nutritious, low in
calories and low in fat content. It can be expected that the company will be
subject to competition from companies whose products or marketing strategies
address these consumer preferences. In addition, the market for suitable
restaurant locations is highly competitive in that fast food companies, major
restaurant companies and non-food companies compete for prime real estate
sites.

         CERTAIN FACTORS AFFECTING THE FAST FOOD RESTAURANT INDUSTRY. The
company is constantly required to respond to various factors affecting the
restaurant industry, including changes in consumer preferences, tastes and
eating habits, demographic trends and traffic patterns, increases in food and
labor costs and national, regional and local economic conditions. A number of
fast food restaurant companies have recently been experiencing flattening
growth rates and declines in average sales per restaurant, in response to which
certain of such companies have adopted "value pricing" strategies. Such
strategies could have the effect of drawing customers away from companies which
do not engage in discount pricing, including the company, and could also
negatively impact the operating margins of competitors.

         FRANCHISE OPERATIONS. In addition to its restaurant operations, the
company competes with fast food chains, major restaurant chains and other
franchisors for franchisees. Many franchisors, including those in the
restaurant industry have greater market recognition and greater financial,
marketing and human resources.


                                       7
<PAGE>   9


TRADEMARKS AND SERVICE MARKS

         The company believes its trademarks and service marks have significant
value and are important to its marketing efforts. The company has registered
certain trademarks and service marks (including the name "Great Little Burger")
with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The company has also
registered the name "Back Yard Burgers" and the kettle and flame design as
service marks. The company's policy is to pursue registration of its marks
whenever possible and to oppose vigorously any infringement of its marks.

GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS

         The company is subject to Federal Trade Commission regulation and
several state laws which regulate the offer and sale of franchises. The company
is also subject to state laws that regulate substantive aspects of the
franchisor - franchisee relationship. The FTC's Trade Regulation Rule on
Franchising requires the company to furnish to prospective franchisees a
franchise offering circular containing information prescribed by this rule.

         State laws that regulate the offer and sale of franchises and the
franchisor - franchisee relationship presently exist in a substantial number of
states. Such laws generally require registration of the franchise offering with
state authorities and regulate the franchise relationship by, for example,
requiring the franchisor to deal with its franchisees in good faith,
prohibiting interference with the right of free association among franchisees,
limiting the imposition of standards of performance on a franchisee and
regulating discrimination against franchisees in charges, royalties or fees.
Although such laws may restrict a franchisor in the termination of a franchise
agreement by, for example, requiring "good cause" to exist as a basis for the
termination, advance notice to the franchisee of the termination, an
opportunity to cure a default and a repurchase of inventory or other
compensation, these provisions have not had a significant effect on the
company's franchise operations. The company is not aware of any pending
franchise legislation which in its view is likely to affect significantly the
operations of the company. The company believes that its operations comply in
all material respects with rules and the applicable state franchise laws.

         Each company-operated and franchised restaurant is subject to
licensing and regulation by a number of governmental authorities, which may
include health, sanitation, safety, fire, building and other agencies in the
state or municipality in which the restaurant is located. Difficulties in
obtaining or failure to obtain the required licenses or approvals could delay
or prevent the development of a new restaurant in a particular area. The
company is subject to federal and state environmental regulations, but these
regulations have not had a material effect on the company's operations. More
stringent and varied requirements of local governmental bodies with respect to
zoning, land use and environmental factors could delay or prevent the
development of a new restaurant in a particular area.

         The company is also subject to state and federal labor laws that
govern its relationship with its employees, such as minimum wage requirements,
overtime and working conditions and citizenship requirements. Significant
numbers of the company's food service and preparation personnel are paid at
rates governed by the federal minimum wage. Accordingly, further increases in
the minimum wage would increase the company's labor costs and may have an
adverse effect on the company's operating margins.

EMPLOYEES

         As of March 1, 2001, the company employed approximately 1,000 persons
in its restaurant operations, 28 of whom are corporate personnel, 115 of whom
are restaurant management and supervisory personnel and the remainder of whom
are hourly restaurant personnel. Of the 28 corporate employees, 7 are in
management positions and 21 are administrative or office employees.


                                       8
<PAGE>   10


ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

         Of the 35 company-operated restaurants as of December 30, 2000, the
company has entered into ground leases, as lessee, for 26 restaurants. The
company owns the real property for 8 restaurants. The company's leases are
generally written for a term of five to 15 years with one or more five-year
renewal options. The company's average monthly lease cost for the 14
company-operated restaurants located on leased sites is approximately $3,385
per month. For the 12 restaurants where the company leases the building as well
as the site, the average monthly cost is approximately $5,283 per month. Most
leases are treated as operating leases. Leasehold improvements made by the
company generally become the property of the landlord upon expiration or
earlier termination of the lease; however, in most instances, if the company is
not in default under the lease, modular buildings remain the property of the
company and can be removed from the site upon expiration of the ground lease.
With respect to the buildings and equipment relating to the 35 company-operated
restaurants, management believes that its commercial insurance coverage is
adequate. Also see "Business-Restaurant Operations."

         The company's executive offices are located in approximately 7,500
square feet of leased space at 1657 N. Shelby Oaks Drive, Suite 105, Memphis,
Tennessee 38134. The company's lease expires February 28, 2007 and provides for
a minimum annual rent of $80,025. Also, BYB Properties, Inc., a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the company, leases nominal office space at 103 Faulk Road, Suite
200, Wilmington, Delaware 19803. This lease expires on August 31, 2003, and
provides for annual rent of $3,850.

ITEM 3.  LITIGATION

         The company is involved in certain litigation matters incidental to
its business, including, but not necessarily limited to, claims alleging
violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and/or violations of federal and
state discrimination laws. Aside from the cost of defense, such litigation is
not presently considered by management to be material to the financial
condition of the company.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY-HOLDERS

         No items are reportable hereunder.


                                       9
<PAGE>   11


                                    PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

         The company's common stock is traded and quoted on The Nasdaq SmallCap
Market under the symbol "BYBI." The following table sets forth, for all periods
indicated, the high and low closing bid prices for the common stock as reported
by Nasdaq. Such price information contains inter-dealer prices, without retail
mark-up, mark-down or commissions paid, and may not necessarily reflect actual
transactions.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Quarter Ended                                           High           Low
                  -------------                                           -----         -----

                  <S>                                                     <C>           <C>
                  April 4, 1998......................                     $3.63         $2.25
                  July 4, 1998.......................                     $3.56         $2.63
                  October 3, 1998....................                     $2.81         $2.25
                  January 2, 1999....................                     $2.38         $1.88

                  April 3, 1999......................                     $2.13         $1.50
                  July 3, 1999.......................                     $1.88         $1.69
                  October 2, 1999....................                     $2.31         $1.81
                  January 1, 2000....................                     $1.94         $1.44

                  April 1, 2000......................                     $1.56         $1.19
                  July 1, 2000.......................                     $1.44         $1.06
                  September 30, 2000.................                     $1.38         $1.13
                  December 30, 2000..................                     $1.25         $0.59


                  Through March 23, 2001.............                     $1.38         $0.94
</TABLE>

         At March 23, 2001, the common stock was held of record by
approximately 530 record stockholders. On March 23, 2001, the last sale price
for the common stock as reported by Nasdaq was $1.19 per share.

         The company has not paid or declared cash distributions or dividends
and does not intend to pay cash dividends on the common stock or its preferred
stock in the foreseeable future. Future cash dividends, if any, will be
determined by the board of directors based on the company's earnings, financial
condition, capital requirements and other relevant factors.

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

         Incorporated herein by reference from portions of the company's annual
report to the stockholders for the year ended December 30, 2000, filed as
Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K.

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

         Incorporated herein by reference from the company's annual report to
the stockholders for the year ended December 30, 2000, filed as Exhibit 13 to
this Form 10-K.


                                      10
<PAGE>   12


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

         Incorporated herein by reference from the company's annual report to
the stockholders for the year ended December 30, 2000, filed as Exhibit 13 to
this Form 10-K.

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

         Incorporated herein by reference from the company's annual report to
the stockholders for the year ended December 30, 2000, filed as Exhibit 13 to
this Form 10-K.

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
         FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

         No items are reportable hereunder.


                                      11
<PAGE>   13


                                    PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

         Certain information required herein is incorporated by reference from
the company's definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders
to be held May 17, 2001, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A. Set forth
below is certain information regarding the company's directors and executive
officers.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                               AGE       POSITION
----                               ---       --------

<S>                                 <C>      <C>
Lattimore M. Michael                57       Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Michael W. Myers                    42       Chief Operating Officer
William N. Griffith                 38       Executive Vice President, Sec./Treasurer and Director
Michael G. Webb                     32       Chief Financial Officer
W. Kurt Henke                       43       Director
Jim L. Peterson                     65       Director
William B. Raiford, III             40       Director
Joseph L. Weiss                     41       Director
</TABLE>

         Mr. Michael has been chairman and chief executive officer of the
company since 1993. From 1987 to 1992, he was the company's president and chief
executive officer. He has been a director since 1987.

         Mr. Myers has been chief operating officer since August 1999. From
1995 to 1999, he was a regional vice president for Whataburger, Inc.

         Mr. Griffith has been executive vice president and secretary/treasurer
of the company since 1993. From 1989 to 1992, he was the company's senior vice
president of operations. He has been a director since 1989.

         Mr. Webb has been chief financial officer since March 1999. From 1995
to 1999, he was the controller for Shepherd Tissue, Inc. From 1993 to 1995, he
was a senior financial analyst for The Promus Companies. Prior to 1993, Mr.
Webb was an auditor for KPMG Peat Marwick.

         Mr. Henke has been a director since 1993. He has been an attorney with
Henke-Bufkin since 1992.

         Mr. Peterson is currently the chairman and president of Apigent
Solutions. From 1994 to 1999, he was president and chief executive officer of
Bojangles' Restaurants, Inc. Prior to joining Bojangles, he was president and
chief executive officer for Whataburger, Inc. for 20 years.

         Mr. Raiford has been a director since 1993. He has been an attorney
with Merkel & Cocke, P.A. since 1989.

         Mr. Weiss is currently president of A. Weiss Company, a franchisee of
the company. He was president and chief operating officer of the company from
1993 to 1999. He has been a director since 1989.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

         Incorporated herein by reference from the company's definitive proxy
statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held May 17, 2001, to be
filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

         Incorporated herein by reference from the company's definitive proxy
statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held May 17, 2001, to be
filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.


                                      12
<PAGE>   14


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

         Incorporated herein by reference from the company's definitive proxy
statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held May 17, 2001, to be
filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.

                                    PART IV

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)(1)   Consolidated Financial Statements

         The following consolidated financial statements, notes related thereto
and report of independent auditors are referenced in Item 8 of this Form 10-K
and are incorporated herein by reference from the company's annual report to
the stockholders for the year ended December 30, 2000, filed as Exhibit 13 to
this Form 10-K:

         -        Consolidated Balance Sheets for the years ended December 30,
                  2000 and January 1, 2000

         -        Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
                  December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999

         -        Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
                  for the years ended December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000 and
                  January 2, 1999

         -        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
                  December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999

         -        Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

         -        Report of Independent Accountants

(a)(2)   Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules:

         All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under
the related instructions or are not applicable and therefore have been omitted.


                                      13
<PAGE>   15


(a)(3)   Exhibits


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number                     Description
-------                    -----------

<S>                        <C>
   3.1                     Restated Certificate of Incorporation.(5)

   3.2                     Amended and Restated By-Laws.(2)

   4.1                     Specimen Common Stock Certificate.(2)

  10.1                     Employment Agreement, dated April 15, 1993, between the Registrant and Lattimore M.
                           Michael.(1)

  10.2                     Form of Employment Agreement executed as of June 6, 1993, between the Registrant and Joseph
                           L. Weiss.(2)

  10.3                     Form of Employment Agreement executed as of June 6, 1993, between the Registrant and
                           William N. Griffith.(2)

  10.4                     Form of Incentive Stock Option Plan of 1993.(1)

  10.5                     Lease, dated February 1, 1990, between Trezevant Properties and the Registrant.(1)

  10.6                     Joint Venture Agreement of Lester's Back Yard Burgers Joint Venture I by and among William
                           L. Lester, Pattie F. Lester, Patricia B. Litow, Elizabeth B. Fox and Back Yard Burgers,
                           Inc., dated November 15, 1994.(4)

  10.7                     Joint Venture Agreement of Lester's Back Yard Burgers Joint Venture II by and among William
                           L. Lester, Pattie F. Lester, Patricia B. Litow, Elizabeth B. Fox, Charles B. Fox, David P.
                           Fox and Back Yard Burgers, Inc., dated November 15, 1994.(4)

  10.8                     1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Back Yard Burgers, Inc.(5)

  10.9                     The 1995 Incentive Award Plan of Back Yard Burgers, Inc.(5)

  10.10                    Joint Venture Agreement of Lester's Back Yard Burgers Joint Venture III by and among Pattie
                           F. Lester, Patricia B. Litow, Elizabeth B. Fox, Charles B. Fox, David P. Fox, Alexandra B.
                           Litow, Andrew R. Litow and Back Yard Burgers, Inc., dated September 12, 1995.(5)

  10.11                    Line of Credit Commitment by and between Trust One Bank and Back Yard Burgers, Inc. dated
                           December 20, 1995.(6)

  10.12                    Loan commitment by and between Phoenix Leasing Incorporated and Back Yard Burgers, Inc.
                           dated October 4, 1996.(7)

  10.13                    Loan commitment by and between Trust One Bank and Back Yard Burgers, Inc. dated January 23,
                           1997.(7)

  10.14                    Capital Contribution Agreement between Back Yard Burgers, Inc. and BYB Properties, Inc.
                           dated October 10, 1997.(8)
</TABLE>


                                      14
<PAGE>   16


<TABLE>
<S>                        <C>
  10.15                    Trademark Assignment by Back Yard Burgers, Inc. to BYB Properties, Inc. dated October 10,
                           1997.(8)

  10.16                    Trademark License Agreement between BYB Properties, Inc. and Back Yard Burgers, Inc. dated
                           October 10, 1997.(8)

  10.17                    Revolving Loan Agreement regarding Uncommitted Line of Credit Agreement from BYB
                           Properties, Inc. to Back Yard Burgers, Inc. dated October 10, 1997.(8)

  10.18                    Promissory Note by and between BYB Properties, Inc. and Back Yard Burgers, Inc. dated
                           October 10, 1997.(8)

  10.19                    Tax Sharing Agreement between BYB Properties, Inc. and Back Yard Burgers, Inc. dated
                           October 10, 1997.(8)

  10.20                    Loan Agreement by and between Trust One Bank and Back Yard Burgers, Inc. dated December 15,
                           1997.(8)

  10.21                    Promissory Note by and between Trust One Bank and Back Yard Burgers, Inc. dated December
                           15, 1997.(8)

  10.22                    Business Loan Agreement by and between Cavalry Banking and Back Yard Burgers, Inc., dated
                           January 26, 1998.(9)

  10.23                    Promissory Note by and between Cavalry Banking and Back Yard Burgers, Inc., dated January
                           26, 1998.(9)

  10.24                    Loan Agreement by and between Trust One Bank and Back Yard Burgers, Inc., dated February 4,
                           1998.(9)

  10.25                    Promissory Note by and between Trust One Bank and Back Yard Burgers, Inc., dated February
                           4, 1998.(9)

  10.26                    Promissory Note by and between Trust One Bank and Back Yard Burgers, Inc., dated February
                           4, 1998.(9)

  10.27                    Promissory Note by and between Eagle Bank & Trust Company and Back Yard Burgers, Inc.,
                           dated March 18, 1998.(9)

  10.28                    Promissory Note by and between Bank of Mississippi and Back Yard Burgers, Inc., dated April
                           20, 1998.(10)

  10.29                    Form of Joint Venture Agreement of Lester's Back Yard Burgers Joint Venture IV by and among
                           William L. Lester, Pattie F. Lester, Alexandra B. Litow, Andrew R. Litow and Back Yard
                           Burgers, Inc., dated August 28, 1998.(11)

  10.30                    Promissory Note by and between the Bank of Mississippi and Back Yard Burgers, Inc. dated
                           October 27, 1998.(12)

  10.31                    Promissory Note by and between the Bank of Mississippi and Back Yard Burgers, Inc. dated
                           November 10, 1998.(12)

  10.32                    Lease agreement by and between Amplicon, Inc. and Back Yard Burgers, Inc. dated May 6,
                           1999.(13)
</TABLE>


                                      15
<PAGE>   17


<TABLE>
<S>                        <C>
10.33                      Lease agreement by and between Belz Devco, L.P. and Back Yard Burgers, Inc. dated November
                           12, 1999.(14)

10.34*                     Revolving line of credit promissory note and related loan agreement by and between First
                           Tennessee Bank and Back Yard Burgers, Inc. dated November 1, 2000.

 13*                       Registrant's annual report to stockholders for the 52-week period ended December 30, 2000.
                           Portions of the annual report not specifically incorporated by reference herein are not
                           deemed to be filed herewith.

 21*                       Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
</TABLE>

(b)      Reports on Form 8-K

         None

(c)      Exhibits

         The exhibits to this report are listed in Item 14(a)(3) above.

(d)      Financial Statement Schedule

         Not applicable

---------

*        Filed herewith.

(1)      Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
         "Commission") as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Form SB-2 on April 20,
         1993 (File No. 33-61356).

(2)      Previously filed with the Commission as an Exhibit to the Registrant's
         Amendment No. 2 to Form SB-2 on June 25, 1993 (File No. 33-61356).

(3)      Previously filed with the Commission as an Exhibit to the Registrant's
         Form 10-K, dated January 1, 1994 and filed on March 30, 1994.

(4)      Previously filed with the Commission as an Exhibit to the Registrant's
         Form 10-K, dated December 31, 1994 and filed on March 31, 1995.

(5)      Previously filed with the Commission as an Exhibit to the Registrant's
         Form 10-QSB, dated September 30, 1995 and filed on November 14, 1995.

(6)      Previously filed with the Commission as an Exhibit to the Registrant's
         Form 10-K, dated December 30, 1995 and filed on March 29, 1996.

(7)      Previously filed with the Commission as an Exhibit to the Registrant's
         Form 10-K, dated December 28, 1996 and filed on March 28, 1997.

(8)      Previously filed with the Commission as an Exhibit to the Registrant's
         Form 10-K, dated January 3, 1998 and filed on April 3, 1998.


                                      16
<PAGE>   18


(9)      Previously filed with the Commission as an Exhibit to the Registrant's
         Form 10-QSB dated April 4, 1998 and filed on May 19, 1998.

(10)     Previously filed with the Commission as an Exhibit to the Registrant's
         Form 10-QSB dated July 4, 1998 and filed on August 14, 1998.

(11)     Previously filed with the Commission as an Exhibit to the Registrant's
         Form 10-QSB dated October 3, 1998 and filed on November 17, 1998.

(12)     Previously filed with the Commission as an Exhibit to the Registrant's
         Form 10-KSB dated January 2, 1999 and filed on April 2, 1999.

(13)     Previously filed with the Commission as an Exhibit to the Registrant's
         Form 10-Q dated July 3, 1999 and filed on August 17, 1999.

(14)     Previously filed with the Commission as an Exhibit to the Registrant's
         Form 10-K dated January 1, 2000 and filed on March 31, 2000.


                                      17
<PAGE>   19


                                   SIGNATURES

       Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



                                    BACK YARD BURGERS, INC.


                                    By:      /s/ Lattimore M. Michael
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                       Lattimore M. Michael, Chairman
                                       and Chief Executive Officer

                                    Date:    March 29, 2001
                                         --------------------------------------


       Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature                                            Title                                     Date
---------                                            -----                                     ----


<S>                                                  <C>                                       <C>
/s/ Lattimore M. Michael                             Chairman of the Board and                 March 29, 2001
--------------------------------------------         Chief Executive Officer
Lattimore M. Michael


/s/ William N. Griffith                              Executive Vice President and Director     March 29, 2001
--------------------------------------------
William N. Griffith


/s/ Michael G. Webb                                  Chief Financial Officer                   March 29, 2001
--------------------------------------------
Michael G. Webb


/s/ W. Kurt Henke                                    Director                                  March 29, 2001
--------------------------------------------
W. Kurt Henke


/s/ Jim Peterson                                     Director                                  March 29, 2001
--------------------------------------------
Jim Peterson


/s/ William B. Raiford, III                          Director                                  March 29, 2001
--------------------------------------------
William B. Raiford, III


/s/ Joseph L. Weiss                                  Director                                  March 29, 2001
--------------------------------------------
Joseph L. Weiss
</TABLE>


                                      18