<PAGE>   1
===============================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                                   FORM 10-Q


[X]     QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 
        EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


                FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 30, 1996


[ ]     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 
        EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


          FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ____________ TO ____________


                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-21203


                             DIEDRICH COFFEE, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


                  DELAWARE                                33-0086628
     (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                   (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
      INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)


           2144 MICHELSON DRIVE
            IRVINE, CALIFORNIA                              92612
 (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)


       REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (714) 260-1600


        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 [ ]  NO [X]

        As of December 1, 1996, there were 5,391,650 shares of common stock of
the registrant outstanding.

===============================================================================
<PAGE>   2
                             DIEDRICH COFFEE, INC.

                                     INDEX


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                          PAGE NO.      
                                                                          --------      
<S>                                                                        <C>          
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                                          
                                                                                        
     Item 1.  Financial Statements                                                      
                                                                                        
              Condensed Balance Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3          
                                                                                        
              Condensed Statements of Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4          
                                                                                        
              Condensed Statements of Cash Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5          
                                                                                        
              Notes to Condensed Financial Statements  . . . . . . . . . .   6          
                                                                                        
     Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial                         
                 Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . . . . . . .   8          
                                                                                        
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION                                                             
                                                                                        
     Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14          
                                                                                        
     Signatures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15          

</TABLE>


                                       2
<PAGE>   3
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                             DIEDRICH COFFEE, INC.

                            CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     OCTOBER 30, 1996   JANUARY 31, 1996
                                                                     ----------------   ---------------- 
                                                                         (Unaudited)
<S>                                                                  <C>                <C>
                              ASSETS
 Current Assets: 
   Cash                                                                  $ 5,113,553         $    94,659
   Accounts receivable                                                       189,863             134,573
   Inventories (Note 2)                                                    1,454,143             645,493
   Deferred income taxes                                                      14,079              14,079
   Prepaid expenses                                                          430,990             106,367
   Other current assets                                                        5,943              12,890
                                                                         -----------         -----------
     Total current assets                                                  7,208,571           1,008,061
 Property and equipment, net                                              10,945,748           4,100,898
 Costs in excess of net assets acquired, net (Note 3)                        810,312                   -
 Deferred income taxes                                                        34,113              34,113
 Other assets                                                                258,166             172,600
                                                                         -----------          ----------
                                                                         $19,256,910          $5,315,672
                                                                         ===========          ==========

               LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities:
  Current portion of long-term debt                                      $         -          $  117,538
  Notes payable                                                                    -              39,398
  Accounts payable                                                         2,647,347             635,428
  Accrued compensation                                                       218,058             184,891
  Accrued expenses                                                            78,175              32,237
  Income taxes payable                                                        40,665              51,235
                                                                         -----------         -----------
    Total current liabilities                                              2,984,245           1,060,727
 Long-term debt, less current portion                                              -             829,320
 Deferred rent                                                               152,206             121,144
                                                                         -----------         -----------
    Total liabilities                                                      3,136,451           2,011,191
                                                                         -----------         -----------
 Commitments and contingencies

 Stockholders' Equity (Note 5):
    Series A convertible cumulative preferred stock, no par value;
      liquidation preference of $1.00 per share, aggregating
      $1,000,000; authorized, 1,000,000 shares; issued and 
      outstanding none at October 30, 1996 and 1,000,000 shares at 
      January 31, 1996                                                             -             800,000
    Series B convertible cumulative preferred stock, no par value;
      liquidation preference of $1.433 per share, aggregating
      $2,305,000; authorized, 1,608,568 shares; issued and
      outstanding none at October 30, 1996 and 1,608,568 shares
      at January 31, 1996                                                          -           2,225,813
    Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized, 3,000,000 shares;
      no shares issued and outstanding                                             -                   -
    Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized, 25,000,000 shares;
      issued and outstanding, 5,391,650 shares at October 30, 1996
      and 1,183,082 shares at January 31, 1996                            16,014,099             330,698
 Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)                                     106,360            (52,030)
                                                                         -----------         -----------
   Total stockholders' equity                                             16,120,459           3,304,481
                                                                         -----------         -----------
                                                                         $19,256,910         $ 5,315,672
                                                                         ===========         ===========
</TABLE>

           See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

                                       3
<PAGE>   4
                             DIEDRICH COFFEE, INC.

                         CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                  (UNAUDITED)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          THIRTEEN           TWELVE         THIRTY-NINE       THIRTY-SIX
                                         WEEKS ENDED       WEEKS ENDED      WEEKS ENDED       WEEKS ENDED
                                         OCTOBER 30,       OCTOBER 10,      OCTOBER 30,       OCTOBER 10,
                                            1996               1995             1996              1995
                                         -----------       -----------      -----------       -----------
 <S>                                     <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
 Net Sales :
   Retail                                 $4,716,301        $1,939,865      $12,887,504        $5,581,629
   Wholesale and other                       388,386           317,683        1,159,274           900,243 
                                          ----------        ----------      -----------        ----------
     Total                                 5,104,687         2,257,548       14,046,778         6,481,872
                                          ----------        ----------      -----------        ----------

 Cost and Expenses:
   Cost of sales and related
     occupancy costs                       2,096,321           984,705        6,005,203         2,792,654
   Store operating expenses                2,226,610           763,352        5,834,033         2,127,778
   Other operating expenses                   53,244            67,836          175,829           176,858
   Depreciation and amortization             238,798            83,649          603,349           231,470
   General and administrative expenses       407,532           312,870        1,054,992           890,205
                                          ----------        ----------      -----------        ----------
     Total                                 5,022,505         2,212,412       13,673,406         6,218,965
                                          ----------        ----------      -----------        ----------
 Operating income                             82,182            45,136          373,372           262,907

 Interest expense                            (78,119)           (9,619)        (186,851)          (33,704)

 Interest and other income                    73,182               806           75,188             9,960
                                          ----------        ----------      -----------        ----------
 Income before income taxes                   77,245            36,323          261,709           239,163

 Provision for income taxes                   31,670            14,913          103,319            98,136
                                          ----------        ----------      -----------        ----------
 Net income                               $   45,575        $   21,410      $   158,390        $  141,027
                                          ==========        ==========      ===========        ==========

 Pro forma information:
   Net income per share                         $.01                               $.04
                                          ==========                         ==========
   Weighted average shares outstanding     4,764,491                          4,190,131
                                          ==========                         ==========
</TABLE>


           See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

                                       4
<PAGE>   5
                             DIEDRICH COFFEE, INC.

                       CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            THIRTY-NINE              THIRTY-SIX
                                                                            WEEKS ENDED              WEEKS ENDED
                                                                          OCTOBER 30, 1996        OCTOBER 10, 1995
                                                                          ----------------        ----------------
<S>                                                                       <C>                     <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
         Net income                                                         $   158,390             $   141,027
         Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
           provided by operating activities:
              Depreciation and amortization                                     603,349                 231,470
              Increase (decrease) from changes in:
                    Accounts receivable                                         (55,290)                (22,885)
                    Inventories                                                (808,650)                (62,067)
                    Prepaid expenses                                           (324,623)               (143,429)
                    Other current assets                                          6,947                 (14,782)
                    Other assets                                                (85,566)               (182,611)
                    Accounts payable                                          2,011,919                 635,711
                    Accrued compensation                                         33,167                  64,687
                    Accrued expenses                                             45,938                 112,278
                    Income taxes payable                                        (10,570)                (69,945)
              Deferred rent                                                      31,062                   8,527
                                                                            -----------             -----------
Cash provided by operating activities                                         1,606,073                 697,981
                                                                            -----------             -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
         Capital expenditures for property and equipment                     (6,458,511)             (1,479,374)
         Acquisition of coffeehouses                                         (1,800,000)                     -
                                                                            -----------             ----------- 
Cash used in investing activities                                            (8,258,511)             (1,479,374)
                                                                            -----------             -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
         Proceeds from notes payable                                             10,000                       -
         Payments on notes payable                                              (49,398)                      -
         Proceeds from line of credit                                         4,100,000                       -
         Payments on line of credit                                          (4,100,000)
         Proceeds from long-term debt                                         1,622,520                  89,555
         Principal payments on long-term debt                                (2,569,378)               (130,888)
         Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of fees paid            12,657,588                       -
         Proceeds from sale of preferred stock                                        -               2,225,813
         Repurchase of common stock                                                   -                (280,000)
                                                                            -----------             -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities                                    11,671,332               1,904,480
                                                                            -----------             -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash                                               5,018,894               1,123,087
Cash at beginning of period                                                      94,659                  58,884
                                                                            -----------             -----------
Cash at end of period                                                       $ 5,113,553             $ 1,181,971
                                                                            ===========             ===========

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
         Cash paid during the period for:
              Interest                                                      $   164,140            $     33,704
              Income taxes                                                  $    80,129            $    106,110
</TABLE>


           See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

                                       5
<PAGE>   6
                             DIEDRICH COFFEE, INC.

                    NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                OCTOBER 30, 1996
                                  (UNAUDITED)

1.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     Interim Financial Information

          The unaudited condensed financial statements of Diedrich Coffee, Inc.
     (the "Company") have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
     accounting principles for interim financial information.  Certain
     information normally included in annual financial statements prepared in
     accordance with generally accepted accounting principles has been condensed
     or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and
     Exchange Commission. The financial information as of January 31, 1996 is
     derived from the Company's audited financial statements for the year ended
     January 31, 1996 included in the Company's  final Prospectus prepared in
     connection with its initial public offering declared effective on September
     11, 1996 and should be read in conjunction with such financial statements.
     In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal,
     recurring adjustments and accruals) considered necessary for a fair
     presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash
     flows for the interim periods have been included. Results for the interim
     periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for an entire year.

     Pro Forma Net Income per Share

          Pro forma net income per share is based on the weighted average number
     of shares outstanding during the period after consideration of the dilutive
     effect, if any, of stock options granted and after giving pro forma effect
     to the conversion of the Company's outstanding preferred stock to common
     stock in connection with the initial public offering. Dividends on the
     preferred stock have been excluded from the computation since the preferred
     stock has been assumed to have been converted to common stock.  Historical
     net income per share has not been presented as such amount is based on a
     calculation that is not reflective of the Company's ongoing capital
     structure.

2.   INVENTORIES

     Inventories consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               OCTOBER 30,     JANUARY 31,
                                                  1996            1996
                                               -----------     -----------
                                               (UNAUDITED)

     <S>                                        <C>             <C>
     Unroasted coffee                           $  206,619      $128,369
     Roasted coffee                                 62,125        24,274
     Accessory and specialty items                 383,919        74,299
     Other food, beverage and supplies             801,480       418,551
                                                ----------      --------
                                                $1,454,143      $645,493
                                                ==========      ========
</TABLE>


                                       6
<PAGE>   7
                             DIEDRICH COFFEE, INC.

             NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

                                OCTOBER 30, 1996
                                  (UNAUDITED)


3.   ACQUISITIONS

          On February 23, 1996, the Company purchased substantially all of the
     assets of twelve coffeehouses previously owned by Brothers Gourmet Coffees,
     Inc. The cash consideration paid by the Company totaled $1,350,000.

          On February 15, 1996, the Company purchased substantially all of the
     assets of seven bakery-espresso cafes from an unrelated third party for
     cash consideration of $450,000.

          These acquisitions have been accounted for using the purchase method
     of accounting, and accordingly the results of operations of the
     coffeehouses acquired have been included with those of the Company as of
     their respective acquisition date. The costs in excess of the net assets
     acquired, aggregating $848,000, is being amortized on a straight-line basis
     over fifteen years.

4.   DEBT

          On May 20, 1996, the Company entered into a revolving promissory note
     with a shareholder. The note provided for borrowings up to $2,000,000 with
     interest accruing at the prime rate plus 3%. All outstanding principal 
     and accrued interest was repaid in full from the proceeds of the initial 
     public offering and this revolving promissory note expired September 30,
     1996. (see Note 5)

          On July 19, 1996, the Company entered into a bank revolving line of
     credit agreement which provided for borrowings up to $4,100,000 with
     interest payable monthly at the bank's reference rate plus .25% or, at the
     Company's option, certain other international interest rates established by
     the bank plus 2.25%. Upon consummation of the Company's initial public
     offering, the maturity date was extended to October 1, 1997 and the maximum
     borrowings were increased to $6 million. As of October 30, 1996, the
     Company had no outstanding borrowings under this revolving line of credit.

5.   INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING

          On September 11, 1996, the Company completed an initial public
     offering of 2,530,000 shares (including an over-allotment option). The
     offering consisted of 1,600,000 shares of common stock sold on behalf of
     the Company and 930,000 shares of common stock sold on behalf of certain
     selling stockholders. The net proceeds of the offering to the Company,
     after deducting related expenses, were approximately $12,658,000. A portion
     of the proceeds was used to repay outstanding indebtedness.



                                       7
<PAGE>   8
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION 
         AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

GENERAL

         The first retail store operating under the name Diedrich Coffee
commenced operations in 1972. At the conclusion of fiscal 1996, there were
twelve coffeehouses in operation, all of which were located in Southern
California, and as of October 30, 1996, the Company operated a total of forty
coffeehouses located in California, Colorado and Texas, with three additional
locations subject to binding leases. Diedrich Coffee sells high quality coffee
beverages made with its own freshly roasted coffee. In addition to brewed
coffee, the Company offers a broad range of Italian-style beverages such as
espresso, cappuccino, caffe latte, cafe mocha and espresso machiato. To
complement beverage sales, the Company sells light food items and whole bean
coffee through its coffeehouses.

         On February 15, 1996, the Company acquired seven retail locations in
Denver, Colorado that were former bakery-espresso cafes (the "Acquired Cafes")
for cash consideration of $450,000. On February 23, 1996, the Company acquired
twelve retail locations from Brothers Gourmet Coffees, Inc., doing business as
Brothers Gourmet Coffee Bars (the "Brothers Stores") for cash consideration of
$1,350,000. Ten of the Brothers Stores are located in Denver, Colorado and two
are in Houston, Texas. Both of the transactions took the form of asset
acquisitions, accounted for under the purchase method, in which the principal
assets acquired were leasehold interests, furniture and fixtures, and equipment.
No material liabilities were assumed except for the remaining obligations under
the operating leases for each of the stores. As of October 30, 1996, all of the 
acquired locations in Denver and Houston, except one, were converted and 
re-opened under the Diedrich trade name. Conversion costs were approximately 
$1,050,000 which were slightly less than anticipated.

         Effective February 1, 1996, the Company changed its fiscal year end
from January 31 to a fiscal year ending on the Wednesday nearest January 31. In
connection with the change in fiscal year end, the Company began reporting
quarterly results in thirteen week periods and, accordingly, the quarterly
period ended October 30, 1996 includes thirteen weeks. Prior to the change in
fiscal year end, the Company's quarterly periods included twelve weeks, except
for the fourth quarter which had approximately sixteen weeks.

         In addition to historical information, management's discussion and 
analysis includes certain forward-looking statements, including those related to
the Company's growth and strategies, that involve risks and uncertainties. The
Company's actual results and financial position could differ materially from
those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of
factors, including but not limited to, the price and availability of coffee and
other raw materials, successful execution of the Company's expansion plans, the
impact of competition, the availability of additional financing and other risks
and uncertainties as described in detail under the "Risk Factors" section and
elsewhere in the Company's Prospectus dated September 11, 1996.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

         Net sales.  Net sales for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 1996,
increased 126.1% to $5,105,000 from $2,258,000 for the twelve weeks ended
October 10, 1995. During this most recent quarter, the Company derived 92.4% of
net sales from its retail coffeehouse operations. The Company's wholesale and
mail order sales account for the remainder of net sales. Net retail sales for
the thirteen


                                       8
<PAGE>   9
weeks ended October 30, 1996 increased 143.1% to $4,716,000 from $1,940,000 in
the twelve weeks ended October 10, 1995 due to the opening of new coffeehouses
and the addition of the Acquired Cafes and Brothers Stores. During the thirteen
weeks ended October 30, 1996, the Company completed the conversion of all but
one of the locations acquired in Denver and Houston and opened three new
Diedrich coffeehouses. The increase in net retail sales due to reporting
thirteen weeks rather than twelve weeks was $430,000 and therefore, if the
reporting period for the third quarter of fiscal 1997 had been twelve weeks
rather than thirteen weeks, the increase in net retail sales would have been
121.0%.

         Wholesale and mail order sales combined increased 22.3% to $388,000 in
the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 1996 from $318,000 in the twelve weeks
ended October 10, 1995. The increase was due to a more active sales effort and
the addition of sales staff. No wholesale or mail order activities were
contributed by the recently acquired Brothers Stores or Acquired Cafes.

         The percentage increase in comparable store sales comparing net sales
for stores open during the full period in the third quarter in fiscal 1996 to
net sales for the same stores in the third quarter of fiscal 1997 was 0.6%
versus 0.7% for the second quarter in fiscal 1996 compared to the second
quarter of fiscal 1997. Only nine of the Company's forty coffeehouses were
open for the full period in the third quarter in fiscal 1996 and are therefore
included in the base for comparable store sales. On average these stores have
been open for 4.5 years and had sales of approximately $1,020,000 per store for
the twelve months ended October 30, 1996. Management believes that the
variation in comparable store sales results in part from the
over-representation of mature, revenue-stable stores in the computation base.
Furthermore, given the small number of stores included in the base for
comparable store sales, management believes that this percentage will remain
volatile until the base contains a more statistically meaningful number of
stores that more accurately reflects the overall composition of the Company.

         Net sales for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 1996 increased
116.7% to $14,047,000 from $6,482,000 for the thirty-six weeks ended October 10,
1995. Net retail sales for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 1996
increased 130.9% to $12,888,000 from $5,582,000 for the thirty-six weeks ended
October 10, 1995 due to the opening of new coffeehouses and the addition of the
Acquired Cafes and Brothers Stores.  Wholesale and mail order sales for the
thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 1996 increased 28.8% to $1,159,000 from
$900,000 for the thirty-six weeks ended October 10, 1995. The increase in net
retail sales due to reporting thirty-nine weeks rather than thirty-six weeks was
$1,252,000 and therefore, if the reporting period for the first three quarters
of fiscal 1997 had been thirty-six weeks, the increase in net retail sales would
have been 108.5%.

         Cost of sales and related occupancy costs.  Cost of roasted coffee,
dairy, food, paper and bar supplies, accessories and clothing (cost of sales)
and rent (related occupancy costs) for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 1996
increased to $2,096,000 from $985,000 for the twelve weeks ended October 10,
1995 primarily due to the operation of Diedrich coffeehouses which were opened
in California in the latter part of fiscal 1996 and during the first three
quarters of fiscal 1997 and the operation of the Acquired Cafes and Brothers
Stores. As a percentage of retail net sales, cost of sales and related occupancy
costs decreased to 44.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 1997 from 50.8% for the
third quarter of fiscal 1996. This decrease was primarily the result of volume
purchasing efficiencies and a decrease in the percentage of coffeehouses with
significant food sales.

         Cost of sales and related occupancy costs for the thirty-nine weeks
ended October 30, 1996 increased to $6,005,000 from $2,793,000 for the
thirty-six weeks ended October 10, 1995. As a percentage of retail net sales,
cost of sales and related occupancy costs decreased to 46.6% for the first
three quarters in fiscal 1997 from 50.0% for the first three fiscal quarters in
fiscal 1996. This decrease stems from lower costs for raw coffee beans and
paper products as well as a decrease in the percentage of coffeehouses
with significant food sales.

                                       9
<PAGE>   10
         Store operating expenses.  Store operating expenses increased to
$2,227,000 for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 1996 from $763,000 for the
twelve weeks ended October 10, 1995. As a percentage of retail net sales, store
operating expenses increased to 47.2% in the third quarter of fiscal 1997 from
39.4% in the prior fiscal year's third quarter. For the thirty-nine weeks ended
October 30, 1996, store operating expenses, as a percentage of retail net
sales, similarly increased to 45.3% from 38.1% for the thirty-six weeks ended
October 10, 1995. These increases were due to increased labor and opening costs
relating to the opening of five Diedrich coffeehouses in the second quarter of
fiscal 1997, the opening of three Diedrich coffeehouses in the third quarter of
fiscal 1997, and additional store operating expenses for the Brothers Stores
and Acquired Cafes

         Other operating expenses.  Other operating expenses (those associated
with wholesale and mail order sales) decreased to $53,000 for the third quarter
of fiscal 1997 from $68,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 1996. These
expenses, as a percentage of the net sales from the wholesale division,
decreased to 13.7% from 21.4%. For the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30,
1996, other operating expenses, as a percentage of wholesale net sales,
decreased to 15.2% from 19.6% for the thirty-six weeks ended October 10, 1995.
These decreases are a result of a decrease in the overall salary expense of the
sales force due to the reduction of sales management personnel.

         Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization
increased to $239,000 for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 1996 from
$84,000 for the twelve weeks ended October 10, 1995. As a percentage of net
sales, depreciation and amortization increased to 4.7% from 3.7% in the prior
year, principally due to the increase in depreciable assets as a result of the
Company operating thirty-one more coffeehouses this quarter than during the
third quarter in the prior fiscal year. Depreciation and amortization increased
to $603,000 for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 1996 from $231,000 for
the thirty-six weeks ended October 10, 1995.

         General and administrative expenses.  General and administrative
expenses increased to $408,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 1997 from
$313,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 1996. As a percentage of net sales,
general and administrative expenses decreased to 8.0% from 13.9% due to the
addition of sales from the Acquired Cafes and Brother Stores in the revenue base
while general and administrative expenses increased only 30.2% in comparison
with the third quarter level of the prior fiscal year. Similarly, as a
percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses decreased to 7.5%
in the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 1996 from 13.7% for the thirty-six
weeks ended October 10, 1995. Management is currently adding selected resources
and personnel to aid in the conversion and control of the new markets according
to the integration plan established prior to the acquisitions.

         Interest expense.  Interest expense increased to $78,000 for the
thirteen weeks ended October 30, 1996 from $10,000 for the twelve weeks ended
October 10, 1995 and increased to $187,000 for the thirty-nine weeks ended
October 30, 1996 from $34,000 for the thirty-six weeks ended October 10, 1995.
These increases were due primarily to higher average debt outstanding 
principally as a result of the acquisition of the Brothers Stores and Acquired 
Cafes. This debt was entirely repaid in September 1996 with proceeds from the 
initial public offering.

         Net income.  Net income for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 1996
increased to $46,000 from $21,000 for the twelve weeks ended October 10, 1995.
As a percentage of net sales, net income remained constant at 0.9% in part as a
result of costs incurred in connection with the conversion of the Acquired Cafes
and Brothers Stores to the Diedrich coffeehouse format. In addition, as part of
the scheduled conversion process, four of the acquired stores were temporarily
closed for periods varying from nine days to thirty-seven days which resulted in
a reduction in net sales despite the fact that certain operating expenses, such
as occupancy costs and management salaries, continued to be incurred.

                                       10

<PAGE>   11

         Net income for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 1996 excluding
the results of operations of the Brothers Stores and Acquired Cafes increased
by $59,000 to $80,000 for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 1996 from
$21,000 for the twelve weeks ended October 10, 1995. Excluding these acquired
stores, net income for the third quarter of fiscal 1997, as a percentage of net
sales increased to 1.6% from 0.9% for the twelve weeks ended October 10, 1995.
This percentage increase was primarily due to the reduction in general and
administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales.

         Net loss from the operation of the Brothers Stores and Acquired Cafes
for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 1996 was $34,000 or 3.2 % of
cumulative net sales for the Brothers Stores and Acquired Cafes for the period.
A significant part of the net loss for these acquired stores is attributable to
the planned temporary closures during the remodeling and renovation process
during the quarter. This process continued during the third quarter and
management expects renovations to be completed during the fourth quarter of the
current fiscal year.

         Net income for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 1996 increased
to $158,000 from $141,000 for the thirty-six weeks ended October 10, 1995. This
increase resulted from the increase in net income for the third quarter in
fiscal 1997. As a percentage of net sales for the thirty-nine weeks ended
October 30, 1996, net income decreased to 1.1% from 2.2% for the thirty-six
weeks ended October 10, 1995. This decrease was due principally to the temporary
closures during the conversion process of the acquired stores. Net income for
the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 1996 excluding the results of operations
of the Brothers Stores and Acquired Cafes increased to $363,000 from $141,000
for the thirty-six weeks ended October 10, 1995. Excluding these acquired
stores, net income for the first three quarters of fiscal 1997, as a percentage
of net sales, increased to 3.3% from 2.2% for the first three quarters of fiscal
1996.

         Income taxes.  Net operating losses generated in fiscal 1994 and prior
were carried forward and utilized to offset the allowable portion of income tax
in fiscal 1996. As of January 31, 1996, a net operating loss for federal income
tax purposes of $115,000 remains to be utilized against future taxable income
for years through fiscal 2008, subject to an annual limitation due to the
change in ownership rules under the Internal Revenue Code. As of October 30,
1996, the Company had deferred tax assets aggregating $48,000. Management has
determined, based upon the Company's history of operating earnings and its
expectations for the future, that operating income for the Company will more
likely than not be sufficient to fully recognize these deferred assets.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         On September 11, 1996, the Company successfully completed its initial
public offering of 2,530,000 shares of common stock. The offering consisted of
1,600,000 shares sold on behalf of the Company and 930,000 shares sold on
behalf of certain stockholders. The net proceeds of the offering to the
Company, after deducting related expenses, was $12,658,000. These net proceeds
were used to repay indebtedness outstanding under the Company's short-term
revolving credit facility in the amount of approximately $4.1 million, to repay
indebtedness outstanding under a subordinated revolving promissory note with
one of the Company's stockholders in the amount of approximately $1,615,000 and
to repay the outstanding balance on several other items of indebtedness in the
amount of approximately $373,000. The Company intends to use the remaining net
proceeds to fund the opening of additional coffeehouses, infrastructure
enhancements and to provide working capital for general corporate purposes.
Management believes that the remaining net proceeds plus cash generated from
operations should be sufficient to meet the Company's anticipated cash
requirements for at least the next twelve months.


                                       11
<PAGE>   12
         The Company had working capital, as of October 30, 1996, of
$4,224,000 compared to a deficiency of $53,000 at January 31, 1996. The
increase in the working capital resulted from net proceeds of the initial
public offering. Cash provided by operating activities totaled $1,606,000 for
the first thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 1996 as compared to $698,000 for 
the first thirty-six weeks ended October 10, 1995.

         Cash provided by financing activities for the first thirty-nine weeks
ended October 30, 1996 totaled $11,671,000. This is due primarily to the net 
proceeds from the initial public offering.

         Cash used in investing activities for the first thirty-nine weeks 
ended October 30, 1996 totaled $8,259,000. This included capital expenditures 
for property and equipment of $6,459,000 and the acquisition of the Brother 
Stores and Acquired Cafes of $1,800,000. Capital expenditures included the 
costs to open ten new coffeehouses, complete the conversion of fifteen of the 
Acquired Cafes and Brothers Stores to the Diedrich coffeehouse format and 
purchase roasting and packaging equipment.

         Future cash requirements, other than normal operating expenses, are
expected to consist primarily of capital expenditures related to the addition
of new coffeehouses, through construction and acquisition, and the continued
development of infrastructure to support the Company's expansion. The Company
also anticipates additional expenditures for enhancing its roasting facilities.
Management estimates that capital expenditures through fiscal 1998 will be
approximately $10 million.

         In July 1996, the Company entered into a revolving line of credit
which permitted maximum borrowings equal to $4.1 million and was scheduled to
mature on November 1, 1996. Borrowings under the line of credit bear interest
at the bank's prime rate plus 0.25% or, at the Company's option, certain other
international interest rates established by the bank plus 2.25%. Upon
consummation of the Company's initial public offering, the maturity date was
extended to October 1,1997 and the maximum borrowings were increased to $6
million. The Company's credit agreement in connection with this line of credit
contains various covenants which, among other things, require the delivery of
regular financial information, the maintenance of positive net income and the
maintenance of unencumbered liquid assets. In addition, the credit agreement
imposes certain restrictions on the Company, including, with respect to the
incurrence of additional indebtedness, the payment of dividends and the ability
to make acquisitions. As of October 30, 1996, the Company had no outstanding
borrowings under this revolving line of credit and was in compliance with all 
of its covenants.


COFFEE PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

         The Company believes that it has adequate sources of supply of high
quality arabica coffee to meet its expansion needs for the foreseeable future.
The average cost of coffee acquired by the Company during the current fiscal
year declined by approximately 15% as compared to fiscal 1996 principally due
to fluctuations in the unroasted coffee market as well as economies of scale
due to increasing order quantities. While the Company seeks to anticipate its
coffee needs carefully, there can be no assurance that the prices it will have
to pay for the highest quality coffee available will remain stable in the
future.


                                       12
<PAGE>   13

SEASONALITY AND QUARTERLY RESULTS

         The Company's business is subject to seasonal fluctuations as well as
general economic trends that affect retailers in general. Historically, the
Company's net sales have not been realized ratably in each quarter, with net
sales being the highest during the last fiscal quarter which includes the
December holiday season. Quarterly results are affected by the timing of the
opening of new stores which may not occur as anticipated due to factors outside
the Company's control. As a result of the combination of the seasonality of the
retail operations and the high level of anticipated expansion, the financial
results for any individual quarter may not be indicative of the results that may
be achieved for a full fiscal year.



NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

         Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for
the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of,"
requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be held
and used by an entity be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable. The Company is in the process of analyzing the impact of this
statement and does not believe that it will have a material impact on the
Company's financial position or results of operations. The Company anticipates
adopting the provisions of the statement for fiscal 1997.

         Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation," established financial accounting and reporting
standards for stock-based employee compensation plans and certain other
transactions involving the issuance of stock. The Company is in the process of
analyzing the impact of this statement and does not believe that it will have a
material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
The Company anticipates adopting the provisions of the statement for fiscal
1997.





                                       13
<PAGE>   14


                          PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2.  Changes in Securities

         On September 11, 1996, the Company completed an initial public offering
of 2,530,000 shares (including an over-allotment option). The offering consisted
of 1,600,000 shares of common stock sold on behalf of the Company and 930,000
shares of common stock sold on behalf of certain selling stockholders. The net
proceeds of the offering to the Company, after deducting related expenses, were
approximately $12,658,000. A portion of the proceeds was used to repay
outstanding indebtedness.


Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)      EXHIBITS

         Set forth below is a list of the exhibits included as part of this
Quarterly Report:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

         EXHIBIT NO.            DESCRIPTION
         -----------            -----------
         <S>                    <C>
              2.1               Form of Agreement and Plan of Merger*

              3.1               Certificate of Incorporation of the Company*

              3.2               Bylaws of the Company*

              4.1               Purchase Agreement for Series A Preferred Stock dated as of
                                December 11, 1992 by and among Diedrich Coffee,
                                Martin R. Diedrich, Steven A. Lupinacci, Redwood
                                Enterprises and D.C.H., L.P.*

              4.2               Series B Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of
                                June 29, 1995 by and among Diedrich Coffee, Martin R.
                                Diedrich, Steven A. Lupinacci, Redwood Enterprises VII, L.P.
                                and Diedrich partners I, L.P.*

              4.3               Representative's Warrant Agreement*

              4.4               Specimen Stock Certificate*

              4.5               Form of Conversion Agreement in connection with the conversion
                                of Series A and Series B Preferred Stock into Common Stock*

             10.1               Martin R. Diedrich Employment Agreement, dated June 29, 1995*

             10.2               Steven A. Lupinacci Employment Agreement, dated June 29, 1995*

             10.3               Stock Option Plan and Agreement of Steven A. Lupinacci,
                                dated June 29, 1995*

             10.4               Form of Indemnification Agreement*

             10.5               Diedrich Coffee 1996 Stock Incentive Plan*

             10.6               Diedrich Coffee 1996 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan*

             10.7               Business Loan Agreement dated as of July 19, 1996 by and between
                                Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association and
                                Diedrich Coffee*

             10.8               Revolving Promissory Note dated May 20, 1996 by Diedrich Coffee
                                in favor of Redwood Enterprises VII, L.P.*

             10.9               Agreement of Sale by and among Diedrich Coffee (as purchaser) and
                                Brothers Coffee Bars, Inc. and Brothers Gourmet Coffees, Inc. (as
                                sellers) dated as of February 23, 1996*

            10.10               Kerry W. Coin Employment Agreement, dated August 26, 1996*                   

            27                  Financial data schedule
</TABLE>

       ---------------
       * Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number to the
         registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-08633), 
         as amended.

(b)      REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

         No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Company during the thirteen
         weeks ended October 30, 1996.



                                       14
<PAGE>   15

                                   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 thereunto duly authorized.



Dated: December 13, 1996                  DIEDRICH COFFEE, INC.


                                          /s/ STEVEN A. LUPINACCI
                                          ----------------------------------
                                          Steven A. Lupinacci,
                                          President, Chief Executive Officer
                                          and Chief Financial Officer


                                          Signing on behalf of the registrant 
                                          and as principal financial officer



                                       15