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


                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                                 Washington, D.C. 20549

                         ____________________________

                                   FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

[X]      Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
            Exchange Act of 1934 
            For the Quarterly Period Ended November 1, 1997
                                 or
[_]      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 0-19802

                     BUTTREY FOOD AND DRUG STORES COMPANY

            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

<S>           <C>                                                       <C>  
              Delaware                                                  81-0466189
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)      (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

</TABLE> 
                             601 6th Street, S.W.
                          Great Falls, Montana 59404
                   (Address of principal executive offices)

      Registrants telephone number, including area code:  (406) 761-3401

  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all documents and
reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for 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 [_]

The number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding at December 4,
1997 was 8,644,631 shares

                THERE ARE NO EXHIBITS FILED WITH THIS FORM 10-Q
             ======================================================

                                 Page 1 of 13
<PAGE>
 
                     BUTTREY FOOD AND DRUG STORES COMPANY
                                AND SUBSIDIARY

                                   FORM 10-Q

                For the Quarterly Period Ended November 1, 1997


                                     INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Part I.  Financial Information                                                                            Page
<S>                                                                                                       <C>        
        Item 1.  Financial Statements                                                                                 
                                                                                                                      
             a)           Consolidated Balance Sheets                                                                 
                          as of November 1, 1997 (unaudited) and February 1, 1997                            3        
                                                                                                                      
             b)           Consolidated Statements of Operations for the 13 weeks                                      
                          and the 39 weeks ended November 1, 1997 (unaudited) and                            4        
                          November 2, 1996 (unaudited)                                                                
                                                                                                                      
             c)           Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity                                              
                          as of February 1, 1997 and November 1, 1997 (unaudited)                            4        
                                                                                                                      
             d)           Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the 13 weeks                                      
                          and the 39 weeks ended November 1, 1997 (unaudited) and                            5        
                          November 2, 1996 (unaudited)                                                                
                                                                                                                      
             e)           Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                         6        
                                                                                                                      
        Item 2.           Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial                                           
                          Condition and Results of Operations                                                7        
                                                                                                                      
Part II.  Other Information                                                                                           
                                                                                                                      
        Item 1.  Legal Proceedings                                                                          12
                                                                                                                      
        Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                                                           12
                                                                                                                      
Signatures                                                                                                  13        
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
 PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 Item 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 BUTTREY FOOD AND DRUG STORES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY

 <TABLE> 
 <CAPTION> 
 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   ASSETS
                                                                            November 1,      February 1,
                                                                                1997            1997
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            (unaudited)
 <S>                                                                         <C>            <C>
 Current assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents                                                 $   4,751         $   5,075
   Accounts receivable                                                           4,693             4,905
   Inventories                                                                  47,332            42,741
   Prepaid expenses                                                              1,303             1,514
   Deferred tax asset                                                              444               544
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                                                           58,523            54,779
 
 Property and equipment, at cost                                               160,108           152,900
 Less accumulated depreciation                                                  61,606            54,417
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 NET PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT                                                     98,502            98,483
 
 Intangible assets, net                                                          6,853             4,145
 Other assets                                                                      746               591
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 TOTAL ASSETS                                                                $ 164,624         $ 157,998
 ===================================================================================================================================

                LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 Current liabilities:
   Current installments of long-term debt                                    $   6,675         $   6,128
   Current obligations under capital leases                                        468               428
   Accounts payable                                                             22,796            18,561
   Accrued payroll and benefits                                                  8,235             7,552
   Accrued expenses and reserves                                                 4,460             4,869
   Accrued interest payable                                                         74               131
   Income taxes                                                                    992                 -   
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                                                      43,700            37,669
                                                                                          
 Long-term debt                                                                 16,866            18,569
 Obligations under capital leases                                                8,601             8,957
 Deferred taxes payable                                                            805               905
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL LIABILITIES                                                              69,972            66,100
                                                                                          
 Stockholders' equity:                                                                    
   Preferred stock $.01 par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares                       -                 -
   Common stock $.01 par value, authorized 15,000,000 shares;
        issued and outstanding 8,644,631 shares as of November 1, 1997
        and 8,639,056 shares as of February 1, 1997                                 86                86
   Paid-in capital                                                              79,174            79,133
   Retained earnings                                                            15,917            13,079
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                95,177            92,298
 
 Less stock subscriptions receivable                                               525               400
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 NET STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                       94,652            91,898
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                  $ 164,624          $157,998
 ===================================================================================================================================

</TABLE> 
 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
<PAGE>
 
BUTTREY FOOD AND DRUG STORES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 
                                                                   13 Weeks Ended                         39 Weeks Ended
                                                       ----------------------------------         ----------------------------------
                                                             November 1,       November 2,        November 1,           November 2,
                                                                1997              1996               1997                  1996
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       (unaudited)                               (unaudited)
<S>                                                          <C>                  <C>                <C>                 <C>
 SALES                                                       $   96,290        $   92,843         $    292,349         $   275,059
 Cost of sales and related occupancy expenses
                                                                 72,645            70,966              219,700             210,095
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 GROSS PROFIT                                                    23,645            21,876               72,649              64,964
 
 Marketing, general, and administrative expenses                 21,092            19,913               64,410              58,838
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 OPERATING INCOME                                                 2,553             1,963                8,239               6,126
 
 Other income / (expense):
   Gain (loss) on disposal of property and equipment                  -                 -                  (1)                  11
   Interest income                                                   62                58                 116                  114 
   Interest expense                                                (758)             (783)             (2,351)              (2,092)
   Interest expense - tax settlement                                -                 -                (1,274)                
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   (696)             (725)             (3,509)              (1,967)

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES                                     1,857             1,238               4,729                4,159

 Income tax provision                                               743               489               1,892                1,657  
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 NET EARNINGS                                                $    1,114        $      749         $     2,838          $     2,501  
 ===================================================================================================================================


 Net earnings per share                                      $     0.13        $     0.09         $      0.32          $      0.29
 ===================================================================================================================================


 WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON AND COMMON
      EQUIVALENT SHARES OUTSTANDING                           8,797,163         8,626,045           8,797,163            8,626,209
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Retained                                   Net
                                           Common           Paid-in             earnings            Stock             stockholder's
                                           stock            capital            (deficit)        subscriptions             equity   
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                    <C>             <C>                 <C>                 <C>                    <C> 
Balance at February 1, 1997             $     86       $    79,133         $    13,079         $    (400)             $   91,898
Net additions on stock subscriptions          -                 41                  -               (125)                    (84) 
Net earnings                                  -                 -                2,838                -                    2,838
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT NOVEMBER 1, 1997 (UNAUDITED) $     86       $    79,174         $    15,917         $    (525)             $   94,652
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE> 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
<PAGE>
 
 BUTTREY FOOD AND DRUG STORES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>  

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                             13 Weeks Ended               39 Weeks Ended
                                                                       -------------------------     -------------------------------
                                                                       November 1,    November 2,    November 1,   November 2,
                                                                          1997           1996          1997          1996
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               (unaudited)                     (unaudited)
<S>                                                                    <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>
 OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 Net income                                                               $  1,114        $   749       $  2,838      $  2,501
 Adjustments to reconcile income to net cash
 provided by operating activities:
   Depreciation                                                              2,564          2,272           7604         6,436
   Amortization                                                                144            118            410           200  
   Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment                             -              -              1           (11)
   Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                                               
    Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable                                 (77)           (47)           211           170
    Increase in inventories                                                 (4,233)        (4,642)        (4,590)       (3,910)
    Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses                                   (106)          (117)           211          (138)
    Increase (decrease) in accounts payable                                  1,116           (473)         4,235         5,552
    Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and benefits                       (183)          (306)           683          (693)  
    Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and reserves                       470            279           (935)         (772)
    Decrease in accrued interest payable                                    (1,345)           (59)           (56)          (44)
    Increase (decrease) in accrued income taxes                               (638)          (216)         1,505          (233)
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES                           (1,174)        (2,442)        12,117         9,058
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 


 INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 Purchase of property and equipment                                         (4,409)        (4,871)        (7,623)      (15,759) 
 Increase in other assets                                                      (58)          (795)        (3,262)       (1,243)
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 


 NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                      (4,467)        (5,666)       (10,885)      (17,002)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
 FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 Increase (decrease) on long-term debt                                         326         (1,032)        (3,613)       (2,133)
 Proceeds from equipment financing                                               -          6,500          2,386        10,460
 Increase in management notes                                                    -              -           (125)            -
 Issuance of common stock                                                       29              -             41   
 Payments on capital lease obligations                                        (108)           (96)          (316)         (280)  
 Increase (decrease) in notes payable, net                                      (2)             -             71           (20)
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES                              245          5,372         (1,556)        8,027 
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
 Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                           (5,396)        (2,736)          (324)           83    
 
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD                           10,147          8,959          5,075         6,140 
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD                               $  4,751        $ 6,223       $  4,751      $  6,223
 ===================================================================================================================================

</TABLE> 
 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
<PAGE>
 
BUTTREY FOOD AND DRUG STORES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
________________________________________________________________________________

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

  The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related notes have
been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission.  Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures
normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles have not been presented.  The accompanying
unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related notes should be
read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included in
the Buttrey Food and Drug Stores Company ("Buttrey" or the "Company") Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 1, 1997.

  The information furnished reflects, in the opinion of the management of the
Company, all material adjustments consisting only of normal recurring accruals
necessary to present fairly the Company's financial condition and its results of
operations.

  SFAS No. 128, Earnings per Share, was issued in February 1997 and will replace
the presentation of primary earnings per share ("EPS") with a presentation of
basic and diluted EPS on the face of the income statement for all entities with
complex capital structures.  SFAS No. 128 also requires a reconciliation of the
numerator and denominator of the diluted EPS computation.

  Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to
common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
for the period.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if
securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted
into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared
in the earnings of the equity.

  This statement will be effective for the Company commencing February 1, 1998
and earlier application is not permitted.  Once effective, this statement
requires restatement of all prior-period EPS data.  Pro forma basic and diluted
net income per share as determined under this statement does not materially
differ from the amounts as currently reported herein.

  The Company has reached a settlement with the Internal Revenue Service
("IRS"), a settlement which was formally approved on September 17, 1997, with
regard to adjustments associated with the Company's initial acquisition of
assets.  As previously disclosed, the Company had received notice from the IRS
on December 1, 1995 of proposed adjustments for the Company's fiscal periods
1991 to 1994.  These proposed adjustments would have resulted in additional
federal taxes of $5,600,000, plus interest from the date when such additional
taxes are asserted to have been due to the date of payment.

  Under the terms of the settlement, the Company paid approximately $1,706,000
in federal taxes plus approximately $1,086,000 in interest.  Additionally, the
Company will have corresponding state tax liabilities of approximately $483,000
plus approximately $188,000 in interest.  The aggregate $2,189,000 in tax
liability has been recorded on the Company's balance sheet by adjusting deferred
tax assets and liabilities to reflect the revised tax basis of its assets, by
adjusting the current tax liability to reflect the prior year taxes due, and by
applying the effect of those adjustments to increase goodwill associated with
the Company's initial acquisition of assets. The aggregate interest of
$1,274,000 ($764,000 after-tax, or $0.09 per share) was recorded as an expense
in the fiscal quarter ended August 2, 1997. See Part II Other Information --
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

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

  The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.

GENERAL

  Buttrey is a food and drug retailer in Montana and in the market areas it
serves in Wyoming and western North Dakota.  Founded in Montana in 1896, the
Company currently operates 43 stores, and a mail order pharmacy business.  The
Company is the successor to the Buttrey Food and Drug division (the "Predecessor
Division") of Skaggs Alpha Beta, Inc. ("Skaggs"), an indirect, wholly-owned
subsidiary of American Stores Company ("ASC").  The Company acquired certain
assets and liabilities of the Predecessor Division in October 1990 in a
transaction (the "Acquisition") organized by Freeman Spogli & Co. Incorporated
("FS&Co."), a private investment firm.

RISK FACTORS

  The following risk factors should be carefully considered, in addition to
other information contained in this Form 10-Q.

  Certain Restrictions Imposed by Lenders

  The Company's credit agreement contains significant financial and operating
covenants including, among other things, limitations on the amount of the
Company's capital expenditures, restrictions on the ability of the Company to
incur indebtedness, to pay dividends and to take certain other corporate
actions, and requirements that the Company maintain certain financial ratios and
satisfy certain financial tests.  See  "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital
Resources."

  Competition

  The food and drug retailing business is highly competitive.  The Company's
competitors include, among others, multi-regional supermarket chains, smaller,
independent supermarket chains, drug stores, convenience stores, discount
hardware stores and large chain discount retailers.  Some of these competitors
have substantially greater resources than the Company.  The Company expects
competition from large chain discount retailers to further increase as stores
are opened in market areas served by the Company.

  Expansion Plans

  During the first quarter of 1997, the Company opened its fifth Buttrey Big
Fresh store in Bozeman, Montana (replacing a smaller, outmoded Buttrey Food &
Drug store previously located there), which occurred in February 1997, and
acquired a store in Cody, Wyoming, which occurred in April 1997.  The Company
also completed the remodel and conversion of three stores to the Big Fresh
format during the third quarter of 1997.  In addition, the Company continues to
seek sites for new store construction and intends to continue the acquisition of
existing stores.  These plans are subject to site availability and financing,
competition, zoning and other governmental regulations and general economic
conditions, and no assurances can be given that such plans will not be revised
as a result of such factors. In addition, the Company historically has
experienced temporary disruptions and lost sales during store remodelings, and
believes that this will continue in connection with future remodelings.

  Control of the Company

  A majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company are
affiliated with FS&Co., which  controls FS Equity Partners II, L.P., the
Company's principal stockholder ("FSEP").  FSEP currently 

<PAGE>
 
holds 50.8% of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company. As a result, FS&Co.
controls and will continue to control the Company's management policy and
financing decisions.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

  13 Weeks Ended November 1, 1997 Compared to 13 Weeks Ended November 2, 1996

  Sales for the 13 weeks ended November 1, 1997 increased $3.5 million, or 3.7%,
from $92.8 million in the third quarter of 1996 to $96.3 million in the third
quarter of 1997.  The increase in sales reflects additional sales from the
stores in Laramie and Cody, Wyoming, that the Company acquired during the past
year, and the replacement of the Company's Bozeman, Montana store as a Buttrey
Big Fresh, partially offset by a 0.3% decline in comparable store sales.  The
decline in comparable store sales is directly attributable to the extensive
remodeling of the Company's three largest stores in Billings, Montana, its
largest market.  Excluding these three stores, comparable store sales for the 13
weeks ended November 1, 1997 increased 0.3% despite a more aggressive
competitive environment, poor summer tourism, and limited inflation, including
deflation in certain food categories.

  Gross profit for the 13 weeks ended November 1, 1997 increased $1.7 million
from $21.9 million in the third quarter of 1996 to $23.6 million in the third
quarter of 1997.  Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased 1.0% from
23.6% in the third quarter of 1996 to 24.6% in the third quarter of 1997 as a
result primarily of lower product procurement costs.

  Marketing, general and administrative ("MG&A") expenses for the 13 weeks ended
November 1, 1997 increased $1.2 million from $19.9 million in the third quarter
of 1996 to $21.1 million in the third quarter of 1997.  The increase in MG&A is
principally attributable to the operating expenses of the new stores described
above, an increase in depreciation expense, an increase in administration
expense and the expenses associated with the three remodels described above.
MG&A expenses as a percentage of sales increased 0.5% from 21.4% in the third
quarter of 1996 to 21.9% in the third quarter of 1997.

  Operating income for the 13 weeks ended November 1, 1997 increased $0.6
million from $2.0 million, or 2.1% of sales, in the third quarter of 1996 to
$2.6 million, or 2.7% of sales, in the third quarter of 1997.  The increase in
operating income primarily reflects the improvement in gross profit offset by
the increase in MG&A expenses described above.

  Interest expense, net of interest income, for the 13 weeks ended November 1,
1997 was $0.7 million, or 0.7% of sales, in the third quarter of 1997, equal to
the $0.7 million of interest expense, or 0.8% of sales, in the third quarter of
1996.

  Net income for the 13 weeks ended November 1, 1997 increased $0.4 million from
$0.7 million, or $0.09 per share, in the third quarter of 1996 to $1.1 million,
or $0.13 per share, in the third quarter of 1997.


  39 Weeks Ended November 1, 1997 Compared to 39 Weeks Ended November 2, 1996

  Sales for the 39 weeks ended November 1, 1997 increased $17.2 million, or
6.3%, from $275.1 million in 1996 to $292.3 million in 1997.  The increase in
sales reflects additional sales from the stores in Cheyenne, Laramie and Cody,
Wyoming that the Company acquired during the past year; the replacement of the
Company's Bozeman, Montana store as a Buttrey Big Fresh; and an increase in
comparable store sales. Comparable store sales increased 0.5% despite a more
aggressive competitive environment, the severity of this year's winter,
promotions run in 1996 which were not duplicated in 1997, poor summer tourism,
the remodeling of three stores in Billings, Montana during the third quarter,
and limited inflation, including deflation in certain food categories.

 
<PAGE>
 
  Gross profit for the 39 weeks ended November 1, 1997 increased $7.6 million
from $65.0 million in 1996 to $72.6 million in 1997.  Gross profit as a
percentage of sales increased 1.3% from 23.6% in 1996 to 24.9% in 1997 as a
result of lower product procurement costs.

  MG&A expenses for the 39 weeks ended November 1, 1997 increased $5.6 million
from $58.8 million in 1996 to $64.4 million in 1997.  The increase in MG&A is
principally attributable to the operating expenses of the new stores described
above, an increase in depreciation expense, an increase in administration
expense, pre-opening expenses during the first quarter for both the Bozeman,
Montana and the Cody, Wyoming stores, and the expenses associated with the
remodel of the three Billings, Montana stores.  MG&A expenses as a percentage of
sales increased 0.6% from 21.4% in 1996 to 22.0% in 1997.

  Operating income for the 39 weeks ended November 1, 1997 increased $2.1
million from $6.1 million, or 2.2% of sales, in 1996 to $8.2 million, or 2.8% of
sales, in 1997.  The increase in operating income primarily reflects the
improvement in gross profit offset by the increase in MG&A expenses described
above.

  Interest expense, net of interest income, for the 39 weeks ended November 1,
1997 increased $1.5 million from $2.0 million, or 0.7% of sales, in 1996 to $3.5
million, or 1.2% of sales, in 1997.  Interest expense for 1997 includes a one-
time interest charge of $1.3 million associated with the IRS tax settlement   (
See Part II  Other Information -- Item 1.   Legal Proceedings).  Excluding this
one-time charge, interest expense, net of interest income, for the 39 weeks
ended November 1, 1997 increased $0.2 million from $2.0 million, or 0.7% of
sales, in 1996 to $2.2 million, or 0.8% of sales, in 1997.  The increase in net
interest expense, excluding the one-time charge, is attributable to an increase
in outstanding long-term debt.  See "--Liquidity and Capital Resources."

  Net income for the 39 weeks ended November 1, 1997 increased $0.3 million from
$2.5 million, or $0.29 per share, in 1996 to $2.8 million, or $0.32 per share,
in 1997.  Excluding the one-time interest charge described above of $1,274,000
($764,000 after-tax, or $0.09 per share), net income for the 39 weeks ended
November 1, 1997 increased $1.1 million from $2.5 million, or $0.29 per share,
in 1996 to $3.6 million, or $0.41 per share, in 1997.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

  The Company's liquidity needs arise primarily from debt service on its
indebtedness and the funding of the Company's capital expenditure and working
capital requirements.  The Company has financed its liquidity needs primarily
using cash flow from operations, lease and debt financing of capital
expenditures, cash provided by certain asset sales, temporary borrowings under
the Company's working capital facility and the public sale of equity securities
in an initial public offering of Common Stock in February 1992.

  On September 7, 1995, the Company entered into a new credit facility with The
CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. ("CITBC") and The CIT Group/Equipment Financing,
Inc. ("CEF") providing available credit of up to $42.8 million (the "Financing
Agreement").  The new facility includes a $30.0 million revolving credit
facility (with a $10.0 million sublimit for letters of credit) and includes
variable rate term loans totaling $12.8 million, which the Company used to
refinance existing equipment financing loans resulting in lower interest rates
and extended maturities.  The borrowing base under which the revolving credit
facility can be utilized is equal to 65% of Eligible Inventory (essentially non-
perishable inventory).  The estimated borrowing base as of November 1, 1997 was
$26.9 million.  During the third quarter of 1996, the Financing Agreement was
amended to provide for a third term loan in an amount of up to $5.0 million
(which the Company used to finance a substantial portion of the purchase price
related to its June 1996 acquisition of the Cheyenne, Wyoming store), to
increase the flexibility of the covenants relating to capital expenditures
contained therein, and to make other technical changes. Under the Financing
Agreement, interest is determined, at the Company's option, at a defined prime
rate or at the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") for each applicable loan
as follows:

<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 

<S>                                    <C> 
  $30.0 Working Capital Facility       prime rate plus 0.50% or LIBOR plus 2.00%

  $8.1 Term Loan I                     prime rate plus 1.00% or LIBOR plus 2.25%

  $4.7 Term Loan II                    prime rate plus 1.50% or LIBOR plus 2.65%

  $5.0 Term Loan III                   prime rate plus 1.50% or LIBOR plus 2.25%
</TABLE> 

  The Financing Agreement matures five years from inception, however, the
principal portion of Term Loans I and II are amortized on a straight-line basis
over 84 months and the principal portion of Term Loan III is amortized on a
straight-line basis over 60 months.  In the event that the Financing Agreement
is not extended at the end of five years, the term loans will become due and
payable.  Additionally, the Financing Agreement also provides that the maturity
date of all balances shall become accelerated upon a specified change in control
or ownership in the Company.

  Borrowings under the Financing Agreement are secured by the Great Falls
Distribution Center, a retail store location in Butte, Montana and substantially
all of the personal property of the Company.  The Financing Agreement contains
certain financial and operating covenants, including limitations on the amount
of the Company's capital expenditures, its ability to pay dividends, and its
ability to incur additional debt.  The Financing Agreement also requires the
maintenance of certain financial ratios and the satisfaction of certain tests
which require escalating levels of performance over time.  The Company is
currently in compliance with all such financial ratios and tests.  The principal
financial covenants defined in the Financing Agreement compared to the Company's
actual results for the 39 weeks ended November 1, 1997 are as follows:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                Actual           Test
<S>                                        <C>             <C>  
Minimum Net Worth                           $94.7 Million   $75.0 Million
 
Maximum Capital Expenditures                $ 7.6 Million   $19.0 Million
 
Maximum Net Capital Expenditures            $ 5.2 Million   $13.0 Million
 
Minimum Interest Charge Coverage Ratio            6.84           4.70
</TABLE> 

  As of November 1, 1997, the Company had $1.6 million in borrowings outstanding
under the revolving credit facility and letter of credit commitments of $2.6
million.  The outstanding balance under Term Loan I was $5.6 million (of which
$1.2 million is classified as current), under Term Loan II was $3.2 million (of
which $0.7 million is classified as current), and under Term Loan III was $3.7
million (of which $1.0 million is classified as current).  The Company's
borrowing requirements for working capital are somewhat seasonal, reflecting
increases in inventory in the fourth calendar quarter due to holiday purchases
and, historically, the Company's funding of employee benefit program
contributions in the first calendar quarter of each year.

  The Company has utilized equipment financing from time to time in order to
finance the purchases of store equipment and vehicles.  The proceeds from each
of Term Loan I and Term Loan II were used by the Company to repay the remaining
outstanding obligations of all prior equipment financing loans.  In addition to
these loans, on September 1, 1995, the Company completed a $1.2 million
financing of new store equipment for the Company's new store in Butte, Montana.
The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.65% and is payable in equal monthly
installments over four years. On July 26, 1996, the Company completed a $4.0
million loan transaction with NationsBanc Leasing Corporation ("NationsBanc") to
finance the purchase of new equipment for the recently completed Great Falls,
Montana remodels and to upgrade the Company's transportation fleet.
Approximately $3.5 million of this loan bears interest at an 8.03% fixed rate
while the remaining $0.5 million bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.35%. The loan is
payable in monthly installments over 48 months. On November 4, 1996, the Company
completed an additional loan transaction with NationsBanc in an amount of

 
<PAGE>
 
approximately $1.6 million, which proceeds were used by the Company to finance
the Lewistown, Montana remodel and to further upgrade the Company's
transportation fleet. The new loan is payable in monthly installments over 48
months and bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.35%. As of November 1, 1997, the
outstanding obligation under these equipment loans aggregated $4.7 million (of
which $1.7 million is classified as current).

  The Company has also entered into commitments to finance a portion of its 1997
capital expenditures.  The first commitment is with MetLife Capital Corporation
to finance up to $2.0 million of new store equipment and the second commitment
is with General Electric Capital Corporation ("GE Capital")to finance up to
$10.0 million of new store equipment.  During the second quarter, the Company
completed a $2.4 million dollar loan transaction with GE Capital for the
financing of the fixtures and equipment at the Company's new Bozeman, Montana
store.  The new loan is payable in monthly installments over 60 months and bears
interest at the 30-day commercial paper rate plus 2.18%.  As of November 1,
1997, the outstanding obligation under this equipment loan was $2.1 million (of
which $0.5 million is classified as current).

  The Company has entered into a number of capital lease obligations for store
facilities.  The Company's total outstanding capital lease obligation as of
November 1, 1997 was $9.1 million (of which $0.5 million is classified as
current).

  Net cash provided by operating activities was $12.1 million for the 39 weeks
ended November 1, 1997, as compared with $9.1 million for the 39 weeks ended
November 2, 1996.  The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was
primarily attributable to a $1.7 million increase in net income before
depreciation, amortization and disposal of owned property and $1.3 million for
net changes in operating assets and liabilities.

  The Company spent an aggregate of $22.9 million, $10.0 million and $8.8
million on capital expenditures (primarily for acquisitions, store remodelings
and ongoing maintenance of its existing store base and support functions),
during fiscal years 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.  Of these amounts, the
Company has funded approximately $10.6 million, $1.2 million and $9.2 million
through equipment and real estate financings in fiscal years 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively.  The Company plans to continue its store remodeling and
development program.  During the first quarter of 1997, the Company completed
the acquisition of one store in Cody, Wyoming and also opened its fifth Buttrey
Big Fresh store in Bozeman, Montana (replacing a smaller, outmoded Buttrey Food
& Drug store previously located there).  The purchase price for the Cody store
was $2.4 million for fixtures and equipment and a non-compete agreement, plus
$0.3 million for inventory.  The Company also entered into a lease with the
seller of the business for the real property on which the grocery store was
previously located.  The Company completed three remodels during the third
quarter of 1997.  For 1997, capital expenditures by the Company, including the
foregoing, are estimated to be approximately $16.6 million, including
approximately $7.2 million for the remodels and for the ongoing maintenance of
its existing store base and support functions.  Additionally, the Company also
may expand the number of stores it operates through additional selective
acquisitions of existing food or drug stores that will complement the Company's
operations.  Except for the Cody acquisition, the projected capital expenditure
amount for 1997 does not include any additional amounts for potential
acquisitions.

  Based upon the foregoing, and considering current and projected operating
results as well as the current budgeted capital expenditures of approximately
$16.6 million, the Company believes that it will have sufficient cash available,
including amounts available under the Financing Agreement and cash generated
from operations, and amounts available from lease and mortgage financings, to
meet its liquidity needs for debt service, its capital expenditure program,
working capital and general corporate purposes for the foreseeable future.


<PAGE>
 
                     BUTTREY FOOD AND DRUG STORES COMPANY
                                AND SUBSIDIARY


                          PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has completed its examination of
the Company's income tax returns for the periods ended February 1, 1992 and
February 2, 1991, the period of the Company's initial acquisition of assets. On
December 1, 1995, the Company received notice from the IRS of proposed
adjustments for the company's fiscal periods 1991 to 1994 which would eliminate
the Company's net operating loss and alternative minimum tax credit carryover
and would result in additional federal taxes of $5.6 million plus interest from
the date when such additional taxes are asserted to have been due to the date of
payment. These adjustments generally relate to the Company's allocation of
purchase price among the assets initially acquired by the Company and the
treatment of certain of these assets for tax depreciation and amortization
purposes.

        During August 1997, the Company reached a proposed settlement with the
IRS with regard to adjustments associated with the Company's initial acquisition
of assets. The settlement was formally approved on September 17, 1997. Under the
terms of the settlement, the Company paid approximately $1,706,000 in federal
taxes plus approximately $1,086,000 in interest. Additionally, the Company will
have corresponding state tax liabilities of approximately $483,000 plus
approximately $188,000 in interest. The aggregate $2,189,000 in tax liability
has been recorded on the Company's balance sheet by adjusting deferred tax
assets and liabilities to reflect the revised tax basis of its assets, by
adjusting the current tax liability to reflect the prior year taxes due, and by
applying the effect of those adjustments to increase goodwill associated with
the Company's initial acquisition of assets. The aggregate interest of
$1,274,000 ($764,000 after-tax, or $0.09 per share), however, has been recorded
as an expense in the fiscal quarter ended August 2, 1997.


ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

  (a) Exhibits

      27  Financial Data Schedule

  (b) Reports on Form 8-K
  During the quarter ended November 1, 1997, the Company did not file any
  reports on Form 8-k
 
 
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURE



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 4, 1997               BUTTREY FOOD AND DRUG
                                       STORES COMPANY
                                       (Registrant)



                                       /s/ Wayne S. Peterson  
                                       -------------------------------------
                                       Wayne S. Peterson
                                       Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
                                       Officer and Secretary
                                        (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal
                                         Financial and Accounting Officer)