UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION  WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549   FORM 10-Q  Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934  For the Quarterly Period Ended September 25, 2005  Commission file number 0-19924  RARE Hospitality International, Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)   Georgia

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization
58-1498312

(I. R. S. Employer

Identification No.)8215 Roswell Rd; Bldg. 600; Atlanta, GA

(Address of principal executive offices)
30350

(Zip Code)  (770) 399-9595 (Registrants telephone number, including area code)  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.  XX
Yes
__
No   Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  XX
Yes
__
No   Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  __
Yes
XX
No   As of October 31, 2005, there were 33,366,043 shares of common stock of the Registrant outstanding.          RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries Index  Part I - Financial Information
PageItem 1. Consolidated Financial Statements:Consolidated Balance Sheets as of           September 25, 2005 and December 26, 2004
1Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the quarters and nine          months ended September 25, 2005 and September 26, 2004
2Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income          for the nine months ended September 25, 2005
3Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine           months ended September 25, 2005 and September 26, 2004
4Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
5-7Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and                     Results of Operations
7-10Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
10Item 4. Controls and Procedures
11Part II - Other InformationItem 1. Legal Proceedings
11Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
11Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
11Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders
11Item 5. Other Information
12-13Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
13Signatures
13    Part I. Financial Information Item 1. Financial Statements   RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands) (Unaudited)   September 25,
        December 26,Assets
        2005
        2004Current assets:Cash and cash equivalents
        $     4,967
        $    19,547Short-term investments
        9,847
        34,895Accounts receivable
        12,166
        9,212Inventories
        13,720
        12,564Prepaid expenses
        6,942
        6,898Refundable income taxes
        --
        3,327Deferred income taxes
        9,497
        9,272-------------
        -------------Total current assets
        57,139
        95,715Property & equipment, less accumulated depreciationand amortization of $186,742 in 2005 and $171,305 in 2004
        475,594
        438,479Goodwill
        19,187
        19,187Other
        17,369
        14,739-------------
        -------------Total assets
        $   569,289
        $  568,120========
        ========Liabilities and Shareholders EquityCurrent liabilities:Accounts payable
        $     22,315
        $    33,113Accrued expenses
        70,352
        69,937Notes payable
        4,500
        --Income taxes payable
        2,807
        --Current installments of obligations under capital leases
        273
        207-------------
        -------------Total current liabilities
        100,247
        103,257Obligations under capital leases, net of current installments
        36,929
        37,136Deferred income taxes, net
        8,701
        14,964Other
        8,361
        6,820-------------
        -------------Total liabilities
        154,238
        162,177Minority interest
        1,236
        1,309Shareholders equity:Preferred stock
        --
        --Common stock
        226,569
        217,146Unearned compensation-restricted stock
        (1,538)
        (1,588)Retained earnings
        241,259
        202,253Treasury stock at cost; 1,952 shares in 2005 and 593 sharesin 2004
        (52,475)
        (13,177)--------------
        -------------Total shareholders equity
        413,815
        404,634--------------
        --------------Total liabilities and shareholders equity
        $   569,289
        $   568,120========
        ========    See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements    RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)   Quarter Ended
Nine Months Ended  Revenues:
Sept. 25,
Sept. 26,
Sept. 25,
Sept. 26,2005
2004
2005
2004Restaurant sales:LongHorn Steakhouse
$161,430
$138,857
$495,116
$431,199The Capital Grille
37,891
30,108
115,908
91,058Bugaboo Creek Steak House
23,907
23,481
72,564
71,382Specialty concepts
2,059
2,028
5,712
5,816________
________
________
________Total restaurant sales
225,287
194,474
689,300
599,455Franchise revenues
109
94
330
294________
________
________
________Total revenues
225,396
194,568
689,630
599,749________
________
________
________Costs and expenses:Cost of restaurant sales
82,297
72,222
252,503
219,948Operating expenses - restaurants
103,773
88,094
307,066
261,678Depreciation and amortization- restaurants
9,040
7,770
26,172
22,406Pre-opening expense
1,564
2,106
5,461
5,312General and administrative expenses
13,595
11,174
38,617
34,580________
________
________
________Total costs and expenses
210,269
181,366
629,819
543,924________
________
________
________Operating income
15,127
13,202
59,811
55,825Interest expense, net
520
459
1,171
782Minority interest
22
37
208
238________
________
________
________Earnings before income taxes
14,585
12,706
58,432
54,805Income tax expense
4,848
4,225
19,426
18,220________
________
________
________Net earnings
$ 9,737
$ 8,481
$ 39,006
$ 36,585=======
=======
=======
=======Basic earnings per common share
$ 0.29
$ 0.25
$ 1.15
$ 1.09=======
=======
=======
=======Diluted earnings per common share
$ 0.28
$ 0.24
$ 1.11
$ 1.03=======
=======
=======
=======Weighted average common shares outstanding:Basic
33,515
33,639
33,903
33,617=======
=======
=======
=======Diluted
34,602
35,421
35,253
35,387=======
=======
=======
=======     See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements     RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statement of Shareholders Equity For the nine months ended September 25, 2005 (In thousands, unaudited)   TotalCommon Stock
Restricted
Retained
Treasury
ShareholdersShares
Amount
Stock
Earnings
Stock
Equity------
------
-----
--------
-----
-------- Balance, December 26, 2004
34,802
$ 217,146
$(1,588)
$ 202,253
$(13,177)
$ 404,634Net earnings and comprehensiveincome
--
--
--
39,006
--
39,006Amortization of restrictedstock
--
--
1,206
--
--
1,206Purchase of common stockfor treasury
--
--
--
--
(39,298)
(39,298)Issuance of shares pursuantto restricted stock award
41
1,251
(1,251)
--
--
--Forfeiture of restrictedstock
(8)
(182)
95
--
--
(87)Issuance of shares pursuantto exercise of stockoptions
443
5,458
--
--
--
5,458Tax benefit of stock optionsexercised
--
2,896
--
--
--
2,896-----------
------------
-----------
------------
------------
-----------Balance, September 25, 2005
35,278
$226,569
$(1,538)
$241,259
$(52,475)
$413,815=====
=======
======
=======
=======
======    See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements    RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands, unaudited)  Nine Months EndedSept. 25,
Sept. 26,2005
2004Cash flows from operating activities:Net earnings
$ 39,006
$ 36,585Adjustments to reconcile net earnings tonet cash provided by operating activities:Depreciation and amortization
28,776
24,262Changes in working capital accounts
(11,452)
(17,160)Minority interest
208
238Deferred tax (benefit) expense
(6,488)
5,245Sale (purchase) of short-term investments
25,048
(540)_________
_________Net cash provided by operating activities
75,098
48,630_________
_________Cash flows from investing activities:Purchase of property and equipment
(64,668)
(68,014)_________
_________Net cash used by investing activities
(64,668)
(68,014)_________
_________Cash flows from financing activities:Proceeds from line of credit
4,500
--Distributions to minority partners
(281)
(324)Increase in bank overdraft included inaccounts payable
4,752
9,444Principal payments on capital leases
(141)
(86)Purchase of common stock for treasury
(39,298)
(8,188)Proceeds from exercise of stock options
5,458
5,558_________
_________Net cash (used) provided by financing activities
(25,010)
6,404_________
_________Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(14,580)
(12,980)Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
19,547
20,508_________
_________Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$ 4,967
$ 7,528========
========Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:Cash paid for income taxes
$ 16,773
$ 14,423========
========Cash paid for interest
$ 2,542
$ 2,063========
========Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing andinvesting activities:Assets acquired under capital lease
$ --
$ 7,966========
========    See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements    RARE Hospitality International, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)  1.     Basis of Presentation  The consolidated financial statements of RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of September 25, 2005 and December 26, 2004 and for the quarters and nine months ended September 25, 2005 and September 26, 2004 have been prepared by the Company, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the operating results for the respective periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally presented in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.
These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2004.  The Company records revenues for normal recurring sales upon the performance of services. Revenues from the sale of franchises are recognized as income when substantially all of the Companys material obligations under the franchise agreement have been performed. Continuing royalties, which are a percentage of net sales of franchised restaurants, are accrued as income when earned.  The Company operates on a 52 or 53 week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in December. The fiscal quarters ended September 25, 2005 and September 26, 2004 each contained 13 weeks and are referred to hereafter as the third quarter of 2005 and the third quarter of 2004, respectively. Together, the first, second and third quarters of each fiscal year are referred to as the nine months ended September 25, 2005 and September 26, 2004, respectively.  Certain prior period amounts in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet and Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows have been reclassified to conform to the presentation in fiscal 2005. These reclassifications had no effect on the Companys Consolidated Statements of Operations.  2.     New Accounting Pronouncements  On October 6, 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position 13-1, Accounting for Rental Costs Incurred During a Construction Period (FSP 13-1). FSP 13-1 is effective for the Companys fiscal 2006 and requires the Company to expense rental costs incurred during the construction period associated with ground or building operating leases. The Company has previously capitalized these costs. Retrospective application, which permits entities to restate financial statements of previous periods is permitted but not required. Management is currently analyzing the implementation alternatives as well as the impact of the adoption of FSP 13-1. The Company does not expect the initial adoption of this Staff Position to have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial position. In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, (SFAS 123R). SFAS 123R is a revision of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Among other items, SFAS 123R eliminates the use of the intrinsic value method of accounting, and requires companies to recognize the cost of awards of equity instruments granted in exchange for employee services received, based on the grant date fair value of those awards, in the financial statements. The effective date of SFAS 123R was the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2005; however, on April 14, 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that the effective date of SFAS 123R was postponed until the first annual period beginning after June 15, 2005.  SFAS 123R permits companies to adopt its requirements using either a modified prospective method, or a modified retrospective method. Under the modified prospective method, compensation cost is recognized in the financial statements beginning with the effective date, based on the requirements of SFAS 123R for all share-based payments granted after that date, and based on the requirements of SFAS 123 for all unvested awards granted prior to the effective date of SFAS 123R. Under the modified retrospective method, the requirements are the same as under the modified prospective method, but this method also permits entities to restate financial statements of previous periods based on proforma disclosures made in accordance with SFAS 123.  The Company currently utilizes the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to measure the fair value of stock options granted to employees. While SFAS 123R permits entities to continue to use this model, the standard also permits the use of a lattice model. SFAS 123R also requires that the benefits associated with the tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under current literature. This requirement will reduce net operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods after the effective date. These future amounts cannot be estimated because they depend on, among other things, when employees exercise stock options.  As disclosed in Note 3, compensation cost for stock options for which the requisite future service has not yet taken place is disclosed as a proforma expense by applying the provisions of SFAS 123. The proforma application of SFAS 123 had a dilutive effect of approximately $0.02 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2005 and approximately $0.07 per diluted share for the first nine months of 2005 and is expected to have a proforma dilutive effect of approximately $0.03 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2005. Compensation cost for stock options vesting beginning in fiscal 2006, and all restricted stock, will be expensed in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R, which will be effective for the Company at the beginning of fiscal 2006. Management is currently analyzing the implementation alternatives and requirements and is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this Standard on the Companys
consolidated financial statements.  3.     Shareholders Equity and Stock Based Compensation  The Company has stock-based compensation plans that provide for the granting of restricted stock and incentive and non-qualified stock options to employees, officers, directors, consultants, and advisors. Under the plans, options are granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its stock-based plans as permitted under SFAS 123 and SFAS 148. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the Companys stock option plans. Had the compensation cost for the Companys stock option plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under those plans consistent with the fair value methodology of SFAS 123, the Companys net income and earnings per share would have been as follows (in thousands, except per share data):   Quarter Ended
Nine Months EndedSept. 25,
Sept. 26,
Sept. 25,
Sept. 26,2005
2004
2005
2004Net earnings, as reported
$9,737
$8,481
$39,006
$36,585Add: stock-based compensation expenseincluded in reported net earnings, net of tax
279
182
749
498Deduct: stock-based compensation expensedetermined under fair valuemethod for all awards, net of tax
(1,204)
(1,478)
(3,468)
(3,882)_____
_____
_____
_____Proforma net earnings
$8,812
$7,185
$36,287
$33,201=====
=====
=====
=====Earnings per share:Basic  as reported
$ 0.29
$ 0.25
$ 1.15
$ 1.09=====
=====
=====
=====Basic - proforma
$ 0.26
$ 0.21
$ 1.07
$ 0.99=====
=====
=====
=====Diluted  as reported
$ 0.28
$ 0.24
$ 1.11
$ 1.03=====
=====
=====
=====Diluted - proforma
$ 0.26
$ 0.21
$ 1.04
$ 0.95=====
=====
=====
=====  4.     Notes Payable  At September 25, 2005, $4.5 million was outstanding under the Companys $100.0 million revolving credit agreement, and the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenant provisions. Interest expense is reported net of interest income and capitalized interest. Interest income equated to $204,000 and $64,000 for the third quarter of 2005 and 2004, respectively and to $766,000 and $251,000 for the first nine months of 2005 and 2004, respectively. Interest capitalized in the third quarter of 2005 and 2004 was $237,000 and $264,000, respectively and was $738,000 and $1,094,000, for the first nine months of 2005 and 2004, respectively.  On July 22, 2005, the Company entered into an amendment to its revolving credit facility, to extend the facilitys maturity through July 22, 2010, and improve its costs and terms. The total amount the Company may borrow under the amended facility remained at $100.0 million and amounts outstanding under the amended credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 0.50% to 1.25% depending on the Companys leverage ratio or the Administrative Agents prime rate of interest, at the Companys option.  5.     Income Taxes  Income tax expense for the third quarter and first nine months of 2005 has been provided for based on an estimated 33.25% effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full 2005 fiscal year. The effective income tax rate differs from applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to pre-tax earnings primarily due to employee FICA tip tax credits and work opportunity tax credits (both are a reduction in income tax expense) partially offset by state income taxes.  6. Treasury Shares  The Companys Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of shares of the Companys common stock from time to time through open market transactions, block purchases or in privately negotiated transactions. On April 20, 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to use up to $29.0 million to purchase shares of its common stock and on July 22, 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $30.0 million of the Companys common stock. During the third quarter of 2005, the Company repurchased 669,000 shares of its common stock at an average price of $28.95 for an aggregate cost of $19,368,000. As of September 25, 2005, approximately $19,702,000 remained available under the Companys aggregate $59.0 million share repurchase authorization.  7.     Earnings Per Share  Basic earnings per common share equals net earnings divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and does not include the dilutive effect of stock options or restricted stock. Diluted earnings per common share equals net earnings divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, after giving effect to dilutive stock options and restricted stock. A reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding and the related earnings per share calculation is presented below (in thousands, except per share amounts):  Quarter Ended
Nine Month EndedSept. 25,
Sept. 26,
Sept. 25,
Sept. 26,2005
2004
2005
2004  Basic weighted average shares outstanding
33,515
33,639
33,903
33,617Dilutive effect of stock options
1,015
1,561
1,281
1,550Dilutive effect of restricted stock
72
221
69
220--------------
--------------
--------------
--------------Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
34,602
35,421
35,253
35,387========
========
========
========Net earnings
$ 9,737
$ 8,481
$39,006
$36,585========
========
========
========Basic earnings per common share
$
0.29
$
0.25
$
1.15
$
1.09========
========
========
========Diluted earnings per common share
$
0.28
$
0.24
$
1.11
$
1.03========
========
========
======== 8.     Comprehensive Income  For the quarters ended September 25, 2005 and September 26, 2004, there was no difference between the Companys net earnings and comprehensive income.  Item 2.     Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  Results of Operations  Revenues  The Company currently derives all of its revenues from restaurant sales and franchise revenues. Total revenues increased 15.8% and 15.0% for the quarter and nine months ended September 25, 2005, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year.  Same store sales comparisons for each of the Companys restaurant concepts for the quarter ended September 25, 2005, consist of sales at restaurants opened prior to December 26, 2003.  LongHorn Steakhouse:  Sales in the LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants for the quarter and nine months ended September 25, 2005 increased 16.3% and 14.8%, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior year. The increase reflects (i) a 12.5% and 12.4% increase in restaurant operating weeks in the quarter and nine months ended September 25, 2005, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year, resulting from an increase in the restaurant base from 206 LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants at the end of the third quarter of 2004 to 231 at the end of the third quarter of 2005 and (ii) an increase in average weekly sales. Average weekly sales for all LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants in the third quarter of 2005 were $54,262, a 3.4% increase over the comparable period in 2004. Same store sales for the comparable LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants increased 3.3% in the third quarter of 2005 as compared to the same period in
2004 due entirely to increases in average check, partially offset by a slight decrease in customer counts.  The Capital Grille:  Sales in The Capital Grille restaurants for the quarter and nine months ended September 25, 2005, increased 25.9% and 27.3%, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year. The increase reflects (i) a 19.2% and 18.1% increase in restaurant operating weeks for the quarter and nine months ended September 25, 2005, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year, resulting from an increase in the restaurant base from 19 The Capital Grille restaurants at the end of the third quarter 2004 to 22 restaurants at the end of the third quarter of 2005 and (ii) an increase in average weekly sales. Average weekly sales for all The Capital Grille restaurants in the third quarter of 2005 were $132,484, a 5.6% increase from the comparable period in 2004. Same store sales for the comparable The Capital Grille restaurants increased 4.4% in the third quarter of 2005, due almost entirely to
increases in average check.  Bugaboo Creek Steak House:  Sales in the Bugaboo Creek Steak House restaurants increased for the quarter and nine months ended September 25, 2005, by 1.8% and 1.7%, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year. The increase reflects increases of 10.4% and 7.9% in restaurant weeks in the quarter and nine months ended September 25, 2005, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year, resulting from an increase in the restaurant base from 26 Bugaboo Creek Steak House restaurants at the end of the third quarter of 2004 to 30 restaurants at the end of the third quarter of 2005, partially offset by a decrease in average weekly sales and by the temporary closure of one restaurant during the first quarter of 2005 due to a fire. Average weekly sales for all Bugaboo Creek Steak House restaurants in the third quarter of 2005 were $64,961, a 6.5% decrease from the comparable period for 2004. Same store sales
for the comparable Bugaboo Creek Steak House restaurants in the third quarter of 2005 decreased 6.5% as compared to the same period in 2004, primarily due to a decrease in customer counts.  Franchise Revenue:  Franchise revenues increased to $109,000 for the third quarter and increased to $330,000 for the first nine months of 2005, from $94,000 and $294,000 for the same periods of the prior fiscal year, due to sales increases at the three franchised LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants in Puerto Rico.  Costs and Expenses  Cost of restaurant sales as a percentage of restaurant sales decreased to 36.5% for the third quarter of 2005, from 37.1% for the third quarter of 2004, and decreased to 36.6% for the first nine months of 2005 as compared to 36.7% during the same period of 2004. Although the Company is experiencing higher contract pricing on commodities in 2005, particularly pricing with respect to beef contracts, these higher costs have been more than offset by increases in menu prices and a favorable shift in the menu mix. The Company is currently under fixed price contracts with respect to its anticipated beef needs and these contracts are in effect for the remainder of 2005. The Company expects its cost of restaurant sales as a percentage of restaurant sales in the fourth quarter of 2005 to be approximately 0.3% to 0.6% lower than the comparable quarter of 2004. Many of the food products, other than protein products, purchased by the
Company are affected by commodity pricing and are, therefore, subject to price volatility caused by weather, production problems, delivery difficulties and other factors, which are outside the control of the Company.  Restaurant operating expense as a percentage of restaurant sales increased to 46.1% for the third quarter of 2005 from 45.3% for the third quarter of 2004 and increased to 44.5% for the first nine months of 2005, as compared to 43.7% for the same period of 2004. These increases in restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales for the 2005 periods, as compared to the prior year, were primarily due to wage rate pressures, including a $1.00 per hour state mandated increase in the Florida minimum wage, unemployment tax increases and increases in the cost of utilities.  Restaurant depreciation as a percentage of restaurant sales, was 4.0% for both the third quarter of 2005 and 2004, and was 3.8% for the first nine months of 2005 as compared to 3.7% for the same period of the prior fiscal year.  Pre-opening expense for the third quarter of 2005 was $1,564,000, a decrease of $542,000 from the same period of the prior year. The number of restaurant openings in the third quarter of 2005 and 2004 were the same; however, pre-opening expense for the third quarter of 2004 included higher expenses related to The Capital Grille openings in New York City and Las Vegas. Pre-opening expense for the first nine months of 2005 was $5.5 million, as compared to $5.3 million during the same period of the prior year.  General and administrative expenses, as a percentage of total revenues, increased to 6.0% for the third quarter of 2005 from 5.7% for the same period in 2004, and decreased to 5.6% for the first nine months of 2005 from 5.8% for the same period of 2004. The increase for the third quarter of 2005 compared to the same period of the prior year was principally due to increased bonus accruals in the current quarter. The decrease in the general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales in the 2005 year-to-date period, versus the comparable period of the prior year, was primarily due to greater leverage of fixed and semi-fixed general and administrative expenses resulting from higher average weekly sales volumes.  As a result of the relationships between revenues and expenses discussed above, the Companys operating income increased to $15.1 million for the third quarter of 2005 and increased to $59.8 million for the first nine months of 2005 as compared to $13.2 million and $55.8 million, respectively, for the same periods of the prior year.  Interest expense, net increased to $520,000 in the third quarter of 2005, and $1,171,000 for the first nine months of 2005, from $459,000 and $782,000 during the same periods of the prior year, primarily due to an increase in the level of interest associated with the Companys new capital lease obligations partially offset by an increase in the dollar amount of interest income. This interest income offset was higher in 2005 than in the comparable periods of 2004 due to an increase in the interest rate earned on investments. As of September 25, 2005, the Company had $4.5 million outstanding under its revolving credit facility.  Minority interest expense decreased to $22,000 for the third quarter and $208,000 for the first nine months of 2005, from $37,000 and $238,000 for the same periods of the prior year, respectively, which reflects the joint venture partners share of profitability of the Companys three joint venture LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants.  Income tax expense for the third quarter and first nine months of 2005 was 33.25% of earnings before income taxes, which reflects the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full 2005 fiscal year. This rate in 2005 is the same as the effective income tax rate for the full 2004 fiscal year. The Companys effective income tax rate differs from applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to pre-tax income, primarily due to employee FICA tip tax credits and work opportunity tax credits partially offset by state income taxes.  Net earnings increased to $9.7 million for the third quarter of 2005 from net earnings of $8.5 million for the third quarter of 2004 and increased to $39.0 million for the nine months ended September 25, 2005 from $36.6 million for the nine months ended September 26, 2004, reflecting the net effect of the items discussed above.  Outlook for Future Operating Results  The Company expects 2005 diluted earnings per common share in a range of $1.52 to $1.55. This level of earnings per common share assumes same store sales increases for the fourth quarter of 2005 in a range of 2% to 3% for LongHorn Steakhouse, 4% to 5% for The Capital Grille and a same store sales decrease of 2% to 1% for Bugaboo Creek Steak House, and the projected restaurant openings discussed below.  Liquidity and Capital Resources:  The Company requires capital primarily for the development of new restaurants, the remodeling of existing restaurants and selected acquisitions. During the first nine months of 2005, the Companys principal sources of working capital were cash provided by operating activities ($75.1 million), proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options ($5.5 million) and proceeds from the Companys line of credit ($4.5 million). For the first nine months of 2005, the principal uses of working capital were capital expenditures related to new and improved facilities ($64.7 million) and the purchase of common stock for treasury ($39.3 million).  The Company intends to open 27 LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants, three The Capital Grille restaurants and three Bugaboo Creek Steak House restaurants in fiscal year 2005. The Company estimates that its capital expenditures for fiscal year 2005 will be approximately $95 to $105 million. During the first nine months of 2005, the Company opened 21 LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants, two The Capital Grille restaurants and two Bugaboo Creek Steak House restaurants. Management believes that available cash, cash provided by operations, and available borrowings under the Companys $100.0 million revolving credit facility will provide sufficient funds to finance the Companys expansion plans through fiscal 2006.  The Companys Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of shares of the Companys common stock from time to time through open market transactions, block purchases or in privately negotiated transactions. The Board of Directors has authorized the Company to use up to an aggregate of $59.0 million to purchase shares of its common stock. During the third quarter of 2005, the Company repurchased 669,000 shares of its common stock at an average price of $28.95 for an aggregate cost of $19,368,000. As of September 25, 2005, approximately $19,702,000 remained available under the Companys $59.0 million share repurchase authorization.  Since substantially all sales in the Companys restaurants are for cash, and accounts payable are generally due in seven to 30 days, the Company operates with little or negative working capital.  Forward-Looking Statements  Statements contained in this report concerning liquidity and capital resources and future operating results contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and members of its management team, as well as assumptions on which such statements are based. All forward-looking  statements in this Form 10-Q are based upon information available to the Company as of the date of this report. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and in addition to the factors discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, other factors that could cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements include the following: failure of facts to conform to necessary management estimates and assumptions regarding financial and operating matters; the Companys ability to identify and secure suitable locations for new restaurants on acceptable terms, open the anticipated number of new restaurants on time and within budget, achieve anticipated rates of same store sales, hire and train additional restaurant personnel and integrate new restaurants into its operations; the continued implementation of the
Companys business discipline over a large and growing restaurant base; increases in the cost of construction; unexpected increases in cost of sales or employee, pre-opening or other expenses; the economic conditions in the new markets into which the Company expands and possible uncertainties in the customer base in these areas; fluctuations in quarterly operating results; seasonality; unusual weather patterns or events; changes in customer dining patterns; the impact of any negative publicity or public attitudes related to the consumption of beef or other products sold by the Company; unforeseen increases in commodity pricing; disruption of established sources of product supply or distribution; competitive pressures from other national and regional restaurant chains; legislation adversely affecting the restaurant industry; business conditions, such as inflation or a recession, or other negative effect on dining patterns, or some other negative effect on the economy, in general, including
(without limitation) war, insurrection and/or terrorist attacks on United States soil; growth in the restaurant industry and the general economy; changes in monetary and fiscal policies, laws and regulations; and the risks identified from time to time in the Companys SEC reports, including the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2004, registration statements and public announcements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time.  Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  Interest Rate Risk  The Company may be exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on debt.  As of September 25, 2005, the Company had $4.5 million outstanding under its $100.0 million revolving credit facility. Amounts outstanding under such credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 0.50% to 1.25% (the applicable margin depending on the Companys leverage ratio), or the Administrative Agents prime rate of interest at the Companys option. Accordingly, the Company may be exposed to the impact of interest rate movements. To achieve the Companys objective of managing its exposure to interest rate changes, the Company may from time to time use interest rate swaps. The Company did not enter into any interest rate swap agreements during the periods presented in this quarterly report.  Investment Portfolio  The Company invests portions of its excess cash, if any, in highly liquid investments. At September 25, 2005, the Company had approximately $395,000 in high-grade overnight repurchase agreements, and approximately $9.8 million in short-term investments in the form of Federal, state, and municipal bonds and commercial paper. As of September 25, 2005, the Company has classified all short-term investments as trading securities. The market risk on such investments is minimal due to their short-term nature.  Item 4. Controls and Procedures  In accordance with the Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15, the Companys management, under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and instructions for Form 10-Q. During the Companys last fiscal quarter, there were no changes in internal controls over financial reporting or in other factors
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect internal controls over financial reporting.  Part II - Other Information  Item 1.     Legal Proceedings  None  Item 2.     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds  Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities  Purchase of Equity Securities (a)
        (b)
        (c)
        (d)Total number
        Maximum Dollarof Shares
        Value of SharesTotal
        
        Purchased as Part
        that May Yet BeNumber of
        Average
        of Publicly
        Purchased UnderShares
        Price Paid
        Announced Plans
        the Plans orPurchased
        Per Share
        or Programs
        Programs (1)PeriodJune 27, 2005 throughJuly 24, 2005
        --
        --
        --
        $39,070,000July 25, 2005 throughAugust 21, 2005
        669,000
        $28.95
        669,000
        $19,702,000August 22, 2005 throughSeptember 25, 2005
        --
        --
        --
        $19,702,000-----------
        ---------
        -----------Total
        669,000
        $28.95
        669,000=====
        =====
        =====    (1)  On April 20, 2005, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $29.0 million of the Companys outstanding common stock from time-to-time. On July 22, 2005, the Company announced that the Board of Directors supplemented the $29.0 million authorization to authorize the Company to repurchase up to an additional $30.0 million of the Companys outstanding common stock from time-to-time. Both authorizations expire on May 1, 2007.  Item 3.     Defaults Upon Senior Securities  None  Item 4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders  None  Item 5.     Other Information  As described in its most recent definitive proxy statement, RARE Hospitality International, Inc. (the Company) and each of its named executive officers are parties to employment agreements dated April 28, 2003. On October 27, 2005 the Company and each of these executive officers amended their respective employment agreements to provide for the renewal of the agreements and to provide for changes in their compensation. In addition, on October 19, 2005, the Company approved the following changes in compensation for other executive officers of the Company.  The Company and Philip J. Hickey, Jr. (Mr. Hickey, Jr.), Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, are parties to an employment agreement (the Hickey, Jr. Employment Agreement) dated April 28, 2003. The Hickey, Jr. Employment Agreement was amended on October 27, 2005 to provide for a term ending April 27, 2007, unless renewed on or before October 27, 2006. Under the terms of the Hickey, Jr. Employment Agreement, as amended, Mr. Hickey, Jr. currently receives an annual salary of $625,000 and will receive an annual salary of $725,000 from and after January 2, 2006. There was no change in Mr. Hickey, Jr.s bonus eligibility percentage.  The Company and Eugene I. Lee, Jr. (Mr. Lee, Jr.), President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, are parties to an employment agreement (the Lee, Jr. Employment Agreement) dated April 28, 2003. The Lee, Jr. Employment Agreement was amended on October 27, 2005 to provide for a term ending April 27, 2007, unless renewed on or before October 27, 2006. Under the terms of the Lee, Jr. Employment Agreement, as amended, Mr. Lee, Jr. currently receives an annual salary of $425,000 and will receive an annual salary of $470,000 from and after January 2, 2006. There was no change in Mr. Lee, Jr.s bonus eligibility percentage.  The Company and W. Douglas Benn (Mr. Benn), Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, are parties to an employment agreement (the Benn Employment Agreement) dated April 28, 2003. The Benn Employment Agreement was amended on October 27, 2005 to provide for a term ending April 27, 2007, unless renewed on or before October 27, 2006. Under the terms of the Benn Employment Agreement, as amended, Mr. Benn currently receives an annual salary of $320,000 and will receive an annual salary of $352,000 from and after January 2, 2006. There was no change in Mr. Benns bonus eligibility percentage.  The Company and Joia M. Johnson (Ms. Johnson), Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company, are parties to an employment agreement (the Johnson Employment Agreement) dated April 28, 2003. The Johnson Employment Agreement was amended on October 27, 2005 to provide for a term ending April 27, 2007, unless renewed on or before October 27, 2006. Under the terms of the Johnson Employment Agreement, as amended, Ms. Johnson currently receives an annual salary of $300,000 and will receive an annual salary of $330,000 from and after January 2, 2006. During the term of the Johnson Employment Agreement, as amended, Ms. Johnson is eligible for a bonus of not less than 55% of her salary until January 1, 2006, after which time she will be eligible for a bonus of not less than 60% of her salary.  The Company and Thomas W. Gathers (Mr. Gathers), Executive Vice President of Human Resources of the Company, are parties to an employment agreement (the Gathers Employment Agreement) dated April 28, 2003. The Gathers Employment Agreement was amended on October 27, 2005, to provide for a term ending April 27, 2007, unless renewed on or before October 27, 2006. Under the terms of the Gathers Employment Agreement, as amended, Mr. Gathers currently receives an annual salary of $250,000 and will receive an annual salary of $260,000 from and after January 2, 2006. During the term of the Gathers Employment Agreement, as amended, Mr. Gathers is eligible for a bonus of not less than 40% of his salary until January 1, 2006, after which time he will be eligible for a bonus of not less than 50% of his salary.  Mr. David C. George, Vice President and PresidentLongHorn Steakhouse, currently receives an annual salary of $300,000 and will receive an annual salary of $335,000 from and after January 2, 2006. There was no change in Mr. Georges bonus eligibility percentage.  Mr. M. John Martin, Vice President and PresidentThe Capital Grille, currently receives an annual salary of $235,000 and will receive an annual salary of $270,000 from and after January 2, 2006. There was no change in Mr. Martins bonus eligibility percentage.  Ms. Kristin R. Nyhof, Vice President and PresidentBugaboo Creek, currently receives an annual salary of $200,000 and will receive an annual salary of $225,000 from and after January 2, 2006. There was no change in Ms. Nyhofs bonus eligibility percentage.  In addition, on September 28, 2005, the Company increased to $205,000 the annual salary of Mr. Benjamin A. Waites (Mr. Waites), Chief Accounting Officer, Vice President and Controller. From and after that date, Mr. Waites became eligible to receive an annual bonus of not less than 40% of his annual salary, as determined and paid in accordance with the bonus program for employees of the Company, as approved by the Company from time to time.  The amendments to the Hickey, Jr. Employment Agreement, Lee, Jr. Employment Agreement, Benn Employment Agreement, Johnson Employment Agreement and Gathers Employment Agreement are filed as exhibits to this Form 10-Q and are incorporated herein by reference.  Item 6.     Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K  (a)     Exhibits Filed. 10.1
-- Second Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated October 27, 2005 between the Registrant and Philip J. Hickey, Jr. 10.2
-- Second Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated October 27, 2005 between the Registrant and Eugene I. Lee, Jr. 10.3
-- Second Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated October 27, 2005 between the Registrant and W. Douglas Benn 10.4
-- Second Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated October 27, 2005 between the Registrant and Joia M. Johnson 10.5
-- Second Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated October 27, 2005 between the Registrant and Thomas W. Gathers 31.1   -- Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act. 31.2   -- Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act. 32.1   -- Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the SarbanesOxley Act of 2002. (1). 32.2   -- Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (1).  (1)     These exhibits are deemed to accompany this report and are not filed as part of the report.  (b)     Reports filed on Form 8-K. None    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.   Date:     November 4, 2005                          /s/ W. Douglas Benn                                                                       W. Douglas Benn                                
                                      Executive Vice President, Finance                                                                       and Chief Financial Officer                                     
                                 (Principal Financial Officer)