Document:

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 4.13

                        LIMITED WAIVER OF COVENANTS UNDER
                    AND AMENDMENT TO SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTE
                         AND WARRANT PURCHASE AGREEMENT

           This Limited Waiver of Covenants Under and Amendment to Senior
Subordinated Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (this "Agreement") is dated as
of the 13th day of April, 2001, and is executed by and among Atlantic Premium
Brands, Ltd. ("Atlantic"), a Delaware corporation, Prefco Corp. ("Prefco"), a
Delaware corporation, Carlton Foods Corp. ("Carlton"), a Delaware corporation,
Richards Cajun Foods Corp. ("Richards"), a Delaware corporation, Grogan's Farm,
Inc. ("Grogan's"), a Delaware corporation, and Potter Sausage Co. ("Potter"), a
Delaware corporation (collectively, the "Sellers"), and Banc One Capital
Partners, LLC ("BOCP"), a Delaware limited liability company and Small Business
Investment Company (the "Purchaser").

                                    RECITALS:

           WHEREAS, the Sellers and the Purchaser executed the certain Senior
Subordinated Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement dated as of March 20, 1998 (the
"Purchase Agreement") and the certain Related Documents of even date therewith
(collectively, the "Purchase Documents") in connection with the issuance and
sale by Sellers to Purchaser of (i) the Senior Subordinated Note dated as of
March 20, 1998 in the aggregate principal amount of $6,500,000 (the "Note"),
(ii) the Warrant to purchase 666,947 shares of Nonvoting Common Stock of
Atlantic (the "Fixed Warrant"), and (iii) the Warrant to purchase up to 428,753
shares of Nonvoting Common Stock of Atlantic (the "Contingent Warrant", and
together with the Fixed Warrant, the "Warrants") (capitalized terms used but not
defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed in the Glossary of Defined Terms
attached as Exhibit A to the Purchase Agreement and incorporated therein); and

           WHEREAS, Section 9.1 of the Purchase Agreement requires the Company
to maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.15 to 1.00 as of
the end of each Quarter (the "Section 9.1 Covenant"); and

           WHEREAS, Section 9.2 of the Purchase Agreement requires the Company
to maintain an Interest Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.75 to 1.00 as of the
end of each Quarter (the "Section 9.2 Covenant"); and
<PAGE>   2
           WHEREAS, Section 9.3 of the Purchase Agreement requires the Company
to maintain as of the end of each Quarter a ratio of Consolidated Indebtedness
outstanding as of the end of such Quarter to EBITDA for a period of four
consecutive Quarters ending as of the end of such Quarter of not greater than
5.00 to 1.00 (the "Section 9.3 Covenant"); and

           WHEREAS, Section 9.4 of the Purchase Agreement requires that, as of
the end of each Quarter, commencing with the Quarter ending September 30, 1998,
the consolidated stockholders' equity of the Company shall not be less than
$10,000,000 (the "Section 9.4 Covenant"); and

           WHEREAS, the Sellers have requested the Purchaser to waive the
Company's non-compliance with the Section 9.1 Covenant, the Section 9.2
Covenant, the Section 9.3 Covenant and the Section 9.4 Covenant (referred to
collectively as the "Section 9 Covenants") for certain periods hereinafter
specified;
and

           WHEREAS, the Purchaser is willing to waive the Company's
non-compliance with the Section 9 Covenants for the certain periods hereinafter
specified, and to make certain other limited waivers described herein, subject
to the terms and conditions hereof; and

           WHEREAS, the Purchaser and the Sellers desire to amend the Purchase
Documents as hereinafter provided, and to enter into the certain further
agreements set forth below.

                                   AGREEMENT:

           NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained
herein and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as
follows:

           1. Limited Waiver of Covenants. The Purchaser hereby (a) waives the
Company's non-compliance with the Section 9 Covenants for the periods ending
June 30, 2000, September 30, 2000 and December 31, 2000, and (b) waives any
Event of Default associated therewith or occasioned thereby. The Purchaser
hereby also (a) waives the Company's performance under Section 6.1(a) of the
Purchase Agreement with respect to the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2000 until
April 19, 2001, and permanently waives any notice pursuant to Section 6.6(b) of
the Purchase Agreement relating to the Company's non-performance under Section
6.1(a) of the Purchase Agreement with respect to the Fiscal Year ended December
31, 2000, and (b) waives any Event of Default associated therewith or occasioned
thereby. Further, the Purchaser hereby (a) waives the Company's compliance with
Section 8.10 of the Purchase Agreement with respect to (i) Sellers' entering
into the consulting agreement described in Section 4.3 hereof and (ii) the
transactions contemplated by the Sterling Agreement (as defined in Section 3
hereof), and (b) waives any Event of Default associated therewith or occasioned
thereby. Finally, the Purchaser hereby (a) waives any Event of Default under
Sections 8(c) and 8(f) of the Note associated with or occasioned by the
Company's failure to pay (i) the certain Seller note owing to Franklin Roth and
Allan Pauly due March 31, 2001, (ii) the certain Seller note owing to J. L.
Richard due July 31, 2001, and (iii) the certain Seller note owing to Bobby and
Betty Grogan due September 30, 2001, and (b) waives the Company's compliance
with the notice requirements under Sections 6.6(a) and 6.6(b) of the Purchase
Agreement with respect to any such Event of Default.

           2. Amendment of Purchase Documents. To induce the Purchaser to enter
into this Agreement, the Sellers agree that the Purchase Documents shall be and
are hereby amended as follows, which amendments shall supersede and prevail over
any conflicting provisions of the Purchase Documents:

                                       2
<PAGE>   3
           2.1       Amendment of Interest Provisions of Note. The Note is
                     amended to provide that, as of January 17, 2001, the Stated
                     Interest Rate shall be 15% per annum and the Default
                     Interest Rate shall be 18% per annum. At all times on and
                     after January 17, 2001 that the Default Rate is not in
                     effect, interest on the Note shall accrue at a rate equal
                     to the Stated Interest Rate, and shall be payable as
                     follows: (i) interest at the rate of 10% per annum shall be
                     paid monthly in arrears on each Payment Date specified in
                     the Note; and (ii) interest at the rate of 5% per annum
                     shall be compounded monthly and paid in full on June 30,
                     2003. After June 30, 2003, all accrued but unpaid interest
                     at the Stated Interest Rate shall be paid monthly in
                     arrears on each Payment Date specified in the Note.

           2.2        Amendment of Financial Covenants. Section 9 of the
                      Purchase Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and
                      is replaced with the provisions set forth in Exhibit "A"
                      attached hereto and made a part hereof, effective as of
                      January 1, 2001. BOCP acknowledges that from and after
                      January 1, 2001 it will not be entitled to assert any
                      breach of, or any Event of Default relating to, the
                      Section 9 Covenants as they existed prior to this
                      amendment thereof.

           2.3        Amendment to Notice Provision. Section 11.13(b) of the
                      Purchase Agreement is hereby amended to substitute the
                      following address as the current address of the Purchaser:

                                    Banc One Capital Partners, LLC
                                    191 West Nationwide Blvd.
                                    Suite 600
                                    Columbus, Ohio  43215
                                    Attention:  General Counsel
                                    Telephone No.  (614) 246-2440
                                    Fax No.  (614) 246-2441

           3. Sale of Note and Warrants to Sterling Advisors. The Sellers,
Purchaser and Sterling BOCP, LLC ("Sterling") have executed a certain Note and
Warrant Purchase Agreement of even date herewith (the "Sterling Agreement")
pursuant to which the Purchaser has agreed to sell to Sterling, and Sterling has
agreed to purchase from the Purchaser, ten percent (10%) of the Purchaser's
interest in the Purchase Agreement, the Note, the Warrants and certain related
rights and security agreements thereunder (the note to be held by Sterling as a
result of this transaction is referred to as the "Sterling Note" and the note to
be held by the Purchaser as a result of this transaction is referred to as the
"BOCP Note"). The Sellers agree that any default in performance of Sterling or
Sellers under the terms of the Sterling Agreement shall constitute a default in
performance under this Agreement.

           4.         Additional Covenants. Sellers and the Purchaser further
                      agree as follows:

           4.1       All insurance proceeds received with respect to the plant
                     fire at Sellers' facility in Arlington, Kentucky shall be
                     applied by Sellers in accordance with the terms of

                                       3
<PAGE>   4
                      the Senior Loan Agreement; provided, however, that if said
                      insurance proceeds exceed the amounts required to be
                      applied under the Senior Loan Agreement, then such excess
                      amount shall be paid to the Purchaser and Sterling (pro
                      rata based on the principal amounts outstanding under the
                      BOCP Note and the Sterling Note) for the purpose of
                      permanent reduction of debt under the BOCP Note and
                      Sterling Note.

           4.2       The prior written approval of the Purchaser shall be
                     required, which approval may be withheld in the Purchaser's
                     sole discretion, before Atlantic may enter into any
                     renewal, automatic or otherwise, of the Employment
                     Agreement between Atlantic Beverage Company, Inc. and Alan
                     F. Sussna, dated as of October 29, 1996, or any new or
                     replacement employment agreement with Alan F. Sussna or, if
                     Atlantic hires a new CEO or president, any employment
                     agreement with such person. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
                     if Atlantic provides the Purchaser with a written request
                     for the approval required under this Section 4.2, in
                     accordance with Section 11.13 of the Purchase Agreement,
                     then the Purchaser's failure to grant or deny such approval
                     to Atlantic in writing within 10 business days of receipt
                     of such request shall be deemed to be the Purchaser's prior
                     written approval under this Section 4.2.

           4.3       All payments or accruals owed or owing to Sterling
                     Advisors, L.P., its affiliates or employees pursuant to the
                     Sellers' Management Agreement with Sterling Advisors L.P.
                     of October 1, 2000, or any similar agreement, shall be
                     waived and canceled, and Sellers shall provide the
                     Purchaser with an acknowledgment from Sterling Advisors and
                     its principals confirming the cancellation of such
                     obligations within thirty (30) days after the date hereof.
                     No actions taken by the Sellers pursuant to this Section
                     4.3 shall be asserted by the Purchaser as a failure to
                     comply with Section 7.6 of the Purchase Agreement.

           4.4        Sellers shall use their commercially reasonable efforts,
                      subject to the fiduciary duties of Atlantic's board of
                      directors under Delaware law, to obtain replacement
                      financing for the entire remaining balance of the BOCP
                      Note on or before the end of 2001; provided, however, that
                      the failure to do so shall not constitute an Event of
                      Default.

           5. Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following events
shall constitute an Event of Default under the Purchase Documents and, at the
Purchaser's option, shall entitle the Purchaser to exercise any or all of its
rights or remedies thereunder:

           5.1        Failure of the Sellers, or any of them, to perform any of
                      the obligations set forth in this Agreement, other than
                      Section 4.4; and

           5.2        Any breach of any representation or warranty of the
                      Sellers, or any of them, contained herein;

                                       4
<PAGE>   5
           6. No Further Waiver. Except as expressly set forth herein, nothing
contained herein shall constitute a waiver or forbearance by the Purchaser of
any other Event of Default (except for Events of Default arising out of or
relating to facts or circumstances known by the Purchaser on the date hereof),
whether now existing or hereafter arising, or waiver or modification of any
other term, condition or covenant set forth in the Purchase Documents.
Additionally, this Waiver shall not be construed as a commitment on the part of
the Purchaser to any future amendment, modification or waiver of any term,
condition or covenant set forth in the Purchase Documents.

           7. No Default. The Sellers represent and warrant that, except as set
forth in Section 1, no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under the
Purchase Documents.

           8. Performance. The Sellers agree that, except as set forth in
Section 1, the Company will perform and observe all of the covenants,
agreements, stipulations and conditions to be performed or observed by the
Company under the Purchase Documents.

           9. Applicable Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be interpreted,
and the rights and liabilities of the parties hereto determined, in accordance
with the laws of the State of Ohio.

           10. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which
together shall constitute one and the same document.

                  [Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

                                       5
<PAGE>   6
           IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Sellers and Purchaser have caused this
Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the day
and year first above written.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                     <C>
Sellers:                                                                           Purchaser:

ATLANTIC PREMIUM BRANDS,                                                BANC ONE CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC
LTD.

                                                                        By:        Banc One Capital Partners Holdings,
By:     /s/ MERRICK M. ELFMAN                                                      Ltd., Manager
    -----------------------------
Name:  Merrick M. Elfman
Its:  Chairman                                                          By:        BOCP Holdings Corporation, Manager

PREFCO CORP                                                             By:             /s/ JAMES J. HENSON
                                                                                   ---------------------------------
                                                                        Name:      James J. Henson
                                                                        Its:      Authorized Signer
By:    /s/ MERRICK M. ELFMAN
    ------------------------------------
Name:      Merrick M. Elfman
Its:       Chairman

CARLTON FOODS CORP.

By:     /s/ MERRICK M. ELFMAN
     --------------------------
Name:      Merrick M. Elfman
Its:       Chairman

RICHARDS CAJUN FOODS CORP.

By:     /s/ MERRICK M. ELFMAN
     --------------------------
Name:      Merrick M. Elfman
Its:       Chairman

GROGAN'S FARM, INC.

By:     /s/ MERRICK M. ELFMAN
     --------------------------
Name:      Merrick M. Elfman
Its:       Chairman
</TABLE>

                                       6
<PAGE>   7
POTTER SAUSAGE CO.

By:     /s/ MERRICK M. ELFMAN
     --------------------------
Name:      Merrick M. Elfman
Its:       Chairman

                                       7
<PAGE>   8
                                   EXHIBIT "A"
                           AMENDED FINANCIAL COVENANTS

           SECTION 9 FINANCIAL TESTS

           Until payment in full of the Note, the Seller shall, unless the
Purchaser waives compliance therewith in writing, meet the following Financial
Tests:

           9.1 MINIMUM FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO. The Company shall not permit
the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio to be less than (i) the minimum ratios set forth
below as of the last day of each Quarter of 2001, (ii) .90 to 1.00 as of the
last day of each Quarter from the first Quarter of 2002 through the second
Quarter of 2003, or (iii) 1.00 to 1.00 as of the last day of each Quarter
thereafter until the Note has been paid in full:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1ST QUARTER              2ND QUARTER             3RD QUARTER            4TH QUARTER
                                         -----------              -----------             -----------            -----------
<S>                                      <C>                      <C>                     <C>                    <C>
Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
                                         .85 to 1.00              .75 to 1.00             .80 to 1.00            .90 to 1.00
</TABLE>

           9.2 MINIMUM INTEREST COVERAGE RATIO. The Company shall not permit the
Interest Coverage Ratio to be less than (i) the minimum ratios set forth below
as of the last day of each Quarter of 2001, or (ii) 1.85 to 1.00 as of the last
day of each Quarter thereafter until the Note has been paid in full:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1ST QUARTER              2ND QUARTER             3RD QUARTER           4TH QUARTER
                                                 -----------              -----------             -----------           -----------
<S>                                              <C>                      <C>                     <C>                   <C>
Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio                  1.60 to 1.00             1.60 to 1.00            1.75 to 1.00          1.85 to 1.00
</TABLE>

           9.3 MINIMUM SENIOR FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO. The Company shall not
permit the Senior Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio to be less than (i) the minimum
ratios set forth below as of the last day of each Quarter of 2001, or (ii) 1.05
to 1.00 as of the last day of each Quarter thereafter until the Note has been
paid in full:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1ST QUARTER              2ND QUARTER             3RD QUARTER           4TH QUARTER
                                                 -----------              -----------             -----------           -----------
<S>                                              <C>                      <C>                     <C>                   <C>
Minimum Senior Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio       1.00 to 1.00              .90 to 1.00            1.00 to 1.00          1.05 to 1.00
</TABLE>

Each of the foregoing Financial Tests shall be measured on a rollup basis for
2001, i.e the trailing three months for the first Quarter, the trailing six
months for the second Quarter, the trailing nine months for the third Quarter,
and the trailing twelve months for the fourth Quarter. Beginning with the
Quarter ending March 31, 2002, the Financial Tests shall be measured on a
trailing four-quarter basis.

                                       8
<PAGE>   9
           9.4 MINIMUM STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY. As of the end of each Quarter,
commencing in the Quarter ending March 31, 2001, the consolidated Stockholders'
equity of the Company shall not be less than $7,500,000.

           9.5 DEFINITIONS. The following terms shall have the following
definitions, for purposes of this Section 9 and for all other purposes in this
Purchase Agreement, and such definitions shall replace any definitions for such
terms in the Glossary of Terms. Capitalized terms contained in the following
definitions shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Senior Loan
Agreement.

           (a)       FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO - for any period, the ratio of
                     (i) EBITDA minus federal and state income taxes actually
                     payable during such period, minus, with respect to any
                     period except Borrowers' first Fiscal Quarter of 2001,
                     Capital Expenditures of Borrowers on a combined and
                     consolidated basis net of Purchase Money Debt and
                     Capitalized Lease Obligations with respect thereto, to the
                     extent permitted hereunder and made during the period for
                     which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is to be calculated,
                     to (ii) Fixed Charges during the period for which the Fixed
                     Charge Coverage Ratio is to be calculated.

           (b)        INTEREST COVERAGE RATIO - for any period, the ratio of (i)
                      EBITDA for such period to (ii) Cash Interest Expense for
                      such period.

           (c)       SENIOR FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO - for any period, the
                     ratio of (i) EBITDA minus actual state and federal income
                     taxes payable during such period, minus, with respect to
                     any period except Borrowers' first Fiscal Quarter of 2001,
                     Capital Expenditures of the Borrowers on a combined and
                     consolidated basis net of Purchase Money Debt and
                     Capitalized Lease Obligations with respect thereto, to the
                     extent permitted hereunder and made during the period for
                     which the Senior Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is to be
                     calculated, to (ii) the sum of (a) Cash Interest Expense
                     attributable to Senior Loan, plus (b) payments of principal
                     due on the Term Loan or any Equipment Loan and other Senior
                     Indebtedness (including the principal component of
                     Capitalized Lease Obligations) for the period for which the
                     Senior Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is to be calculated.

                                       9<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 4.14
                       NOTE AND WARRANT PURCHASE AGREEMENT

      This NOTE AND WARRANT PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "AGREEMENT"), dated as
of April 13th, 2001, is by and among BANC ONE CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC ("BOCP"),
a Delaware limited liability company and Small Business Investment Company;
STERLING BOCP, LLC ("STERLING"), a Delaware limited liability company; and
ATLANTIC PREMIUM BRANDS, LTD. ("ATLANTIC"), a Delaware corporation, and its
subsidiaries, Prefco Corp., Carlton Foods Corp., Richards Cajun Foods Corp.,
Grogan's Farm, Inc., and Potter Sausage Co., each a Delaware corporation
(Atlantic and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as the
"MAKERS," and BOCP, Sterling and the Makers are each a "PARTY" and
collectively the "PARTIES").

                                 R E C I T A L S

      WHEREAS, BOCP and the Makers entered into that certain Senior Subordinated
Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement dated as of March 20, 1998 (as amended, the
"NOTE AGREEMENT"), pursuant to which BOCP purchased from the Makers a senior
subordinated note due March 31, 2005 in the principal amount of $6,500,000 (as
amended, the "1998 BOCP NOTE") and purchased from Atlantic a warrant to purchase
666,947 shares of Atlantic nonvoting common stock (the "1998 BOCP FIXED
WARRANT") and a contingent warrant to purchase up to 428,753 shares of Atlantic
nonvoting common stock (the "1998 BOCP CONTINGENT Warrant") (the 1998 BOCP Note,
1998 BOCP Fixed Warrant and 1998 BOCP Contingent Warrant are collectively
referred to herein as the "1998 BOCP SECURITIES");

      WHEREAS, BOCP desires to sell (without recourse, except with respect to
any breach of any of the representations and warranties contained in Articles II
and III or any of the obligations under this Agreement) to Sterling, and
Sterling desires to purchase (without recourse, except with respect to any
breach of any of the representations and warranties contained in Articles II and
III or any of the obligations under this Agreement) from BOCP, ten percent (10%)
of BOCP's interest in the Note Agreement, the 1998 BOCP Securities and certain
related rights and security agreements thereunder;

      WHEREAS, the Makers desire to consent to and facilitate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including by (1) the Makers issuing in
substitution of the 1998 BOCP Note, an amended and substituted senior
subordinated note due March 31, 2005 in the principal amount of $5,850,000
payable to BOCP in the form of Exhibit A (the "2001 BOCP NOTE") and a senior
subordinated note due March 31, 2005 in the principal amount of $650,000 payable
to Sterling in the form of Exhibit B (the "2001 STERLING Note" and, collectively
with the 2001 BOCP Note, the "2001 NOTES"), (2) Atlantic issuing in exchange for
the 1998 BOCP Fixed Warrant, a warrant in the name of BOCP to purchase 600,252
shares of Atlantic's nonvoting common stock in the form of Exhibit C (the "2001
BOCP FIXED WARRANT") and a warrant in the name of Sterling to purchase 66,695
shares of Atlantic's nonvoting common stock in the form of
<PAGE>   2
Exhibit D (the "2001 STERLING FIXED WARRANT"), and (3) Atlantic issuing in
exchange for the 1998 BOCP Contingent Warrant, a contingent warrant in the name
of BOCP to purchase up to 385,878 shares of Atlantic's nonvoting common stock in
the form of Exhibit E (the "2001 BOCP CONTINGENT WARRANT" and, collectively with
the 2001 BOCP Fixed Warrant, the "2001 BOCP WARRANTS") and a contingent warrant
in the name of Sterling to purchase up to 42,875 shares of Atlantic's nonvoting
common stock in the form of Exhibit F (the "2001 STERLING CONTINGENT WARRANT"
and, collectively with the 2001 Sterling Fixed Warrant, the "2001 STERLING
WARRANTS") (the 2001 Sterling Note and 2001 Sterling Warrants are collectively
referred to as the "2001 STERLING SECURITIES," the 2001 BOCP Warrants and the
2001 Sterling Warrants are collectively referred to as the "2001 WARRANTS," and
the 2001 Notes, 2001 BOCP Warrants and 2001 Sterling Warrants are collectively
referred to as the "2001 SECURITIES");

      WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, BOCP and Sterling are executing and delivering an Intercreditor and
Collateral Agency Agreement and Amendment to Security Documents in the form of
Exhibit G (the "COLLATERAL AGENCY AGREEMENT") pursuant to which BOCP, Sterling
and the Makers agree to certain matters relating to the security for the 1998
BOCP Note and the 2001 Notes; and

      WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, BOCP, Sterling and Atlantic are executing and delivering the
following documents in order to provide Sterling with certain other rights
similar to those BOCP received in connection with the Note Agreement: (1)
Amended and Restated Put Option Agreement in the form of Exhibit H, (2) Amended
and Restated Registration Rights Agreement in the form of Exhibit I, (3) Amended
and Restated Shareholders Agreement in the form of Exhibit J, and (4) Amended
and Restated Preemptive Rights Agreement in the form of Exhibit K (collectively,
the "ANCILLARY DOCUMENTS").

                                   AGREEMENTS

      In consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained
and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                            AUTHORIZATION AND CLOSING

      1.1   BOCP Sale of Note and Warrants to Sterling. Subject to the
satisfaction (or waiver) of the conditions set forth in Article V, BOCP shall
sell (without recourse, except with respect to any breach of any of the
representations and warranties contained in Articles II and III or any of the
obligations under this Agreement) to Sterling and Sterling shall purchase
(without recourse, except with respect to any breach of any of the
representations and warranties contained in Articles II and III or any of the
obligations under this Agreement) from BOCP (the

                                       2
<PAGE>   3
"CLOSING") (a) a 10% interest in the Note Agreement and the Security Documents
(as defined in the Collateral Agency Agreement), together with the rights
granted to Sterling under the Ancillary Documents and $650,000 in principal
amount of the 1998 BOCP Note for the aggregate purchase price of $650,000, and
(b) 10% of BOCP's interest in each of the 1998 BOCP Fixed Warrant and the 1998
BOCP Contingent Warrant for the aggregate purchase price of $100.00 (all such
items to be sold pursuant to this Section 1.1 at the Closing are referred to as
the "PURCHASED INTERESTS"). Interest accruing on the indebtedness represented by
the 1998 BOCP Note from and after the Closing Date (as defined below) relating
to the principal amount thereof being purchased by Sterling pursuant to this
Agreement shall accrue to the benefit of Sterling.

      1.2   Closing. The Closing shall be held at the offices of Katten Muchin
Zavis, 525 West Monroe Street, Suite 1600, Chicago, Illinois 60661, on April 13,
2001, at 10:00 a.m., Central time, or at such other time and date as may be
agreed to by the Parties (the "CLOSING DATE").

      1.3   Delivery. At the Closing, (a) BOCP shall surrender to the Makers the
1998 BOCP Securities to be substituted and exchanged for the 2001 Securities,
(b) Sterling shall pay to BOCP the aggregate purchase price for the Purchased
Interests by wire transfer of immediately available funds in accordance with
BOCP's written wire instructions, (c) the Makers shall deliver (i) the 2001 BOCP
Note to BOCP and (ii) the 2001 Sterling Note to Sterling, and (d) Atlantic shall
deliver (i) the 2001 BOCP Warrants to BOCP and (ii) the 2001 Sterling Warrants
to Sterling.

                                   ARTICLE II

                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BOCP

      BOCP hereby represents and warrants to Sterling and Atlantic as follows:

      2.1   Ownership. BOCP acquired and paid for the 1998 BOCP Securities on
March 20, 1998 and has owned the 1998 BOCP Securities at all times since it
acquired the 1998 BOCP Securities. BOCP has not transferred or assigned any
interest in the Note Agreement, any of the Security Documents or any of the
Ancillary Documents. To BOCP's knowledge, there are no defaults under the 1998
BOCP Note except the defaults being waived pursuant to the Waiver (as defined in
Section 5.3(b)). At no time during the two year period preceding each of the
date of this Agreement and the Closing Date has BOCP been, nor shall it be at
any time prior to the Closing, an affiliate (as that term is defined in Rule 144
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 ACT") of Atlantic.

      2.2   Exempt Transfer. Based in part upon Sterling's representations in
Article 3, the offer and sale of the Purchased Interests as contemplated by this
Agreement are exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act
and applicable state securities laws.

                                       3
<PAGE>   4
      2.3   Liens. BOCP holds the 1998 BOCP Securities free and clear of all
liens, taxes and charges and, upon delivery of payment for the portion of the
1998 BOCP Securities being purchased hereunder at the Closing, Sterling will
receive good and marketable title thereto, free and clear of all liens, taxes
and charges.

      2.4   Authorization. This Agreement, the Collateral Agency Agreement, the
Ancillary Documents and each of the other agreements entered into by the Parties
in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
(collectively, the "TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS") to which BOCP is a party have been
duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered on behalf of BOCP and each
is a valid and binding agreement of BOCP enforceable against BOCP in accordance
with its terms, subject as to enforceability of general principles of equity and
to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, liquidation
and other similar laws relating to, or affecting generally, the enforcement of
applicable creditors' rights and remedies.

                                   ARTICLE III

                    REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTIES OF STERLING

      Sterling represents and warrants to BOCP and Atlantic as follows:

      3.1   Information. Sterling is sufficiently sophisticated, knowledgeable
and experienced in financial and business matters as to be capable of
determining and evaluating the merits and risks of investing in Atlantic.
Sterling and its advisors, if any, were furnished by Atlantic with all materials
relating to the business, finances and operations of Atlantic which were
requested by Sterling. Sterling and its advisors, if any, were afforded the
opportunity to ask questions of Atlantic. Sterling has sought such accounting,
legal and tax advice as it has considered necessary to make an investment
decision with respect to its purchase of the 2001 Sterling Securities. Sterling
has conducted its own investigation, to the extent that Sterling has determined
necessary or desirable, in connection with its purchase of the Purchased
Interests and is not relying on any statements of or information from BOCP
concerning Atlantic.

      3.2   Authorization. Each of the Transaction Documents has been duly and
validly authorized, executed and delivered on behalf of Sterling and is a valid
and binding agreement of Sterling enforceable against Sterling in accordance
with its terms, subject as to enforceability of general principles of equity and
to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, liquidation
and other similar laws relating to, or affecting generally, the enforcement of
applicable creditors' rights and remedies.

      3.3   Investment Intent. Sterling is acquiring the 2001 Sterling
Securities for investment for its own account, not as a nominee or agent, and
not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any distribution thereof.
Sterling understands that the sale of the Purchased Interests have not been, and
will not be, subject to a registration statement filed under the 1933 Act or any
applicable state securities laws by reason of a specific exemption from such

                                       4
<PAGE>   5
registration, which exemption may depend upon, among other things, the bona fide
nature of the investment intent and the accuracy of Sterling's representations
as expressed herein.

      3.4   Rule 144. Sterling acknowledges that the 2001 Sterling Securities
are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 promulgated under the
1933 Act and must be held indefinitely unless subsequently registered under the
1933 Act and applicable state securities laws or unless an exemption from such
registration is available. Sterling is aware of and understands the provisions
of Rule 144.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                              CONSENT AND AMENDMENT

      4.1   Amendment of Note Agreement. The Makers and BOCP hereby amend the
Note Agreement as set forth in this Section 4.1 to provide Sterling with certain
rights thereunder after the Closing, and Sterling hereby agrees to be bound by
the Note Agreement in the capacity of a Purchaser thereunder in connection with
events, rights and obligations occurring or existing after the Closing Date.

            (a)   For purposes of Section 6 of the Note Agreement, both BOCP and
      Sterling shall each be the "Purchaser," such that all notices, information
      or reports to the Purchaser shall be given to each of BOCP and Sterling,
      so long as each continues to hold a 2001 Note. At such time as BOCP or
      Sterling no longer holds a 2001 Note, all references, directly or
      indirectly, to the "Purchaser" in Section 6 of the Note Agreement shall
      refer solely to the remaining holder of a 2001 Note. For purposes of
      Sections 7, 8, 9 and 11 of the Note Agreement, all references, directly or
      indirectly, to the "Purchaser" shall be to the Majority Noteholder (as
      defined below), such that all waivers, consents or actions of the
      Purchaser pursuant to such Sections shall be given or taken by the
      Majority Noteholder; provided, however, that no such waiver, consent or
      action shall be effective unless (i) it applies to and affects all holders
      of 2001 Notes or 2001 Warrants, as applicable, similarly, and (ii) each
      holder of a 2001 Note or 2001 Warrant, as applicable, receives its pro
      rata share (based on the principal amount then outstanding under the 2001
      Notes, or the number of shares issued or then issuable upon exercise of
      the 2001 Warrants, as applicable) of any consideration received by the
      Majority Noteholder in connection with such waiver, consent or action. For
      purposes of this Section 4.1, "MAJORITY NOTEHOLDER" shall mean the holder
      of at least 51% of the aggregate principal amount then outstanding under
      the 2001 Notes; except with respect to the 2001 Warrants and the Ancillary
      Documents, in which case "Majority Noteholder" shall mean the holder
      representing at least 51% of the aggregate number of shares issued or then
      issuable upon exercise of the 2001 Warrants.

            (b)   Solely for purposes of the 2001 Notes, Section 11.2(a) of the
      Note Agreement shall be disregarded and the Parties alternatively agree
      that (1) the 2001 BOCP Note shall be amended, restated, supplemented or
      otherwise modified, in whole or in part, only by an express written
      agreement executed and delivered by each of the Makers and BOCP; provided
      that Sterling shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to

                                       5
<PAGE>   6
      have the same changes made to the 2001 Sterling Note; and (2) the 2001
      Sterling Note shall be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise
      modified, in whole or in part, only by an express written agreement
      executed and delivered by each of the Makers and Sterling; provided,
      however, that any changes to the term, interest rate, principal amount or
      payment terms of the 2001 Sterling Note (other than those that adversely
      affect the rights and preferences of Sterling) shall require the prior
      written consent of BOCP for so long as BOCP holds the 2001 BOCP Note.

            (c)   Solely for purposes of the 2001 Warrants, Section 11.2(a) of
      the Note Agreement shall be disregarded and the Parties alternatively
      agree that (1) a 2001 BOCP Warrant shall be amended, modified or restated,
      in whole or in part, only by an express written agreement executed and
      delivered by each of Atlantic and BOCP; provided that Sterling shall have
      the right, in its sole discretion, to have the same changes made to the
      equivalent 2001 Sterling Warrant; and (2) a 2001 Sterling Warrant shall be
      amended, modified or restated, in whole or in part, only by an express
      written agreement executed and delivered by each of Atlantic and Sterling;
      provided, however, that any changes to a 2001 Sterling Warrant (other than
      those that adversely affect the rights and preferences of Sterling) shall
      require the prior written consent of BOCP for so long as BOCP holds a 2001
      BOCP Warrant.

            (d)   From and after the Closing Date, all references to the "Note"
      in the Note Agreement shall mean the 2001 Notes collectively.

      4.2   Consent of Makers. Each of the Makers consents to BOCP's sale to
Sterling of the Purchased Interests and to the transactions contemplated by each
of the Transaction Documents for purposes of the Note Agreement, including
Section 11.14(b) thereof, and all documents entered into in connection with the
Note Agreement.

                                    ARTICLE V

                              CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

      5.1   Conditions to Sterling's Obligation to Purchase. The obligation of
Sterling to purchase (without recourse, except with respect to any breach of any
of the representations and warranties contained in Articles II and III or any of
the obligations under this Agreement) the Purchased Interests from BOCP at the
Closing is subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the Closing Date, of each
of the following conditions, provided that these conditions are for Sterling's
sole benefit and may be waived by Sterling at any time in its sole discretion:

            (a)   Representations and Warranties Correct. The representations
      and warranties made by BOCP in Article II shall be true and correct as of
      the date when made and as of the Closing Date as though made at that time.

            (b)   Performance. All covenants, agreements and conditions
      contained in the Transaction Documents to be performed or complied with by
      BOCP at or prior to the

                                       6
<PAGE>   7
      Closing shall have been performed or complied with by BOCP at or prior to
      the Closing Date.

            (c)   Delivery of 2001 Securities. The Makers shall have executed
      and delivered to Sterling the 2001 Sterling Note and Atlantic shall have
      executed and delivered to Sterling the 2001 Sterling Warrants.

            (d)   Execution of Documents. Each of BOCP and the Makers shall have
      executed each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and
      delivered the same to Sterling.

      5.2   Conditions to BOCP's Obligation to Sell. The obligation of BOCP to
sell (without recourse, except with respect to any breach of any of the
representations and warranties contained in Articles II and III or any of the
obligations under this Agreement) the Purchased Interests to Sterling at the
Closing is subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the Closing Date, of each
of the following conditions, provided that these conditions are for BOCP's sole
benefit and may be waived by BOCP at any time in its sole discretion:

            (a)   Representations and Warranties Correct. The representations
      and warranties made by Sterling in Article III shall be true and correct
      as of the date when made and as of the Closing Date as though made at that
      time.

            (b)   Performance. All covenants, agreements and conditions
      contained in the Transaction Documents to be performed or complied with by
      Sterling at or prior to the Closing shall have been performed or complied
      with by Sterling at or prior to the Closing Date.

            (c)   Payment. Sterling shall have delivered to BOCP $650,100.00 by
      wire transfer of immediately available funds pursuant to the written wire
      instructions provided by BOCP.

            (d)   Delivery of 2001 Securities. The Makers shall have executed
      and delivered to BOCP the 2001 BOCP Note and Atlantic shall have executed
      and delivered to BOCP the 2001 BOCP Warrants.

            (e)   Execution of Documents. Each of Sterling and the Makers shall
      have executed each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and
      delivered the same to BOCP.

      5.3   Conditions to the Makers' Obligations to Deliver the 2001
Securities. The obligation of the Makers to deliver the 2001 Securities to BOCP
and Sterling, as applicable, at the Closing is subject to the satisfaction, at
or prior to the Closing Date of each of the following conditions, provided that
these conditions are for the Makers' sole benefit and may be waived by the
Makers at any time in their sole discretion:

                                       7
<PAGE>   8
            (a)   Execution of Documents. Each of BOCP and Sterling shall have
      executed each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and
      delivered the same to the Makers.

            (b)   BCOP Waiver and Amendment. BOCP shall have executed a Limited
      Waiver of Covenants Under and Amendment to Senior Subordinated Note and
      Warrant Purchase Agreement waiving certain financial covenants under the
      Note Agreement for the periods ending June 30, 2000, September 30, 2000
      and December 31, 2000 and amending the Note Agreement in a form
      satisfactory to the Makers (the "WAIVER").

            (c)   Delivery of 1998 BOCP Securities. BOCP shall have delivered to
      the Makers the 1998 BOCP Securities to be substituted and exchanged for
      the 2001 Securities at the Closing.

            (d)   Representations and Warranties Correct. The representations
      and warranties made by BOCP and Sterling in Articles II and III,
      respectively, shall be true and correct as of the date when made and as of
      the Closing Date as though made at that time.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

      6.1   Consent to Amendments; Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement may
be amended or waived at any time only by the written agreement of the Parties.
Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of
any Party of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement must be made in
writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such
writing. No course of dealing between the Parties and no delay in exercising any
right, remedy, or power conferred hereby or by the Transaction Documents, or now
or hereafter existing at law or under equity, by statute or otherwise, shall
operate as a waiver of or otherwise prejudice any such right, power or remedy.

      6.2   Representations and Warranties. Unless this Agreement is terminated
under Section 6.11, all representations and warranties contained herein or made
in writing by any party in connection herewith shall survive the Closing for a
period ending one (1) year from the Closing.

      6.3   Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and assigns,
including any subsequent holders of the 2001 Sterling Securities.

      6.4   Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement
will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable
law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be prohibited by or
invalid under applicable law, such provision will

                                       8
<PAGE>   9
be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without
invalidating the remainder of this Agreement.

      6.5   Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings of this Agreement are
inserted for convenience of reference only and do not constitute a part of and
shall not be utilized in interpreting this Agreement.

      6.6   Notices. Any notices required or permitted to be sent hereunder
shall be delivered personally or mailed, certified mail, return receipt
requested, or delivered by overnight courier service to the following addresses,
or such other address as any Party hereto designates by written notice to the
other, and shall be deemed to have been given upon delivery, if delivered
personally, three days after mailing, if mailed, or one business day after
delivery to the courier, if delivered by overnight courier service:

      If to BOCP, to:

            Banc One Capital Partners, LLC
            191 West Nationwide Blvd.
            Suite 600
            Columbus, Ohio 43215
            Attention:  General Counsel
            Telephone:  614-246-2440
            Fax:        614-246-2441

      If to the Sterling, to:

            Sterling BOCP, LLC
            650 Dundee Road, Suite 370
            Northbrook, IL  60062
            Attention:  Tom D. Wippman
            Telephone:  847-480-4000
            Fax:        847-480-0199

      6.7   Governing Law. All questions concerning the construction, validity
and interpretation of this Agreement, and the performance of the obligations
imposed by this Agreement, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio
without regard to conflicts of laws principles.

      6.8   Exhibits. All exhibits hereto are an integral part of this
Agreement.

      6.9   Final Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Transaction
Documents and the Waiver, constitutes the complete and final agreement of the
Parties concerning the matters referred to herein, and supersedes all prior
agreements and understandings except for the Note Agreement and the agreements
entered into between BOCP and the Makers thereunder.

                                       9
<PAGE>   10
      6.10  Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be
deemed an original, and such counterparts together shall constitute one
instrument.

      6.11  Termination. In the event that the Closing shall not have occurred
on or before April 17, 2001 due to a Party's failure to satisfy the condition
set forth in Article V (and the nonbreaching party's failure to waive such
unsatisfied condition(s)), a nonbreaching Party shall have the option to
terminate this Agreement without liability of any Party to any Party.

                  [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

                                       10
<PAGE>   11
      The Parties have executed this Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement as of
the date first set forth above.

                              BOCP:
                              BANC ONE CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC

                              By:         /s/ JAMES J. HENSON
                                    ------------------------------
                              Name:       JAMES J. HENSON
                                    ------------------------------
                              Title:      Authorized Signer
                                    ------------------------------

                              STERLING:
                              STERLING BOCP, LLC

                              By:         /s/ STEVEN M. TASLITZ
                                    ------------------------------
                              Name:       STEVEN M. TASLITZ
                                    ------------------------------
                              Title:      Manager
                                    ------------------------------

                              THE MAKERS:
                              ATLANTIC PREMIUM BRANDS, LTD.

                              By:         /s/ MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                    ------------------------------
                              Name:       MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                    ------------------------------
                              Title:      Chairman
                                    ------------------------------

                              PREFCO CORP.

                              By:         /s/ MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                    ------------------------------
                              Name:       MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                    ------------------------------
                              Title:      Chairman
                                    ------------------------------

                              CARLTON FOODS CORP.

                              By:         /s/ MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                    ------------------------------
                              Name:       MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                    ------------------------------
                              Title:      Chairman
                                    ------------------------------
<PAGE>   12
                              RICHARDS CAJUN FOODS CORP.

                              By:         /s/ MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                    ------------------------------
                              Name:       MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                    ------------------------------
                              Title:      Chairman
                                    ------------------------------

                              GROGAN'S FARM, INC.

                              By:         /s/ MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                    ------------------------------
                              Name:       MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                    ------------------------------
                              Title:      Chairman
                                    ------------------------------

                              POTTER SAUSAGE CO.

                              By:         /s/ MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                    ------------------------------
                              Name:       MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                    ------------------------------
                              Title:      Chairman
                                    ------------------------------
<PAGE>   13
                                    EXHIBITS

      A           Form of 2001 BOCP Note

      B           Form of 2001 Sterling Note

      C           Form of 2001 BOCP Fixed Warrant

      D           Form of 2001 Sterling Fixed Warrant

      E           Form of 2001 BOCP Contingent Warrant

      F           Form of 2001 Sterling Contingent Warrant

      G           Form of Collateral Agency Agreement

      H           Form of Amended and Restated Put Option Agreement

      I           Form of Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement

      J           Form of Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement

      K           Form of Amended and Restated Preemptive Rights Agreement
<PAGE>   14
                                     CONSENT

      Fleet Capital Corporation hereby consents to and approves (i) BOCP's sale
to Sterling of the Purchased Interests, and (ii) the transactions contemplated
by each of the Transaction Documents, for purposes of the Debt Subordination
Agreement dated March 20, 1998 among BOCP, the Makers and the undersigned,
including clauses (iv) and (v) of Section 4, Section 7(b) and Section 17
thereof.

      Capitalized terms used in this Consent have the meanings ascribed to them
in that certain Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement dated as of April 13th, 2001
to which this Consent relates.

Dated as of April 13th, 2001.

                                          FLEET CAPITAL CORPORATION

                                          By:         /s/ ROLAND J. ROBINSON
                                                ------------------------------
                                          Name:       ROLAND J. ROBINSON
                                                ------------------------------
                                          Title:      SVP
                                                ------------------------------
<PAGE>   15
                JOINDER AGREEMENT TO SUBORDINATION AGREEMENTS

      This Joinder Agreement (this "Agreement") is made and entered into this
13th day of April, 2001, by and among Fleet Capital Corporation ("Fleet"),
Sterling BOCP, LLC ("Sterling"), Banc One Capital Partners, LLC ("BOCP") and
Atlantic Premium Brands, Ltd. and its subsidiaries, Prefco Corp., Carlton
Foods Corp., Richards Cajun Foods Corp., Grogan's Farm, Inc., and Potter
Sausage Co., each a Delaware corporation (collectively referred to herein as
the "Makers").  Capitalized terms used in this Agreement have the meanings
ascribed to them in that certain Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement dated as
of April 13th, 2001 (the "Sterling Purchase Agreement").

                                    Recitals

      A.    BOCP, the Makers and Fleet are parties to a Debt Subordination
Agreement (the "Debt Subordination Agreement") and a Lien Subordination
Agreement (the "Lien Subordination Agreement"), both dated March 20, 1998
(collectively, the "Subordination Agreements");

      B.    BOCP desires to sell to Sterling, and Sterling desires to purchase
from BOCP, the Purchased Interests pursuant to the Sterling Purchase Agreement;

      C.    The Purchased Interests relate, in part, to the Subordinated Debt
(as defined in the Debt Subordination Agreement) and related Liens (as defined
in the Lien Subordination Agreement); and

      D.    Section 21 of the Lien Subordination Agreement requires Sterling to
agree in writing to be bound by the terms of the Lien Subordination Agreement
the same as if an original signatory thereto, and clause (iv) of Section 4 of
the Debt Subordination Agreement may require Sterling to agree in writing with
Fleet to be bound by the terms of the Debt Subordination Agreement.

      NOW, THEREFORE, for TEN DOLLARS ($10.00) in hand paid and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
severally acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound
hereby, agree as follows:

                                    AGREEMENT

      1.    Sterling by its signature below becomes a Subordinated Creditor
under each of the Subordination Agreements with the same force and effect as if
Sterling was originally named therein as a Subordinated Creditor. Sterling
hereby agrees to all the terms and provisions of each of the Subordination
Agreements applicable to it as a Subordinated Creditor thereunder. Each
reference to "Subordinated Creditor" in each of the Subordination Agreements
shall be deemed to include Sterling. Each of the Subordination Agreements is
hereby incorporated herein by reference.

      2.    Sterling represents and warrants to Fleet that this Agreement has
been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Sterling and constitutes a
legal, valid and binding
<PAGE>   16
obligation of Sterling, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms,
except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors rights
generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such
enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).

      3.    Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the
parties hereto agree that nothing herein shall be deemed to amend or modify any
provision of the Subordination Agreements, each of which shall remain in full
force and effect. This Agreement is not intended to be, nor shall it be
construed to create, a novation or accord and satisfaction, and each of the
Subordination Agreements as herein modified shall continue in full force and
effect.

      4.    This Agreement and each of the Subordination Agreements, embody the
entire understanding and agreement between the parties hereto and thereto with
respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersede all prior
agreements, understandings and inducements, whether express or implied, oral or
written.

      5.    This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by
the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so
executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts
shall constitute but one and the same agreement.

      6.    This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in
accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia without regard to the conflict
of laws principles thereof. THE PARTIES HERETO EACH HEREBY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO
TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, SUIT, COUNTERCLAIM OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR
RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT.
<PAGE>   17
      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Joinder
Agreement to Subordination Agreements under seal as of the date and year first
above written.

Dated as of April 13th, 2001

                                    STERLING BOCP, LLC

                                    By:   /s/ STEVEN M. TASLITZ
                                       ---------------------------------
                                    Name:   STEVEN M. TASLITZ
                                         -------------------------------
                                    Title:       Manager
                                          ------------------------------

                                    FLEET CAPITAL CORPORATION

                                    By:   /s/ ROLAND J. ROBINSON
                                       ---------------------------------
                                    Name:   ROLAND J. ROBINSON
                                         -------------------------------
                                    Title:         SVP
                                          ------------------------------

                                    BANC ONE CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC

                                    By:   /s/ JAMES J. HENSON
                                       ---------------------------------
                                    Name:   JAMES J. HENSON
                                         -------------------------------
                                    Title:   Authorized Signer
                                          ------------------------------

                                    ATLANTIC PREMIUM BRANDS, LTD.

                                    By:         /s/ MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                          ------------------------------
                                    Name:       MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                          ------------------------------
                                    Title:      Chairman
                                          ------------------------------

                                    PREFCO CORP.

                                    By:         /s/ MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                          ------------------------------
                                    Name:       MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                          ------------------------------
                                    Title:      Chairman
                                          ------------------------------
<PAGE>   18
                                    CARLTON FOODS CORP.

                                    By:         /s/ MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                          ------------------------------
                                    Name:       MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                          ------------------------------
                                    Title:      Chairman
                                          ------------------------------

                                    RICHARDS CAJUN FOODS CORP.

                                    By:         /s/ MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                          ------------------------------
                                    Name:       MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                          ------------------------------
                                    Title:      Chairman
                                          ------------------------------

                                    GROGAN'S FARM, INC.

                                    By:         /s/ MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                          ------------------------------
                                    Name:       MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                          ------------------------------
                                    Title:      Chairman
                                          ------------------------------

                                    POTTER SAUSAGE CO.

                                    By:         /s/ MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                          ------------------------------
                                    Name:       MERRICK M. ELFMAN
                                          ------------------------------
                                    Title:      Chairman
                                          ------------------------------

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