Document:

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.15

                              AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE

                  This AMENDMENT TO LOAN AGREEMENT ("Amendment") dated as of
this 31st day of March 2000, among FLEET CAPITAL CORPORATION, as Agent, the
financial institutions party to the Loan Agreement (as defined below) as
Lenders, and RESTORATION HARDWARE, INC. and THE MICHAELS FURNITURE COMPANY, INC.
(each a "Borrower" and collectively "Borrowers"), is made in reference to the
following facts:

                  A. Agent, Lenders and Borrowers have previously entered into
that certain Fifth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of
February 2, 2000 ("Loan Agreement") and various agreements and instruments
collateral thereto (collectively with the Loan Agreement, the "Loan Documents").
All capitalized terms used herein, unless otherwise defined herein, shall have
the meanings set forth in the Loan Documents.

                  B. Without waiving any of Agent's or Lenders' rights and
remedies, Agent and Lenders are willing to amend the Loan Agreement on the terms
and subject to the conditions set forth in this Amendment. Borrowers are
entering into this Amendment with the understanding and agreement that, except
as specifically provided herein, none of Agent's or Lenders' rights or remedies
as set forth in the Loan Documents is being waived or modified by the terms of
this Amendment.

                  NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing agreed upon
recitals and the terms and conditions hereof, the parties do hereby agree as
follows:

                  1.                Section 2.7 of the Loan Agreement is amended
by deleting "$20,000" and substituting "$30,000" in lieu thereof.

                  2.                Section 8.1.5 of the Loan Agreement is
amended by deleting it in its entirety and replacing it with the following:

                           "Projections. Not later than 30 days prior to the end
                  of each fiscal year of Borrowers, deliver to Agent and each
                  Lender Projections of Borrowers for the forthcoming three
                  years, year by year, and month by month, in the same form as
                  that previously delivered to the Agent. Lenders and Agent
                  recognize that, since Restoration is a public company within
                  the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, any projections
                  provided to Agent and Lenders could be insider information and
                  agree that in such cases they shall keep such information
                  confidential in accordance with their usual business
                  practices."

                  3.                Section 8.1.8 of the Loan Agreement is
amended by deleting it in its entirety and replacing it with the following:

                           "Borrowing Base Certificate. Not later than 15 days
                  after the end of every month, Borrower shall certify to Agent
                  in writing that the outstanding Loans and Letters of Credit
                  are within the limitations of the Borrowing Base.
                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the initial six months
                  after the Closing Date, Borrower shall deliver a borrowing
                  base certificate on the first day of the week for the
                  preceding week. In addition, a borrowing base certificate
                  shall be delivered

                                       1
<PAGE>   2
by Borrower to Agent on the first day of the week for the preceding week during
any period in which Availability declines below $10,000,000. All borrowing base
certificates shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent."

                  4.                A new Section 8.1.11 is added to the Loan
Agreement to read as follows:

                           " 8.1.11 Lease Payments. Not later than 15 days after
                  the end of every month, Borrowers shall deliver an Officer's
                  Certificate to Agent certifying that all real property lease
                  payments are current except those subject to a good faith
                  business dispute."

                  5.                A new Section 8.1.12 is added to the Loan
Agreement to read as follows:

                           "8.1.12 Capital Contributions. Upon the Availability
                  first being less than $7,500,000, Borrowers shall forthwith
                  use its best commercial efforts to commence negotiations to
                  obtain additional capital from third party investors
                  (including in the form of equity or subordinated debt which
                  shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
                  Agent) in an aggregate amount at least equal to $5,000,000."

                  6.                Section 8.2.8 of the Loan Agreement is
amended by deleting it in its entirety and replacing it with the following:

                           "Capital Expenditures. Make aggregate Capital
                  Expenditures gross of landlord allowances (including, without
                  limitation, by way of capitalized leases) which, in the
                  aggregate, exceed the amounts set forth below during the
                  corresponding fiscal year:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             Fiscal Year                               Amount
                  ----------------------------------                 -----------
<S>                                                                  <C>
                  Fiscal Year ended January 31, 2001                 $29,000,000
                  Fiscal Year ended January 31, 2002                 $43,000,000
                  Fiscal Year ended January 31, 2003                 $58,000,000"
</TABLE>

                  7.                Section 8.3.1 of the Loan Agreement is
amended by deleting it in its entirety and replacing it with the following:

                           "EBITDA. Achieve EBITDA, measured on a rolling four
                  fiscal quarter basis, of not less than the following
                  respective amounts as of the end of the following respective
                  fiscal quarters:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   Fiscal Quarter ending                              Amount
                   ---------------------                              ------
<S>                                                                 <C>
                   April 30, 2000                                   $ 3,800,000
                   July 31, 2000                                    $ 2,900,000
                   October 31, 2000                                 $ 3,400,000
                   January 31, 2001                                 $13,500,000
                   April 30, 2001                                   $18,100,000
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   Fiscal Quarter ending                              Amount
                   ---------------------                              ------
<S>                                                                 <C>
                   July 31, 2001                                    $20,500,000
                   October 31, 2001                                 $24,500,000
                   January 31, 2002                                 $30,000,000
                   April 30, 2002                                   $33,600,000
                   July 31, 2002                                    $36,300,000
                   October 31, 2002                                 $39,800,000
                   January 31, 2003 and thereafter                  $50,200,000"
</TABLE>

                   8.                Section 8.3.2 of the Loan Agreement is
amended by deleting it in its entirety and replacing it with the following:

                  "Debt to EBITDA. Have a ratio of consolidated Funded Debt,
         including Capitalized Lease Obligations (determined in accordance with
         GAAP) to EBITDA of not more than the amount shown below as of the end
         of the corresponding fiscal quarter, to be measured on a rolling four
         fiscal quarter basis.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     Fiscal Quarter ending                   Amount
                ------------------------------------         ------
<S>                                                          <C>
                April 30, 2000                                 8.20
                July 31, 2000                                 13.90
                October 31, 2000                              16.90
                January 31, 2001                               2.50
                April 30, 2001                                 2.60
                July 31, 2001                                  2.10
                October 31, 2001                               2.40
                January 31, 2002                               2.00
                April 30, 2002                                 2.00
                July 31, 2002                                  2.00
                October 31, 2002                               2.00
                January 31, 2003 and thereafter                2.00
</TABLE>

                  For future periods during the term of this Agreement Agent and
         all Lenders may establish financial covenants in their reasonable
         credit judgment (based upon similar criteria to those used by Agent for
         the existing covenants and the projections previously delivered to
         Agent) for those financial covenants contained in subsections 8.2.8,
         8.3.1 and 8.3.2."

                  9.                A new Section 11.11 is added to the Loan
Agreement to read as follows::

                           "11.11 Syndication. Agent and Arranger will manage
                  all aspect of the syndication, including the selection of
                  Lenders, the determination of when Agent and Arranger will
                  approach potential Lenders and the final allocations among the
                  Lenders. The Borrower agrees to provide reasonable assistance
                  to Agent and Arranger to actively achieve a timely syndication
                  that is reasonably satisfactory to Agent and Arranger, such
                  assistance to include, among other things, (a) direct

                                       3
<PAGE>   4
                  contact during the syndication between the Borrowers' senior
                  officers, representatives and advisors, on the one hand, and
                  prospective Lenders, on the other hand, at such times and
                  places as Agent and Arranger may reasonably request, (b)
                  providing to Agent and Arranger all financial and other
                  information with respect to the Borrower and the transactions
                  contemplated hereby that Agent and Arranger may reasonably
                  request, including but not limited to financial projections
                  relating to the foregoing, and (c) assistance in the
                  preparation of a confidential information memorandum and other
                  marketing materials to be used in connection with the
                  syndication. Agent and Arranger shall be entitled, after
                  consultation with the Borrowers, to change the pricing,
                  structure, terms and amount of any portion of the credit
                  facility contemplated hereby if Agent and Arranger determine
                  that such changes are advisable in order to ensure a
                  successful syndication or an optimal credit structure for the
                  credit facility, so long as the aggregate amount of the
                  Commitment is not reduced. The Borrowers agree that, prior
                  to and during the syndication of the credit facility, the
                  Borrowers will not permit any offering, placement or
                  arrangement of any competing issues of public debt securities
                  or commercial bank facilities of Restoration and/or any of its
                  subsidiaries."

                 10. Appendix A - General Definitions of the Loan Agreement is
amended by adding the following definition in its appropriate alphabetical
order:

                         "Arranger"  - means FleetBoston Robertson Stephens Inc.

                 11. The definition of "Borrowing Base" in Appendix A - General
Definitions of the Loan Agreement is amended by deleting it in its entirety and
replacing it with the following:

                           "Borrowing Base - as at any date of determination
                 thereof, an amount equal to the sum of:

                                    (a) up to 85% of the average net liquidation
                           value of Eligible Inventory of Restoration (based on
                           an annual weighted average, subject to change based
                           on the then current appraised value). Provided,
                           however, if no Event of Default has occurred and is
                           continuing, such appraisals shall not, unless
                           requested by Restoration (in which case, the cost
                           thereof shall not be counted for purposes of Section
                           2.7 of the Loan Agreement), be more frequently than
                           quarterly; plus

                                    (b) up to 25% of the cost value of Eligible
                           Inventory of Michaels; plus

                                    (c) up to 85% of the value of Eligible
                           Accounts of Michaels.

                  Provided, not more than $10,000,000 in the aggregate may be
                  borrowed under (b) and (c) above."

                                       4
<PAGE>   5
             12. The definition of "Libor Rate" in Appendix A - General
Definitions of the Loan Agreement is amended by deleting "1/16" wherever it
appears therein and substituting "1/8" in lieu thereof.

             13. Except as amended by the terms herein, the Loan Documents
remain in full force and effect in accordance with their terms. If there is any
conflict between the terms and provisions of this Amendment, the terms and
provisions of Amendment Number One and the Loan Documents, the terms and
provisions of this Amendment shall govern.

             14. This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall
constitute one and the same instrument.

             15. This Amendment shall be governed by and construed according to
the laws of the State of California.

             16. The Loan Documents, subject to the foregoing terms and
conditions provided by this Amendment, constitute the complete agreement of the
parties hereto with respect to the subject matters referred to herein and
supersede all prior or contemporaneous negotiations, promises, agreements, or
representations, all of which have become merged and finally integrated into the
Loan Documents and this Amendment.

             17. Borrower agrees to pay, on demand, all attorneys' fees and
costs incurred in connection with the negotiation, documentation and execution
of this Amendment. If any legal action or proceeding shall be commenced at any
time by any party to this Amendment in connection with its interpretation or
enforcement, the prevailing party or parties in such action or proceeding shall
be entitled to reimbursement of its reasonable attorneys' fees and costs in
connection therewith, in addition to all other relief to which the prevailing
party or parties may be entitled.

                           FLEET CAPITAL CORPORATION,
                           as Agent and Lender
                           By: /s/ MATT VAN STEEHUYSE
                           Its: Senior Vice President

                           RESTORATION HARDWARE, INC.
                           By:  /s/ WALTER PARKS
                           Its: Chief Administrative Officer

                           THE MICHAELS FURNITURE COMPANY, INC.
                           By: ________________________________
                           Its: ________________________________

                                       5<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 10.1

                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                                ----------------

                                      AMONG

                      DAIRY MART CONVENIENCE STORES, INC.,

                                    THE BANKS
                        FROM TIME TO TIME PARTIES HERETO

                                       AND

                          CITIZENS BANK OF CONNECTICUT
                                    AS AGENT

                      $30,000,000 REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

                         DATED AS OF DECEMBER    , 1999

                                        i
<PAGE>   2

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                -----------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                              PAGE
<S>                                                                                                           <C>
SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS..........................................................................................1
     1.1      Defined Terms......................................................................................1
     1.2      Other Definitional Provisions.....................................................................18
     1.3      Change in Accounting Principles...................................................................18
SECTION 2.  AMOUNT AND TERMS OF COMMITMENTS.....................................................................18
     2.1      Revolving Credit Commitments......................................................................18
     2.2      Designation of Interest Rates; LIBOR Interest Periods.............................................19
     2.3      Interest Rates and Payment Dates..................................................................19
     2.4      Procedure for Borrowing...........................................................................20
     2.5      Conversion and Continuation Options...............................................................21
     2.6      Minimum Amounts and Maximum Number of Tranches....................................................21
     2.7      Revolving Credit Notes............................................................................22
     2.8      Fees..............................................................................................22
     2.9      Termination or Reduction of Revolving Credit Commitments..........................................22
     2.10     Optional Prepayments..............................................................................22
     2.11     Mandatory Prepayments; Cash Collateralizations....................................................23
     2.12     Computation of Interest and Fees..................................................................23
     2.13     Inability to Determine Interest Rate..............................................................24
     2.14     Pro Rata Treatment and Payments...................................................................24
     2.15     Extension of Termination Date.....................................................................25
     2.16     Annual Clean-Down of Revolving Credit Loans.......................................................26
     2.17     Illegality........................................................................................26
     2.18     Requirements of Law...............................................................................26
     2.19     Taxes.............................................................................................27
     2.20     Indemnity.........................................................................................29
SECTION 3.  LETTERS OF CREDIT...................................................................................30
     3.1      L/C Commitment....................................................................................30
     3.2      Procedure for Issuance of Letters of Credit.......................................................30
     3.3      Fees, Commissions and Other Charges...............................................................31
     3.4      Reimbursement Obligation of the Company...........................................................32
     3.5      L/C Draws and Reimbursements......................................................................32
     3.6      Obligations Absolute..............................................................................33
     3.7      Letter of Credit Payments.........................................................................33
     3.8      Application.......................................................................................34
SECTION 4.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES......................................................................34
     4.1      Financial Condition...............................................................................34
     4.2      No Change.........................................................................................35
     4.3      Corporate Existence; Compliance with Law..........................................................35
          4.4 Corporate Power, Authorization; Enforceable Obligations ..........................................35

</TABLE>

                                       i
<PAGE>   3

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                                                                            <C>
     4.5      No Legal Bar......................................................................................36
     4.6      No Material Litigation............................................................................36
     4.7      No Default........................................................................................36
     4.8      Ownership of Property; Liens......................................................................36
     4.9      Intellectual Property.............................................................................37
     4.10     No Burdensome Restrictions........................................................................37
     4.11     Taxes.............................................................................................37
     4.12     Federal Regulations...............................................................................37
     4.13     ERISA.............................................................................................37
     4.14     Investment Company Act; Other Regulations.........................................................38
     4.15     Subsidiaries......................................................................................38
     4.16     Purpose of Loans..................................................................................38
     4.17     Environmental Matters.............................................................................38
     4.18     Security Documents................................................................................39
     4.19     Company Senior Indebtedness.......................................................................40
SECTION 5.  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT................................................................................40
     5.1      Conditions to Initial Extension of Credit.........................................................40
     5.2      Conditions to Each Extension of Credit............................................................43
SECTION 6.  AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS...............................................................................44
     6.1      Financial Statements..............................................................................44
     6.2      Certificates; Other Information...................................................................45
     6.3      Payment of Obligations............................................................................46
     6.4      Conduct of Business and Maintenance of Existence..................................................46
     6.5      Maintenance of Property; Insurance................................................................47
     6.6      Inspection of Property; Books and Records; Discussions............................................47
     6.7      Notices...........................................................................................47
     6.8      Environmental Laws................................................................................48
     6.9      Additional Designated Subsidiaries................................................................49
     6.10     Further Assurances................................................................................50
SECTION 7.  NEGATIVE COVENANTS..................................................................................50
     7.1      Financial Condition Covenants.....................................................................50
     7.2      Limitation on Indebtedness........................................................................51
     7.3      Limitation on Liens...............................................................................52
     7.4      Limitation on Guarantee Obligations...............................................................53
     7.5      Limitations on Fundamental Changes................................................................53
     7.6      Limitations on Sale of Assets.....................................................................54
     7.7      Limitation on Restricted Payments.................................................................54
     7.8      Limitation on Capital Expenditures................................................................55
     7.9      Limitation on Investments, Loans and Advances.....................................................55
     7.10     Limitation on Optional Payments and Modifications of Debt Instruments.............................57
     7.11     Transactions with Affiliates......................................................................57
     7.12     Sale and Leaseback................................................................................57
     7.13     Corporate Documents; Name/Location of Assets......................................................57
     7.14     Fiscal Year.......................................................................................58

</TABLE>

                                       ii
<PAGE>   4

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                                                                           <C>
     7.15     Limitation on Negative Pledge Clauses.............................................................58
SECTION 8.  EVENTS OF DEFAULT...................................................................................58
SECTION 9.  THE AGENT...........................................................................................62
     9.1      Appointment.......................................................................................62
     9.2      Delegation of Duties..............................................................................62
     9.3      Exculpatory Provisions............................................................................62
     9.4      Reliance by Agent.................................................................................63
     9.5      Notice of Default.................................................................................63
     9.6      Non-Reliance on Agent and Other Banks.............................................................63
     9.7      Indemnification...................................................................................64
     9.8      Agent in Its Individual Capacity..................................................................64
     9.9      Successor Agent...................................................................................64
SECTION 10.  MISCELLANEOUS......................................................................................65
     10.1     Amendments and Waivers............................................................................65
     10.2     Notices...........................................................................................65
     10.3     No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies....................................................................66
     10.4     Survival of Representations and Warranties........................................................67
     10.5     Payment of Expenses and Taxes.....................................................................67
     10.6     Successors and Assigns; Participations; Purchasing Banks..........................................68
     10.7     Adjustments; Set-off..............................................................................71
     10.8     Counterparts......................................................................................71
     10.9     Severability......................................................................................72
     10.10    Integration.......................................................................................72
     10.11    Governing Law.....................................................................................72
     10.12    Submission to Jurisdiction; Waivers...............................................................72
     10.13    Acknowledgments...................................................................................73
     10.14    WAIVERS OF JURY TRIAL; COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS....................................................73

</TABLE>

                                      iii
<PAGE>   5

                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

         CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of December __, 1999 by and among DAIRY MART
CONVENIENCE STORES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), the banks and
other financial institutions listed on SCHEDULE I to this Agreement
(collectively, together with any banks or financial institutions from time to
time parties to this Agreement, the "Banks") and CITIZENS BANK OF CONNECTICUT, a
Connecticut stock savings bank, as agent for the Banks hereunder (in such
capacity, the "Agent").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:
                              -------------------

         WHEREAS, the Company has requested that the Banks severally extend
credit to the Company in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $30,000,000
at any time outstanding, the proceeds of which shall be used for the purposes
hereinafter set forth; and

         WHEREAS, of the $30,000,000 of aggregate extensions of credit to be
made available to the Company hereunder, up to $15,000,000 of such extensions of
credit shall be available under the L/C Commitments (as hereinafter defined);
and

         WHEREAS, the Banks are willing to extend such credit upon the terms and
subject to the conditions and limitations hereinafter set forth;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
covenants herein contained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

                             SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS

         1.1 DEFINED TERMS. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall
have the following meanings:

         "ADJUSTED CONSOLIDATED INDEBTEDNESS" that amount which is equal to
Consolidated Indebtedness reduced by an amount equal to the sum of (i) Cash and
Cash Equivalents, and (ii) that portion of the Company's assets (as shown on its
balance sheet) which represents real property owned by the Company and used for
stores with respect to which the Company is party to a fully binding commitment
to enter into a sale-leaseback arrangement within sixty days following the date
of such calculation.

         "AFFILIATE" of a Person (the "Primary Person"), (a) any other Person
(other than a Subsidiary) which, directly or indirectly, is in control of, is
controlled by, or is under common control with, the Primary Person or (b) any
Person who is a director or officer (i) of the Primary Person, (ii) of any
Subsidiary of the Primary Person or (iii) of any Person described in clause (a)
above. For purposes of this definition, control of a Person shall mean

                                       1
<PAGE>   6

the power, directly or ndirectly, (i) to vote 10% or more of the securities
having ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such Person or
(ii) to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such
Person whether by contract or otherwise.

         "AGENT" as defined in the Preamble.

         "AGGREGATE OUTSTANDING EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT" as to any Bank at any
time, an amount equal to the sum of (a) the aggregate principal amount of all
Revolving Credit Loans made by such Bank then outstanding, and (b) the product
of such Bank's Commitment Percentage times the L/C Obligations then outstanding.

         "AGREEMENT" this Credit Agreement, as amended, supplemented or
otherwise modified from time to time.

         "ALTERNATE BASE RATE" the higher of (i) the rate of interest per annum
publicly announced from time to time by the Agent as its "base rate" in effect
at its principal office (the Alternate Base Rate not being intended to be the
best or lowest rate of interest charged by the Agent in connection with
extensions of credit to debtors) or (ii) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus
1/2 of 1% per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%).
Any change in the Alternate Base Rate shall be effective as of the opening of
business on the effective day of such change in the Alternate Base Rate.

         "ALTERNATE BASE RATE LOANS" loans the rate of interest applicable to
which is based upon the Alternate Base Rate.

         "APPLICABLE MARGIN" at any time, for Alternate Base Rate Loans or LIBOR
Loans, as the case may be, a rate per annum equal to the rate set forth below
opposite the applicable ratio of Consolidated Indebtedness to Consolidated
EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on FQED
immediately preceding such time:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                             Ratio of
                           Consolidated
                           Indebtedness                Applicable Margin
                         to Consolidated                for Alternative            Applicable Margin
Level                         EBITDA                    Base Rate Loans             for LIBOR Loans
===========================================================================================================
<S>            <C>                                      <C>                          <C>
      I         Less than 3.00 to 1.00                       0.00%                       2.00%

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      II        Less than 3.50 to 1.00,
                but greater than or equal to
                3.00 to 1.00                                 0.00%                       2.25%

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      III       Less than 4.00 to 1.00,

</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>   7

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>            <C>                                          <C>                        <C>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                but greater than or equal to
                3.50 to 1.00                                 0.00%                       2.50%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      IV        Less than 4.50 to 1.00,
                but greater than or equal to
                4.00 to 1.00                                 0.25%                       2.75%

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      V         Greater than or equal to
                4.50 to 1.00                                 0.50%                       3.00%
===========================================================================================================
</TABLE>

         "APPLICATION" an application in such form as the Issuing Bank may
specify from time to time, requesting the Issuing Bank to issue a Letter of
Credit.

         "ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE" an Assignment and Acceptance, substantially
in the form of EXHIBIT E.

         "AVAILABLE REVOLVING CREDIT COMMITMENT" as to any Bank at any time, an
amount equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the amount of such Bank's Revolving
Credit Commitment over (b) such Bank's Aggregate Outstanding Extensions of
Credit.

         "BENEFITTING BANK" as defined in Section 10.7.

         "BORROWING DATE" any Business Day specified in a notice pursuant to
subsection 2.4 as a date on which the Company requests the Banks to make Loans
hereunder.

         "BUSINESS DAY" a day other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on which
commercial banks in Hartford, Connecticut are authorized or required by law to
close.

         "CAPITAL EXPENDITURES" any payment made directly or indirectly for the
purpose of acquiring, constructing or improving fixed assets, real property or
equipment which in accordance with GAAP would be added as a net debit (after
giving effect to any credits) to the fixed asset account of the Person making
such expenditure; PROVIDED HOWEVER, that expenditures, which otherwise would
constitute Capital Expenditures hereunder, funded by external sources such as
bank financing, capital or operating leases, equity investments, allowances from
gas companies, etc. shall not be deemed to be Capital Expenditures for purposes
of this definition.

         "CAPITAL STOCK" any and all shares, interests, participations or other
equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of a corporation, any and all
equivalent ownership interests in a Person (other than a corporation) and any
and all warrants or options to purchase any of the foregoing.

         "CASH" when used in connection with any Person, all monetary and
nonmonetary items owned by that Person are treated as cash in accordance with
GAAP.

                                       3

<PAGE>   8

         "CASH EQUIVALENTS" (a) securities issued or directly and fully
guaranteed or insured by the United States Government or any agency or
instrumentality thereof, (b) certificates of deposit and eurodollar time
deposits with maturities of six months or less from the date of acquisition,
bankers' acceptances with maturities not exceeding six months and overnight bank
deposits, in each case, with any Bank or with any domestic commercial bank
having capital and surplus in excess of $100,000,000, (c) repurchase obligations
with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities of the types
described in clauses (a) and (b) entered into with any financial institution
meeting the qualifications specified in clause (b) above, and (d) commercial
paper issued by any Bank or the parent corporation of any Bank and commercial
paper of any other issuer rated at least A-1 or the equivalent thereof by
Standard & Poor's Corporation or at least P-1 or the equivalent thereof by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and in each case maturing within six months
after the date of acquisition.

         "CASH COLLATERAL ACCOUNT" as defined in Section 8.

         "CHANGE OF CONTROL" the occurrence of any of the following events: (i)
any "person" or "group" (as such terms are used in Section 13(d) and 14(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), other than one or more
Permitted Holders or any Person or Persons controlled by one or more Permitted
Holders, is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more
than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company; (ii)
during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of
such period constituted the Board of Directors of the Company (together with any
new directors whose election by such Board of Directors or whose nomination for
election by the shareholders of the Company was approved by the directors then
still in office who either were directors at the beginning of such period or
whose election or nomination for director was previously so approved) cease for
any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company
then in office; (iii) the direct or indirect, sale, lease, exchange or other
transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to any
"person" or "group" (as such terms are used in Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended); provided that the foregoing shall
not include the granting of Liens permitted by this Agreement; (iv) the
Permitted Holders cease to control at least 10% of the total voting power of the
Company; or (v) the Company consolidates with or merges into another corporation
or any Person consolidates with or merges into the Company, in either event
pursuant to a transaction in which either (A) the outstanding Voting Stock of
the Company is changed into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property
(other than any such transaction where the outstanding Voting Stock of the
Company is changed into or exchanged for Voting Stock of the surviving
corporation) or (B) the holders of a majority of the voting power of the Voting
Stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction own, directly or
indirectly, less than a majority of voting power of the Voting Stock of the
surviving corporation immediately after such transaction

                                        4
<PAGE>   9

         "CLEAN-DOWN PERIOD" the period commencing on May 15 and ending on
September 15 of each year during the Commitment Period.

         "CODE" the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

         "COLLATERAL" the collective reference to the Collateral, as such term
is defined in each of the Company Security Agreement, the Company Pledge
Agreement, the Subsidiary Security Agreements and the Subsidiary Pledge
Agreement.

         "COLLATERAL DISCLOSURE LIST" the list executed and delivered by the
Company on the Effective Date setting forth certain information with respect to
the Company and the Collateral in the form of EXHIBIT I attached hereto.

         "COMMITMENT PERCENTAGE" as to any Bank at any time, the percentage set
forth opposite such Bank's name on SCHEDULE I of this Agreement with respect to
such Bank.

         "COMMITMENT PERIOD" the period from and including the date hereof to
but not including the Termination Date or such earlier date on which the
Commitments shall terminate as provided herein.

         "COMMITMENTS" the collective reference to the Revolving Credit
Commitments and the L/C Commitments.

         "COMMONLY CONTROLLED ENTITY" an entity, whether incorporated or not,
which is under common control with the Company within the meaning of Section
4001 of ERISA or is part of a group which includes the Company and which is
treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

         "COMPANY PLEDGE AGREEMENT" the Pledge Agreement, substantially in the
form of EXHIBIT C, made by the Company in favor of the Agent for the ratable
benefit of the Banks on the Effective Date, as the same may be amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

         "COMPANY SECURITY AGREEMENT" the Company Security Agreement,
substantially in the form of EXHIBIT H, made by the Company in favor of the
Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks on the Effective Date, as the same
may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

         "CONSOLIDATED EBITDAR" for any period, Consolidated EBITDA for such
period plus Consolidated Rent Expense for such period.

         "CONSOLIDATED EBITDA" for any period, Consolidated Net Income for such
period plus the aggregate amounts deducted in determining such Consolidated Net

                                        5
<PAGE>   10

Income in respect of (a) income taxes (b) Consolidated Interest Expense, (c)
depreciation expense and (d) the expense associated with amortization of
intangible and other assets.

         "CONSOLIDATED INDEBTEDNESS" at a particular date, all Indebtedness of
the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries which by its terms matures more
than one year after the date of calculation, and any other Indebtedness of the
Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries maturing within one year from such
date which is renewable or extendable at the option of the obligor to a date
more than one year from such date, including, in any event, the Revolving Credit
Loans.

         "CONSOLIDATED INTEREST EXPENSE" for any period, interest expense of the
Company and its Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis
in accordance with GAAP.

         "CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME" for any period, the consolidated net income
(or loss) of the Company and its Subsidiaries for such period determined in
accordance with GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded from the calculation
thereof any non-operating gains or losses (e.g., extraordinary or unusual gains
or losses, gains or losses from discontinuance of operations, gains or losses
arising from the sale or disposition by the Company or any Subsidiary of any
asset, the issuance of any debt or equity securities, and other non-recurring
gains or losses). There shall be excluded from the calculation of Consolidated
Net Income any net income or loss arising with respect to (i) any permitted
Joint Venture Investment, except that the aggregate amount of cash actually
distributed to the Company in respect of such Permitted Joint Venture Investment
during such period as a dividend or other distribution shall be included in the
calculation thereof, or (ii) the sale or disposition of any Franchise Asset or
any inventory of the Company or any Subsidiary.

         "CONSOLIDATED NET WORTH" at a particular date, all amounts which would
be included under shareholders' equity on a consolidated balance sheet of the
Company and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance
with GAAP as at such date.

         "CONSOLIDATED RENT EXPENSE" for any period, the aggregate rental
obligations of the Company and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated
basis payable in respect of such period under leases of real and/or personal
property (net of principal receipts from sub-leases thereof, and excluding
taxes, insurance, maintenance and similar expenses which the lessee is obligated
to pay under the terms of said leases), regardless of whether such obligations
are reflected as liabilities or commitments on a consolidated balance sheet of
the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries or in the notes thereto; provided,
that with respect to Financing Leases, the rental obligations referred to herein
shall not include any portion thereof included in the interest expense of the
Company and its Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis
in accordance with GAAP.

                                        6
<PAGE>   11

         "CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION" as to any person, any provision of any
security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other
undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its
property is bound.

         "DEFAULT" any of the events specified in Section 8, regardless of
whether any requirement for the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both, or
any other conditions, has been satisfied.

         "DESIGNATED SUBSIDIARY" a Subsidiary listed on Part A of SCHEDULE VI.

         "DM ASSOCIATES" DM Associates Limited Partnership, a Connecticut
limited partnership.

         "DOLLARS" and "$" dollars in lawful currency of the United States of
America.

         "EFFECTIVE DATE" The date of this Agreement or such later date agreed
to in writing by the Company, the Agent and the Banks.

         "ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS" any and all Federal, state, local or municipal
laws, rules, orders, regulations, statutes, ordinances, codes, decrees or
requirements of any Governmental Authority regulating, relating to or imposing
liability or standards of conduct concerning environmental protection matters,
including without limitation, Hazardous Materials, as now or may at any time
hereafter be in effect.

         "ERISA" the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
from time to time.

         "EVENT OF DEFAULT" any of the events specified in Section 8, PROVIDED
that any requirement for the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both, or
any other condition, has been satisfied.

         "EXTENSION" as defined in subsection 2.15.

         "FEDERAL FUNDS EFFECTIVE RATE" at any time shall mean a fluctuating
interest rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight
Federal Funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged
by Federal Funds Brokers, as published for such day (or, if such day is not a
Business Day, for the next preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day which is a
Business Day, the average of the quotations for such day on such transactions
received by the Agent from three Federal Funds brokers of recognized standing
selected by the Agent.

                                        7
<PAGE>   12

         "FINANCING LEASE" any lease of property, real or personal, the
obligations of the lessee in respect of which are required in accordance with
GAAP to be capitalized on a balance sheet of the lessee.

         "FINOP" Financial Opportunities, Inc., a Kentucky corporation that is a
Subsidiary and a small business investment company licensed by the SBA.

         "FQED" the end date of any fiscal quarter in any fiscal year of the
Company.

         "FRANCHISE ASSETS" all real and personal property of the Company or any
Subsidiary sold or otherwise transferred to any franchisee of the Company or
such Subsidiary pursuant to the company's on-going franchise program, in the
ordinary course of such program and pursuant to customary documentation of the
Company or such Subsidiary for such purpose.

         "FRANCHISEE GUARANTEES" Guarantee Obligations of the Company or any
Subsidiary guaranteeing indebtedness of a franchisee of the Company with respect
to the Company's on-going franchise program, which Guarantee Obligations are
reflected on the consolidated financial statements of the Company and its
consolidated Subsidiaries or in the notes thereto.

         "FYED" the end date of the Company's fiscal year designated with such
term, being the Saturday closest to January 31 in the calendar year designated
with such term; thus FYED 1999 shall mean the Saturday closest to January 31,
1999, which shall be the date on which the Company's 1999 fiscal year shall end.

         "GAAP" generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of
America in effect from time to time.

         "GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY" any nation or government, any state or other
political subdivision thereof and any entity exercising executive, legislative,
judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government.

         "GUARANTEE OBLIGATION" as to any Person (the "guaranteeing person"),
any obligation of (a) the guaranteeing person or (b) another Person (including,
without limitation, any bank under any letter of credit), to induce the creation
of which obligation the guaranteeing person has issued a reimbursement, counter
indemnity or similar obligation, in either case guaranteeing or in effect
guaranteeing any indebtedness, leases, dividends or other obligations (the
"primary obligations") of any other Person (the "primary obligor") in any
manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any
obligation of the guaranteeing person, whether contingent or not, (i) to
purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or
indirect security therefor, (ii) to advance or supply funds (A) for the purchase
or payment of any such primary obligation or (B) to maintain working capital or
equity capital of the

                                        8
<PAGE>   13

primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the
primary obligor, (iii) to purchase property, securities or services primarily
for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligations of the
ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation or
(iv) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the owner of any such primary
obligation against loss in respect thereof; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the term
"Guarantee Obligation" shall not include endorsements of instruments for deposit
or collection in the ordinary course of business. The amount of any Guarantee
Obligation of any guaranteeing person shall be deemed to be the lower of (x) an
amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation in
respect of which such Guarantee Obligation is made and (y) the maximum amount
for which such guaranteeing person may be liable pursuant to the terms of the
instrument embodying such Guarantee obligation, unless such primary obligation
and the maximum amount for which such guaranteeing person may be liable are not
stated or determinable, in which case the amount of such Guarantee Obligation
shall be such guaranteeing person's maximum reasonably anticipated liability in
respect thereof as determined by the Company in good faith.

         "HAZARDOUS MATERIALS" any hazardous materials, hazardous wastes,
hazardous constituents, hazardous or toxic substances, petroleum products
(including crude oil or any fraction thereof), defined or regulated as such in
or under any Environmental Law.

         "INDEBTEDNESS" of any Person at any date, (a) all indebtedness of such
Person for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property or
services (other than current trade liabilities incurred in the ordinary course
of business and payable in accordance with customary practices) or which is
evidenced by a note, bond, debenture or similar instrument, (b) all obligations
of such Person under Financing Leases, (c) all obligations of such person in
respect of acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person, and (d)
all liabilities secured by any Lien on any property owned by such Person even
though such Person has not assumed or otherwise become liable for the payment
thereof.

         "INSOLVENCY" with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, the condition that
such Plan is insolvent within the meaning of Section 4245 of ERISA.

         "INSOLVENT" pertaining to a condition of insolvency.

         "INSURANCE SUBSIDIARY" D.M. Insurance, Ltd., a Bermuda corporation.

         "INTEREST PAYMENT DATE" (a) as to any accrued and unpaid interest on
Existing Revolving Credit Loans, the Effective Date and (b) after the Effective
Date, as to (x) Alternate Base Rate Loan, each FQED to occur while such Loan is
outstanding, (y) as to any LIBOR Loan having a LIBOR Interest Period of three
months or less, the last day of such LIBOR Interest Period, and (z) as to any
LIBOR Loan having a LIBOR Interest Period longer than three months, each day
which is three months or a whole multiple

                                       9

<PAGE>   14

thereof, after the first day of such LIBOR Interest Period and the last day of
such LIBOR Interest Period.

         "INTEREST RATE AGREEMENT" any interest rate swap agreement, interest
rate collar agreement, currency exchange agreement, or other similar agreement
or arrangement entered into by the Company, in order to hedge or minimize risk
with respect to the fluctuation of interest rates, with (i) any of the Banks
parties hereto or (ii) a financial institution with a minimum long-term
indebtedness rating of at least A- by Standard & Poor's Corporation and at least
A3 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.

         "ISSUING BANK" Citizens Bank of Connecticut, in its capacity as issuer
of any Letter of Credit.

         "L/C COMMITMENT" $15,000,000.

         "L/C FEE" as defined in subsection 3.3(a).

         "L/C OBLIGATIONS" at any time, an amount equal to the sum of (a) the
aggregate then undrawn and unexpired amount of the then outstanding Letters of
Credit and (B) the aggregate amount of drawings under Letters of Credit which
have not then been reimbursed pursuant to subsection 3.5.

         "L/C PARTICIPANTS" the collective reference to all the Banks other than
the Issuing Bank.

         "LETTERS OF CREDIT" as defined in subsection 3.1(a).

         "LETTER OF CREDIT RATE" for each Letter of Credit, at any time, a rate
per annum equal to the rate set forth below opposite the applicable ratio of
Consolidated Indebtedness to Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four
consecutive fiscal quarters ending on the FQED immediately preceding such time:

                                       10

<PAGE>   15

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                              Ratio of
                            Consolidated
                          Indebtedness to
                            Consolidated
Level                          EBITDA                            Letter of Credit Rate
====================================================================================================
<S>              <C>                                                 <C>
      I           Less than 3.00 to 1.00                                 1.00%

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      II          Less than 3.50 to 1.00,
                  but greater than or equal to
                  3.00 to 1.00                                           1.25%

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      III         Less than 4.00 to 1.00,
                  but greater than or equal to
                  3.50 to 1.00                                           1.50%

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      IV         Less than 4.50 to 1.00,
                 but greater than or equal to
                 4.00 to 1.00                                            1.75%

====================================================================================================
      V          Greater than or equal to 4.50
                 to 1.00                                                 2.00%
====================================================================================================
</TABLE>

         "LIBOR BASE RATE" with respect to each day during each LIBOR Interest
Period, the rate per annum equal to the rate at which the Agent is offered
Dollar deposits at or about 10:00 A.M., Eastern time, two Business Days prior to
the beginning of such LIBOR Interest Period in the London interbank market where
the eurodollar and foreign currency and exchange operations in respect of its
LIBOR Loans are then being conducted for delivery on the first day of such LIBOR
Interest Period for the number of days comprised therein and in an amount
comparable to the amount of its LIBOR Loan to be outstanding during such LIBOR
Interest Period.

         "LIBOR INTEREST PERIOD" any one (1), two (2), three (3) or six (6)
month period selected by the Company in respect to any LIBOR Loan pursuant to
subsections 2.2, 2.4 or 2.5 of this Agreement.

         "LIBOR RESERVE REQUIREMENTS" for any day as applied to a LIBOR Loan,
the aggregate (without duplication) of the rates (expressed as a decimal
fraction) of reserve requirements in effect on such day (including, without
limitation, basic, supplemental, marginal and emergency reserves under any
regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or other
Governmental Authority having jurisdiction with

                                       11

<PAGE>   16

respect thereto) dealing with reserve requirements prescribed for eurocurrency
funding maintained by a member bank of such System.

         "LIBOR LOANS" Loans the rate of interest applicable to which is based
upon the LIBOR Rate.

         "LIBOR RATE" with respect to each day during each LIBOR Interest
Period, a rate per annum determined for such day in accordance with the
following formula (rounded upward to the nearest 1/100th of 1%):

                                 LIBOR BASE RATE
                        1.00 - LIBOR Reserve Requirements

         "LIEN" any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, security
interest, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), or
preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of
any kind or nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, any conditional
sale or other title retention agreement, any Financing Lease having
substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing, and the filing
of any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code or comparable law
of any jurisdiction in respect of any of the foregoing).

         "LOAN" any loan made by any Bank pursuant to this Agreement.

         "LOAN DOCUMENTS" this Agreement, the Notes, the Applications, the
Subsidiary Guarantee, the Pledge Agreements, the Subsidiary Security Agreements
and the Company Security Agreement, together with any and all other instruments,
documents and agreements executed and delivered by the Company or the Designated
Subsidiaries from time to time in connection with the indebtedness evidenced by
this Agreement and the Notes, as the same may hereafter be amended, restated or
modified, from time to time.

         "MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" a material adverse effect on (a) the
business, operations, property, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects
of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) the ability of the
Company or any Designated Subsidiary to perform its obligations under the Loan
Documents to which it is a party or (c) the validity or enforceability of this
Agreement, the Notes or any of the other Loan Documents or the rights or
remedies of the Agent or the Banks hereunder or thereunder.

         "MINIMUM CONSOLIDATED NET WORTH" as at the FQED to occur on or about
January 31, 1999: $5,600,000 and thereafter, $5,600,000 plus 50% of the
cumulative Consolidated Net Income earned after the FQED ending approximately
January 31, 1999.

         "MULTIEMPLOYER PLAN" a Plan which is a multiemployer plan as defined in
Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

                                       12
<PAGE>   17

         "NCB" as defined in the Preamble.

         "NET CASH PROCEEDS" (a) when used in respect of any sale or other
disposition of assets that is not an issuance of debt securities of the Company
or any Subsidiary, the gross proceeds received by the Company or such Subsidiary
from such sale or disposition less (i) all reasonable legal, title, recording
and transfer tax expenses, commissions and other customary fees and expenses
incurred, and all other federal, state and local taxes assessed, in connection
therewith, (ii) the principal amount of, premium, if any, and interest on any
indebtedness (other than the Loans and the Reimbursement Obligations) which is
secured by the asset sold or otherwise disposed of and which is required to be
repaid in connection with such sale or other disposition of assets and (iii)
amounts to be provided by the Company or such Subsidiary as a reserve, in
accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities associated with any such sale or
other disposition of assets and retained by such Person after such sale or other
disposition of assets, including, without limitation, pension and other
post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental
matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with such sale or
other disposition of assets and (b) when used in respect of the issuance of any
debt securities of the Company or any Subsidiary, the gross proceeds received by
the Company or such Subsidiary from such issuance less all legal expenses,
commissions and other fees and expenses incurred and all federal, state and
local taxes assessed in connection therewith.

         "NOTES" the collective reference to the Revolving Credit Notes.

         "OBLIGATIONS" means any and all loans, advances, indebtedness,
liabilities, obligations, covenants or duties of the Company to the Agent, any
Issuing Bank, the Banks or any Bank Affiliate of any kind or nature, including
obligations to pay money and to perform acts or refrain from taking action,
arising under or pursuant to this Credit Agreement, the Notes or the Loan
Documents, or under any loan, finance lease, line of credit, letter of credit,
guaranty, indemnity, confirmation, acceptance, currency exchange, interest rate
protection, automatic clearinghouse transfer, overdraft or other type of
financing arrangement, and any and all extensions and renewals thereof, and
modifications and amendments thereto, whether in whole or in part, whether
created directly or acquired by assignment, purchase, discount or otherwise,
whether any of the foregoing are direct or indirect, joint or several, absolute
or contingent under, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising,
and whether or not evidenced by a writing and specifically including but not
being limited to (i) the unpaid principal amount outstanding at any time under
the Notes, plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, together with all fees,
expenses, including attorneys' fees, penalties, and other amount sowing by or
chargeable to the Company under this Credit Agreement, the Notes or the Loan
Documents, (ii) all Reimbursement Obligations; and (iii) interest which accrues
after the commencement of any case or proceeding in bankruptcy after the
insolvency of,

                                       13
<PAGE>   18

or for the reorganization of, the Company, whether or not allowed in such case
or proceeding.

         "PARTICIPANTS" as defined in subsection 10.6(b).

         "PBGC" the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established pursuant to
Subtitle A of Title IV of ERISA.

         "PERMITTED HOLDERS" the collective reference to DM Associates, Robert
B. Stein or Gregory G. Landry and their respective Related Parties.

         "PERMITTED JOINT VENTURE INVESTMENT" investments in corporations,
partnerships or joint ventures (other than Subsidiaries) which investments do
not require investment by the Company of cash equity in excess of $50,000 in the
aggregate; PROVIDED, that for the purpose of determining the amount of cash
equity invested, investments by the Company of the proceeds of any fees or other
amounts received by the Company in connection with such investment shall not be
deemed to be cash equity.

         "PERSON" an individual, partnership, corporation, business trust, joint
stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture, Governmental
Authority or other entity of whatever nature.

         "PLAN" at a particular time, any employee benefit plan which is covered
by ERISA and in respect of which the Company or a Commonly Controlled Entity is
(or, if such plan were terminated at such time, would under Section 4069 of
ERISA be deemed to be) an "employer" as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.

         "PLEDGE AGREEMENTS" the Company Pledge Agreement and the Subsidiary
Pledge Agreements.

         "POS PROGRAM EXPENSES" those expenses incurred in connection with the
acquisition or installation by the Company or any Subsidiary of cash registers,
personal computers and other inventory management equipment, and any licenses of
intellectual property in connection therewith.

         "PURCHASING BANKS" as defined in subsection 10.6(c).

         "REGISTER" as defined in subsection 10.6(d).

         "REGULATION U" Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System.

         "REIMBURSEMENT OBLIGATION" the obligation of the Company to reimburse
the Issuing Bank pursuant to subsection 3.5 for amounts drawn under Letters of
Credit.

                                       14
<PAGE>   19

         "REIMBURSING BANK" as defined in subsection 2.14(a).

         "RELATED PARTY" with respect to each Permitted Holder, (a) any spouse
or immediate family member of such Permitted Holder or (b) any trust,
corporation, partnership or other entity, all of the beneficiaries,
stockholders, partners, owners of Persons beneficially holding an 80% or more
controlling interest of which consist of Permitted Holders and/or such other
Persons referred to in the immediately preceding clause (a).

         "REORGANIZATION" with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, the condition
that such plan is in reorganization within the meaning of Section 4241 of ERISA.

         "REPORTABLE EVENT" any of the events set forth in Section 4043(b) of
ERISA, other than those events as to which the thirty day notice period is
waived in accordance with subsections .13, .14, .16, .18, .19 or .20 of PBGC
Reg. (S) 2615.

         "REQUIRED BANKS" at any time, Banks the Commitment Percentages of which
aggregate greater than 67%.

         "REQUIREMENT OF LAW" as to any Person, the Certificate of Incorporation
and By-Laws or other organizations or governing documents of such Person, and
any law, treaty, rule or regulation or determination of an arbitrator or a court
or other Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such
Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is
subject.

         "RESPONSIBLE OFFICER" the chief executive officer or the president or
other executive officer of the Company or, with respect to financing matters,
the chief financial officer or other executive officer of the Company.

         "REVOLVING CREDIT COMMITMENT" as to any Bank, the obligation of such
Bank to make Revolving Credit Loans to the Company hereunder in an aggregate
principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth
opposite such Bank's name on SCHEDULE I under the caption, "Commitment Amount".

         "REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS" any loans, advances or other disbursements by
Agent, or any or all of the Banks to or for the account of the Company under the
Revolving Credit Commitments (including without limitation, amounts paid in
respect of any draft under any Letter of Credit) or in respect of any amounts
due and not paid by the Company in accordance with subsection 10.5.

         "REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE" as defined in subsection 2.7.

         "SALE/LEASEBACK TRANSACTION" as defined in subsection 7.12.

                                       15
<PAGE>   20

         "SBA" the United States Small Business Administration or any regulatory
body succeeding to all or any of the functions thereof.

         "SECURITY DOCUMENTS" the Pledge Agreements, the Subsidiary Security
Agreements and the Company Security Agreement.

         "SENIOR SUBORDINATED INDENTURE" the indenture among the Company,
certain of its Subsidiaries, as guarantors, and First Bank National Association,
as trustee, pursuant to which the Company issued its 10.25% Senior Subordinated
Notes due 2004 in the aggregate original principal amount of $75,000,000, and
subsequently issued its 10.25% Senior Subordinated Notes, Series B, due 2004 in
the aggregate original principal amount of $13,500,000 -- as such Senior
Subordinated Indenture may, with the prior written consent of the Banks, be
amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

         "SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES" the 10.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due
2004 in the original principal amount of $75,000,000 and the Senior Subordinated
Notes due 2004, Series B, in the original principal amount of $13,500,000 issued
pursuant to the Senior Subordinated Indenture -- as such Notes may, with the
prior written consent of the Banks, be amended, modified, supplemented, renewed
or extended from time to time.

         "SINGLE EMPLOYER PLAN" any Plan which is covered by Title IV of ERISA,
but which is not a Multiemployer Plan.

         "STORE PROPERTIES HELD FOR SALE/LEASEBACK" as of any date, the book
value, as indicated on the Company's financial statements and determined in
accordance with GAAP, of any real or personal property owned by the Company and
held in anticipation of entering into a Sale/Leaseback Transaction with respect
thereto.

         "SUBSEQUENTLY ACQUIRED SUBSIDIARY" any Subsidiary acquired by the
Company or any Designated Subsidiary pursuant to subsection 7.9(i) if the assets
or revenues of such Subsequently Acquired Subsidiary are considered, in the
reasonable judgment of the Agent and the Banks, material in relation to the
consolidated assets or consolidated revenues of the Company and its consolidated
Subsidiaries (as shown from the most recent financial statements delivered
pursuant to subsection 6.1).

         "SUBSIDIARY" as to any Person, a corporation, partnership or other
entity of which shares of stock or other ownership interests having ordinary
voting power (other than stock or such other ownership interests having such
power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) to elect a majority of
the board of directors or other managers of such corporation, partnership or
other entity are at the time owned, or the management of which is otherwise
controlled, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both,
by such Person. Unless otherwise qualified, all references to a

                                       16
<PAGE>   21

"Subsidiary" or to "Subsidiaries" in this Agreement shall refer to a Subsidiary
or Subsidiaries of the Company.

         "SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEE" the Guarantee, substantially in the form of
EXHIBIT B, made by each Designated Subsidiary in favor of the Agent for the
ratable benefit of the Banks on the Effective Date, as the same may be amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

         "SUBSIDIARY PLEDGE AGREEMENT" the Pledge Agreement, substantially in
the form of EXHIBIT D, made by each Designated Subsidiary in favor of the Agent
for the ratable benefit of the Banks on the Effective Date, as the same may be
amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

         "SUBSIDIARY SECURITY AGREEMENT" a Subsidiary Security Agreement,
substantially in the form of EXHIBIT I, made by each Designated Subsidiary in
favor of the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks on the Effective Date ,
as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to
time.

         "SUCCESSOR AGENT" any Bank or any bank, depository or financial
institution, trust company, bank and trust company having capital and surplus in
excess of $100,000,000 and acceptable to the remaining Bank or Banks and to the
Company, the Company's consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

         "TERMINATION DATE" April 30, 2003, or such later date to which the
Termination Date may be extended in accordance with subsection 2.15.

         "TRANCHE" the collective reference to LIBOR Loans having LIBOR Interest
Periods which begin on the same date and end on the same later date (whether
such Loans shall originally have been made on the same day or not).

         "TRANSFEREE" as defined in subsection 10.6(f).

         "TYPE" as to any Loan, its nature as an Alternate Base Rate Loan or a
LIBOR Loan.

         "UNIFORM CUSTOMS" the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary
Credits (1993 Revision), International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 500,
as the same may be amended from time to time.

         "VOTING STOCK" with respect to a corporation, all classes of Capital
Stock then outstanding of such corporation normally entitled to vote in
elections of directors.

         1.2      OTHER DEFINITIONAL PROVISIONS.

                                       17
<PAGE>   22

         (a) Unless otherwise specified therein, all terms defined in this
Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in the Notes or any
certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto.

         (b) As used herein and in the Notes, and any certificate or other
document made or delivered pursuant hereto, accounting terms relating to the
Company and its Subsidiaries not defined in subsection 1.1 and accounting terms
partly defined in subsection 1.1, to the extent not defined, shall have the
respective meanings given to them under GAAP.

         (c) The words "hereof", "herein" and "hereunder" and words of similar
import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and
not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and Section, subsection,
Schedule and Exhibit references are to this Agreement unless otherwise
specified.

         (d) The meanings given to terms defined herein shall be equally
applicable to both the singular and plural forms of such terms.

         1.3 CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES. Except as otherwise provided
herein, any changes in GAAP which are hereafter made and adopted by the Company
with the agreement of its independent certified public accountants shall not
affect the method of calculation of any of the financial covenants, standards or
terms found in subsection 1.1 or Section 7.

                   SECTION 2. AMOUNT AND TERMS OF COMMITMENTS

         2.1 REVOLVING CREDIT COMMITMENTS. Subject to the terms and conditions
and hereof, provided that no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and
be continuing, each Bank severally agrees to make Revolving Credit Loans to the
Company from time to time on or after the Effective Date and continuing
throughout the Commitment Period in an aggregate principal amount at any one
time outstanding not to exceed the amount of such Bank's Available Revolving
Credit Commitment. From and after the Effective Date and continuing throughout
the Commitment Period the Company may use the Revolving Credit Commitments by
borrowing, prepaying the Revolving Credit Loans in whole or in part, and
reborrowing in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof.

         2.2      DESIGNATION OF INTEREST RATES; LIBOR INTEREST PERIODS.

         (a) The Revolving Credit Loans may from time to time be (i) LIBOR
Loans, (ii) Alternate Base Rate Loans or (iii) a combination thereof, as
determined by the Company and notified to the Agent in accordance with
subsections 2.4 and 2.5. In the event the Company fails to designate the Type of
all or any portion of a Loan (whether initially or upon expiration of a LIBOR
Interest Period), the per annum rate of interest

                                       18
<PAGE>   23

applicable thereto shall be or become the rate of interest applicable to
Alternate Base Rate Loans.

         (b) The Company may not select a LIBOR Interest Period pursuant to
subsections 2.2(a), 2.5 or otherwise, if (i) an Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing, or (ii) such LIBOR Interest Period would expire on a day
after the Termination Date. If any LIBOR Interest Period would otherwise end on
a day that is not a Business Day, such LIBOR Interest Period shall be extended
to the next succeeding Business Day unless the result of such extension would be
to carry such LIBOR Interest Period into another calendar month in which event
such LIBOR Interest Period shall end on the immediately preceding Business Day.
If any LIBOR Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar
month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the
calendar month at the end of such LIBOR Interest Period) such LIBOR Interest
Period shall end on the last Business Day of a calendar month.

         2.3      INTEREST RATES AND PAYMENT DATES.

         (a) Each LIBOR Loan shall bear interest, during the applicable LIBOR
Interest Period, at a rate per annum equal to the applicable LIBOR Rate plus the
Applicable Margin. The Applicable Margin for each LIBOR Loan shall be determined
based upon the calculations submitted to the Banks pursuant to subsection 6.1(b)
and shall be effective as of the first day of the fiscal quarter next following
the date such calculations are submitted to the Banks. Any change in such
Applicable Margin as a consequence of the Bank's review of the aforesaid
calculation after the effective date of such Applicable Margin shall be
retroactively applied to the first day such Applicable Margin became effective.
In the event the Applicable Margin for a LIBOR Loan can not be determined at any
time because the Company's financial statements for the immediately preceding
fiscal quarter are not available at such time, the Applicable Margin for each
LIBOR Loan shall be presumed to be the same as the Applicable Margin for such
LIBOR Loans as of the last FQED for which the Company's financial statements
were available.

         (b) Each Alternate Base Rate Loan shall bear interest for so long as it
is outstanding and unpaid at a rate per annum equal to the Alternate Base Rate
plus the Applicable Margin.

         (c) If all or a portion of the principal amount of any Loan or any
interest payable thereon shall not be paid when due (whether at the stated
maturity, by acceleration or otherwise), such overdue amount shall bear interest
at a rate per annum (the "Default Rate") which is equal to the rate that would
otherwise be applicable thereto pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this
subsection plus 3% from the date of such non-payment until such amount is paid
in full (after, as well as before, judgment).

                                       19

<PAGE>   24

         (d) Interest shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date;
provided that interest accruing at the Default Rate pursuant to subsection
2.3(c) shall be payable on demand. In the event the rate of interest applicable
to any LIBOR Loan decreases as a consequence of a decrease in the Applicable
Margin with respect thereto, the Company shall be entitled to apply the
difference between the amount of interest paid and the amount of interest due
(after giving effect to such reduction) as a credit against the next installment
of interest due hereunder. In the event the rate of interest applicable to any
LIBOR Loan increases as a consequence of an increase in the Applicable Margin
with respect thereto, the Company shall pay the difference between the amount of
interest paid and the amount of interest due (after giving effect to such
increase) on the next Interest Payment Date.

         (e) In the event the total amount of any payment of principal or
interest or amounts due in respect of any Reimbursement Obligation or of any fee
required to be paid under this Agreement is not received by Agent or Issuing
Bank, as the case may be, within ten (10) days following the due date of such
payment, the Company shall, in addition to and together with such payment, pay
to Agent or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, a late charge equal to the greater
of (i) five percent (5%) of the total amount of such payment or amount due or
Thirty-Five Dollars ($35.00); provided, such late charge shall not be payable in
respect of any overdue payment in the event Borrower was entitled to a Revolving
Credit Loan in the amount of such payment under the provisions of subsection 2.1
at the time such payment became due, Borrower duly requested such Revolving
Credit Loan in compliance with the requirements of the Credit Agreement, and the
Banks failed to provide such Revolving Credit Loan without cause.

         2.4 PROCEDURE FOR BORROWING. The Company may borrow under the Revolving
Credit Commitments on or after the Effective Date during the Commitment Period
on any Business Day by giving the Agent irrevocable notice (which notice must be
received by the Agent prior to (x) 12:00 p.m., Eastern time, at least three
Business Days prior to the requested Borrowing Date, if all or any part of the
requested Revolving Credit Loans are to be initially LIBOR Loans, or (y) 12:00
p.m., Eastern time, on the requested Borrowing Date, otherwise), specifying (i)
the amount to be borrowed, (ii) the requested Borrowing Date, (iii) the Type of
the requested borrowing and (iv) if the borrowing is to be entirely or partly of
LIBOR Loans, the amounts and LIBOR Interest Periods thereof. Each borrowing
under the Revolving Credit Commitments shall be in an amount equal to (A) in the
case of Alternate Base Rate Loans, $100,000 or a whole multiple thereof (or, if
the then Available Revolving Credit Commitments are less than $100,000, such
lesser amount) or (B) in the case of LIBOR Loans, $100,000 or a whole multiple
thereof. Upon receipt of any such notice from the Company, the Agent shall
promptly notify each Bank thereof. Each Bank will make the amount of its pro
rata share (based on its Commitment Percentage) of each borrowing available to
the Agent for the account of the Company at the office of the Agent specified in
subsection 10.2 prior to 2:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Borrowing Date
requested by the Company in funds immediately available to the Agent. Such
borrowing will then be made available to the

                                       20
<PAGE>   25

Company by the Agent crediting the account of the Company on the books of such
office with the aggregate of the amounts made available to the Agent by the
Banks and in like funds as received by the Agent.

         2.5      CONVERSION AND CONTINUATION OPTIONS.

         (a) The Company may elect from time to time to convert LIBOR Loans to
Alternate Base Rate Loans by giving the Agent at least two Business Days' prior
irrevocable notice of such election, PROVIDED that any such conversion of LIBOR
Loans may only be made as of the last day of a LIBOR Interest Period with
respect thereto. The Company may elect from time to time to convert Alternate
Base Rate Loans to LIBOR Loans by giving the Agent at least three Business Days'
prior irrevocable notice of such election, which notice shall specify the length
of the initial LIBOR Interest Period or LIBOR Interest Periods therefor. Upon
receipt of any such notice the Agent shall promptly notify each Bank thereof.
All or any part of outstanding LIBOR Loans and Alternate Base Rate Loans may be
converted as provided herein, provided that no Loan may be converted into a
LIBOR Loan when any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or the Agent
has or the Required Banks have determined pursuant to subsection 2.13 that such
a conversion is not appropriate.

         (b) The Company may elect to continue all or any portion of any LIBOR
Loan upon the expiration of the designated LIBOR Interest Period in respect of
such LIBOR Loan by giving the Agent at least three Business Days' prior
irrevocable notice of such election; PROVIDED that no LIBOR Loan may be
continued as such when any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or
the Agent has or the Required Banks have determined pursuant to subsection 2.13
that such a continuation as a LIBOR Loan is not appropriate. The Company shall
specify in the aforesaid notice the amount to be continued as a LIBOR Loan and
the LIBOR Interest Period with respect thereto in accordance with subsection
2.2.

         2.6 MINIMUM AMOUNTS AND MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TRANCHES. All borrowings,
conversions and continuations of Loans hereunder and all selections of LIBOR
Interest Periods hereunder shall be in such amounts and be made pursuant to such
elections so that, after giving effect thereto, the aggregate principal amount
of the LIBOR Loans comprising each Tranche shall be equal to $100,000 or a whole
multiple thereof and so that there shall not be more than 5 Tranches at any one
time outstanding.

         2.7 REVOLVING CREDIT NOTES. The Revolving Credit Loans made by each
Bank shall be evidenced by a promissory note of the Company, substantially in
the form of EXHIBIT A with appropriate insertions as to payee, date and
principal amount (a "Revolving Credit Note"), payable to the order of such Bank
and in a principal amount equal to the amount of the initial Revolving Credit
Commitment of such Bank. Each Bank is hereby authorized to record the date, Type
and amount of each Revolving Credit Loan made by such Bank, each continuation
thereof, each conversion of all or a portion

                                       21

<PAGE>   26

thereof to another Type, the date and amount of each payment or prepayment of
principal thereof and, in the case of LIBOR Loans, the length of each LIBOR
Interest Period and LIBOR Rate with respect thereof, on the schedule annexed to
and constituting a part of its Revolving Credit Note, and any such recordation
shall constitute PRIMA FACIE evidence of the accuracy of the information so
recorded. Each Revolving Credit Note shall (x) be dated the Effective Date, (y)
be stated to mature on the Termination Date and (z) provide for the payment of
interest in accordance with subsection 2.3.

         2.8 FEES. The Company agrees to pay to the Agent for the account of
each Bank a commitment fee for the period from and including the Effective Date
to the Termination Date, computed at the rate of 1/2 of 1% per annum on the
average daily amount of the Available Revolving Credit Commitment of such Bank
during the period for which payment is made, payable quarterly in arrears on the
last day of each March, June, September and December and on the Termination Date
or such earlier date as the Revolving Credit Commitments shall terminate as
provided herein, commencing on the first of such dates to occur after the date
hereof.

         2.9 TERMINATION OR REDUCTION OF REVOLVING CREDIT COMMITMENTS. The
Company shall have the right, upon not less than three Business Days' notice to
the Agent, to terminate the Commitments or, from time to time, to reduce the
amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments; PROVIDED that no such termination or
reduction shall be permitted if, after giving effect thereto and to any
prepayments of the Revolving Credit Loans made on the effective date thereof,
the aggregate principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans then outstanding,
when added to such Bank's Commitment Percentage of the L/C Obligations, would
exceed the Revolving Credit Commitments then in effect. Any such reduction shall
be in an amount not less than $1,000,000 or integral multiples of $250,000 in
excess thereof, and shall reduce permanently the Revolving Credit Commitments
then in effect.

         2.10 OPTIONAL PREPAYMENTS. The Company may at any time and from time to
time, prepay the Revolving Credit Loans, in whole or in part, without premium or
penalty, upon at least three Business Days' irrevocable notice, in the case of
prepayment of any Revolving Credit Loans which are LIBOR Loans, or upon
irrevocable notice (which notice must be received by 1:00 P.M., Eastern time, on
or before the proposed date of prepayment), in the case of prepayments of any
Revolving Credit Loans which are Alternate Base Rate Loans, to the Agent,
specifying the date and amount of prepayment and whether the prepayment is of
LIBOR Loans, Alternate Base Rate Loans or a combination thereof, and, in each
case if a combination thereof, the amount allocable to each; provided that, if a
LIBOR Loan is prepaid other than at the end of the LIBOR Interest Period
applicable thereto, the Company shall also pay any amounts required to be paid
pursuant to subsection 2.20. Upon receipt of any such notice the Agent shall
promptly give notice thereof to each Bank. If any such notice is given by the
Company, the amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the
date specified therein.

                                       22
<PAGE>   27

Partial prepayments of the Revolving Credit Loans shall be in an aggregate
principal amount of $100,000 or a whole multiple in excess thereof.

         2.11     MANDATORY PREPAYMENTS; CASH COLLATERALIZATIONS.

         (a) Immediately upon the occurrence of any public issuance or private
placement of any debt securities of the Company or any Subsidiary (other than
indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 7.2 and other than renewals or
refinancings of the indebtedness evidenced by the Senior Subordinated Notes or
of indebtedness or debt securities issued and outstanding as of the date hereof
so long as the outstanding principal amount of such indebtedness is not
increased by such renewal or refinancing) the Company shall make or cause to be
made a prepayment on the Loans equal to 100% of the Net Cash Proceeds received
therefor.

         (b) If, at any time or from time to time, the Company makes an "Asset
Disposition" (as defined under the Senior Subordinated Indenture), the Company
shall, within 210 days from the date of such Asset Disposition (or such longer
period permitted under the Senior Subordinated Indenture), apply all of the Net
Cash Proceeds from such Asset Disposition to either or both of (in the sole
discretion of the Company) (i) the prepayment of the Loans, or (ii) an
investment in "fixed assets" (as defined under GAAP) in the same or
substantially similar line of business as defined in the Senior Subordinated
Indenture as the assets that were the subject of such Asset Disposition,
provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) up to $1,000,000 of the Net
Cash Proceeds received in any fiscal year from any such Asset Dispositions shall
not be subject to this subsection 2.11(b) and (B) no application of the Net Cash
Proceeds resulting from any such Asset Dispositions pursuant to this paragraph
shall be necessary until the aggregate amount of such Net Cash Proceeds (above
the aforesaid $1,000,000) equals or exceeds $5,000,000 at any time after the
date hereof.

         2.12 COMPUTATION OF INTEREST AND FEES. Interest on the Alternate Base
Rate Loans, Letter of Credit commissions and commitment fees shall be calculated
on the basis of a 365-day year for the actual days elapsed. Interest on the
LIBOR Loans shall be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year for the actual
days elapsed. The Agent shall as soon as practicable notify the Company and the
Banks of each determination of a LIBOR Rate. Any change in the interest rate on
a Loan resulting from a change in the Alternate Base Rate or the LIBOR Reserve
Requirements shall become effective as of the opening of business on the day on
which such change becomes effective. The Agent shall as soon as practicable
notify the Company and the Banks of the effective date and the amount of each
such change in interest rate. Each determination of an interest rate by the
Agent pursuant to any provision of this Agreement shall be conclusive and
binding on the Company and the Banks in the absence of manifest error.

         2.13 INABILITY TO DETERMINE INTEREST RATE. If prior to the first day of
any LIBOR Interest Period:

                                       23

<PAGE>   28

         (a) the Agent shall have determined (which determination shall be
conclusive and binding upon the Company) that, by reason of circumstances
affecting the relevant market, adequate and reasonable means do not exist for
ascertaining the LIBOR Rate for such LIBOR Interest Period, or

         (b) the Agent shall have received notice from the Required Banks that
the LIBOR Rate determined or to be determined for such LIBOR Interest Period
will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Banks (as conclusively
certified by such Banks) of making or maintaining their affected Loans during
such LIBOR Interest Period, the Agent shall give telecopy or telephonic notice
thereof to the Company and the Banks as soon as practicable thereafter. If such
notice is given (x) any LIBOR Loans requested to be made on the first day of
such LIBOR Interest Period shall be made as Alternate Base Rate Loans, (y) any
Loans that were to have been converted on the first day of such LIBOR Interest
Period to LIBOR Loans shall be converted to or continued as Alternate Base Rate
Loans, and (z) any outstanding LIBOR Loans shall be converted, on the first day
of such LIBOR Interest Period, to Alternate Base Rate Loans. Until such notice
has been withdrawn by the Agent, no further LIBOR Loans shall be made or
continued as such, nor shall the Company have the right to convert Loans to
LIBOR Loans.

         2.14     PRO RATA TREATMENT AND PAYMENTS.

         (a) Unless the Agent shall have been notified in writing by any Bank
prior to a Borrowing Date that such Bank will not make the amount that would
constitute its Commitment Percentage of the borrowing on such date available to
the Agent, the Agent may assume that such Bank (a "Reimbursing Bank") has made
such amount available to the Agent on such Borrowing Date, and the Agent or any
Bank may (but shall not be obligated), in reliance upon such assumption, make
available to the Company a corresponding amount. If such amount is made
available to the Agent on a date after such Borrowing Date, the Reimbursing Bank
shall pay to the Agent on demand an amount equal to the product of (i) the daily
average Federal Funds Effective Rate during such period as quoted by the Agent,
times (ii) the amount of such Reimbursing Bank's Commitment Percentage of such
borrowing, times (iii) a fraction the numerator of which is the number of days
that elapse from and including such Borrowing Date to the date on which such
Reimbursing Bank's Commitment Percentage of such borrowing shall have become
immediately available to the Agent and the denominator of which is 365. A
certificate of the Agent submitted to any Reimbursing Bank with respect to any
amounts owing under this subsection shall be conclusive in the absence of
manifest error. If a Reimbursing Bank's Commitment Percentage of such borrowing
is not in fact made available to the Agent by such Reimbursing Bank within three
Business Days of such Borrowing Date, the Agent shall be entitled to recover
such amount, with interest thereon at the rate per annum applicable to Alternate
Base Rate Loans hereunder, on demand,

                                       24
<PAGE>   29

from such Reimbursing Bank or the Company in such order and manner as Agent may
determine in its discretion.

         (b) Each borrowing of Revolving Credit Loans by the Company from the
Banks hereunder shall be made by the Banks pro rata in accordance with the
respective Commitment Percentage of such Banks. Each payment by the Company on
account of the principal of and interest on the Revolving Credit Loans, any
commitment fee hereunder and any reduction of the Commitments of the Banks shall
be payable to the Banks pro rata in accordance with the respective Commitment
Percentages of the Banks; provided that in the event the Agent or any Bank
pursuant to subsection 2.14(a) makes available to the Company a Reimbursing
Bank's Commitment Percentage of a requested borrowing, the Agent or such Bank
providing such funding shall be entitled to receive all payments that would
otherwise be payable to such Reimbursing Bank until such time as the Agent or
such Bank, as the case may be, shall have received an amount equal to the amount
so funded on behalf of such Reimbursing Bank, together with interest thereon as
provided in subsection 2.14(a). All payments (including prepayments) to be made
by the Company hereunder and under the Notes, whether on account of principal,
interest, fees or otherwise, shall be made without set off or counterclaim and
shall be made prior to 12:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the due date thereof to the
Agent, for the account of the Banks, at the Agent's office specified in
subsection 10.2, in Dollars and in immediately available funds. The Agent shall
distribute such payments to the Banks promptly upon receipt in like funds as
received. If any payment hereunder becomes due and payable on a day other than a
Business Day, such payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business
Day, and, with respect to payments of principal, interest thereon shall be
payable at the then applicable rate during such extension.

         2.15 EXTENSION OF TERMINATION DATE. By the date which is one year and
90 days prior to the initial Termination Date (and if the initial Termination
Date has been extended pursuant to this subsection, by the date which is one
year and 90 days prior to the Termination Date as so extended by the first
Extension), the Company may notify the Agent of its desire to extend the
Termination Date, each such Extension consisting of one additional year (each,
an "Extension"), and its request that the Banks approve such Extension,
whereupon the Agent shall promptly notify the Banks of such request. The Agent
shall notify the Company of the decision of the Banks (to be made in the Banks'
sole discretion) with respect thereto not later than 60 days after the Agent's
receipt of the request for such Extension. If all of the Banks agree to the
requested Extension, the Termination Date shall be so extended.

         2.16 ANNUAL CLEAN-DOWN OF REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS. If at any time the
Company shall default in the observance or performance of any agreement
contained in Section 7, irrespective of whether such default is cured by the
Company or any action is taken by the Agent or any Bank, then, for a period of
at least 30 Consecutive Days during the Clean-Down Periods occurring during the
fiscal years set forth below, the aggregate

                                       25
<PAGE>   30

principal amount of Revolving Credit Loans outstanding at all times during such
30-day period shall not exceed the amount set forth opposite the respective
fiscal years:

                                         Maximum Revolving Credit
        FISCAL YEARS                     LOANS OUTSTANDING
        ---------------------------------------------------------

            2001                         $18,000,000
            2002                          12,000,000
            2003                           6,000,000

         2.17 ILLEGALITY. Notwithstanding any other provision herein, if the
adoption of or any change in any Requirement of Law or in the interpretation or
application thereof shall make it unlawful for any Bank to make or maintain
LIBOR Loans as contemplated by this Agreement, (a) the commitment of such Bank
hereunder to make LIBOR Loans, continue LIBOR Loans as such and convert
Alternate Base Rate Loans to LIBOR Loans shall forthwith be canceled and (b)
such Bank's Loans then outstanding as LIBOR Loans, if any, shall be converted
automatically to Alternate Base Rate Loans on the respective last days of the
then current LIBOR Interest Periods with respect to such Loans or within such
earlier period as required by law. If any such conversion of a LIBOR Loan occurs
on a day which is not the last day of the then current LIBOR Interest Period
with respect thereto, the Company shall pay to such Bank such amounts, if any,
as may be required pursuant to subsection 2.20.

         2.18     REQUIREMENTS OF LAW.

         (a) If the adoption of or any change in any Requirement of Law or in
the interpretation or application thereof or compliance by any Bank with any
request or directive (whether having the force of law or not) from any central
bank or other Governmental Authority made subsequent to the date hereof:

                  (i) shall subject any Bank to any tax of any kind whatsoever
         with respect to this Agreement, any Note or any LIBOR Loan made by it,
         or change the basis of taxation of payments to such Bank in respect
         thereof (except for Non-
                  Excluded Taxes covered by subsection 2.19 and changes in the
         rate of tax on the overall net income of such Bank);

                  (ii) shall impose, modify or hold applicable any reserve,
         special deposit, compulsory loan or similar requirement against assets
         held by, deposits or other liabilities in or for the account of,
         advances, loans or other extensions of credit by, or any other
         acquisition of funds by, any office of such Bank which is not otherwise
         included in the determination of the LIBOR Rate hereunder; or

                  (iii)    shall impose on such Bank any other condition;

                                       26
<PAGE>   31

and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to such Bank, by
an amount which such Bank deems to be material, of making, converting into,
continuing or maintaining LIBOR Loans or to reduce any amount receivable
hereunder in respect thereof, then, in any such case, the Company shall promptly
pay such Bank, upon its demand, any additional amounts necessary to compensate
such Bank for such increased cost or reduced amount receivable. If any Bank
becomes entitled to claim any additional amounts pursuant to this subsection, it
shall promptly notify the Company, through the Agent, of the event by reason of
which it has become so entitled. A certificate as to any additional amounts
payable pursuant to this subsection submitted by such Bank, through the Agent,
to the Company shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. This
covenant shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment of the
Notes and all other amounts payable hereunder.

         (b) If any Bank shall have determined that the adoption of or any
change in any Requirement of Law regarding capital adequacy or in the
interpretation or application thereof or compliance by such Bank or any
corporation controlling such Bank with any request or directive regarding
capital adequacy (whether having the force of law or not) from any Governmental
Authority made subsequent to the date hereof does or shall have the effect of
reducing the rate of return on such Bank's or such corporation's capital as a
consequence of its obligations hereunder to a level below that which such Bank
or such corporation could have achieved but for such change or compliance
(taking into consideration such Bank's or such corporation's policies with
respect to capital adequacy) by an amount deemed by such Bank to be material,
then from time to time, after submission by such Bank to the Company (with a
copy to the Agent) of a written request therefore, the Company shall pay to such
Bank such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Bank for such
reduction.

         2.19     TAXES.

         (a) All payments made by the Company under this Agreement and the Notes
shall be made free and clear of, and without deduction or withholding for or on
account of any present or future income, stamp or other taxes, levies, imposts,
duties, charges, fees, deductions or withholdings, now or hereafter imposed,
levied, collected, withheld or assessed by any Governmental Authority, excluding
net income taxes and franchise taxes (imposed in lieu of net income taxes)
imposed on the Agent or any Bank as a result of a present or former connection
between the Agent or such Bank and the jurisdiction of the Governmental
Authority imposing such tax or any political subdivision or taxing authority
thereof or therein (other than any such connection arising solely from the Agent
or such Bank having executed, delivered or performed its obligations or received
a payment under, or enforced, this Agreement or the Notes). If any such
non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees deductions or
withholdings ("Non-Excluded Taxes") are required to be withheld from any amounts
payable to the Agent or any Bank hereunder or under the Notes, the amounts so
payable to the Agent or such Bank shall be increased to the extent necessary to
yield to the Agent or such Bank (after payment of all

                                       27
<PAGE>   32

Non-Excluded Taxes) interest or any such other amounts payable hereunder at the
rates or in the amounts specified in this Agreement and the Notes, provided,
however, that the Company shall not be required to increase any such amounts
payable to any Bank that is not organized under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof if such Bank fails to comply with the requirements of
paragraph (b) of this subsection. Whenever any Non-Excluded Taxes are payable by
the Company, as promptly as possible thereafter the Company shall send to the
Agent for its own account or for the account of such Bank, as the case may be, a
certified copy of an original official receipt received by the Company showing
payment thereof. If the Company fails to pay any Non-Excluded Taxes when due to
the appropriate taxing authority or fails to remit to the Agent the required
receipts or other required documentary evidence, the Company shall indemnify the
Agent and the Banks for any incremental taxes, interest or penalties that may
become payable by the Agent or any Bank as a result of any such failure. The
agreements in this subsection shall survive the termination of this Agreement
and the payment of the Notes and all other amounts payable hereunder.

         (b) Each Bank that is not incorporated under the laws of the United
States of America or a state thereof shall:

                  (i) deliver to the Company and the Agent (A) two duly
         completed copies of United States Internal Revenue Service Form 1001 or
         4224, or successor applicable form, as the case may be, and (B) an
         Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 or W-9, or successor applicable form,
         as the case may be;

                  (ii) deliver to the Company and the Agent two further copies
         of any such form or certification on or before the date that any such
         form or certification expires or becomes obsolete and after the
         occurrence of any event requiring a change in the most recent form
         previously delivered by it to the Company; and

                  (iii) obtain such extensions of time for filing and complete
         such forms or certifications as may reasonably be requested by the
         Company or the Agent
                     unless in any such case an event (including, without
         limitation, any change in treaty, law or regulation) has occurred prior
         to the date on which any such delivery would otherwise be required
         which renders all such forms inapplicable or which would prevent such
         Bank from duly completing and delivering any such form with respect to
         it and such Bank so advises the Company and the Agent. Such Bank shall
         certify (i) in the case of a Form 1001 or 4224, that it is entitled to
         receive payments under this Agreement without deduction or withholding
         of any United States federal income taxes and (ii) in the case of a
         Form W-8 or W-9, that it is entitled to an exemption from United States
         backup withholding tax. Each Person that shall become a Bank or a
         Participant pursuant to subsection 10.6 shall, upon the effectiveness
         of the related transfer, be required to provide all of the forms and
         statements required pursuant to this subsection, provided that in the
         case of a Participant such Participant shall furnish all such required
         forms and

                                       28
<PAGE>   33

statements to the Bank from which the related participation shall have been
purchased.

         2.20 INDEMNITY. The Company agrees to indemnify each Bank and to hold
each Bank harmless from any loss or expense which such Bank may sustain or incur
as a consequence of (a) default by the Company in making a borrowing of,
conversion into or continuation of LIBOR Loans after the Company has given a
notice requesting the same in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement,
(b) default by the Company in making any prepayment after the Company has given
a notice thereof in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or (c) the
making of a prepayment of LIBOR Loans on a day which is not the last day of an
LIBOR Interest Period with respect thereto. Such indemnification may include,
without limitation, any loss or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or
reemployment of deposits or other funds obtained to fund or maintain a LIBOR
Loan during any LIBOR Interest Period, which any Bank may incur as a consequence
of such failure to borrow, convert or continue, as the case may be. A
certificate by Agent as to the amount of such loss, expense or increased costs
shall, when submitted to the Company, be conclusive, in the absence of manifest
error, unless the Company shall have provided the Agent with written notice of
the Company's objection to all or any portion of such certificate not later than
ten (10) days after the date on which such certificate is submitted to the
Company. Any such LIBOR Loan shall not be deemed paid or satisfied until all
such additional amounts are paid. Agent agrees to provide the Company with such
information as the Company may reasonably request with respect to the
calculation of any such losses or expenses. The covenant contained in this
subsection 2.20 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment
of the Notes and all other amounts payable hereunder.

                                       29

<PAGE>   34

                          SECTION 3. LETTERS OF CREDIT

         3.1      L/C COMMITMENT.

         (a) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Issuing Bank, in
reliance on the agreements of the other Banks set forth in subsection 3.5(a),
agrees to issue standby letters of credit for the account of the Company and its
Designated Subsidiaries on any Business Day on or after the Effective Date until
the date which is five Business Days prior to the end of the Commitment Period
in such form as may be approved from time to time by the Issuing Bank (all such
letters of credit outstanding on the date hereof and all letters of credit to be
issued hereunder, together with all extensions, renewals and replacements
thereof, are herein collectively referred to as the "Letters of Credit");
provided that the Issuing Bank shall have no obligation to issue any Letter of
Credit if at the time of such issuance a Default exists or an Event of Default
has occurred and is continuing or if, after giving effect to such issuance, (i)
the L/C Obligations would exceed the L/C Commitment or (ii) the Available
Revolving Credit Commitment would be less than zero. Each Letter of Credit shall
(i) be denominated in Dollars, (ii) expire no later than the Termination Date
and (ii) expire no later than a date one year after its issuance. Each Letter of
Credit shall be issued as credit support for (x) insurance and vendor financial
obligations, (y) performance bonds issued on behalf of the Company or any
Designated Subsidiary in its ordinary course of business, including, but not
limited to, bonds required for court proceedings, or (2) other similar financial
support for obligations of the Company.

         (b) Each Letter of Credit shall be subject to the Uniform Customs and,
to the extent not inconsistent therewith, the laws of the State of the Issuing
Bank's principal place of business.

         (c) The Issuing Bank shall not at any time be obligated to issue any
Letter of Credit hereunder if such issuance would conflict with, or cause the
Issuing Bank or any L/C Participant to exceed any limits imposed by, any
applicable Requirement of Law.

         3.2 PROCEDURE FOR ISSUANCE OF LETTERS OF CREDIT. The Company may from
time to time request that the Issuing Bank issue a Letter of Credit by
delivering to the Issuing Bank at its address for notices specified herein an
Application therefor, completed to the satisfaction of the Issuing Bank, and
such other certificates, documents and other papers and information as the
Issuing Bank may request. Upon receipt of any Application, the Issuing Bank will
process such Application and the certificates, documents and other papers and
information delivered to it in connection therewith in accordance with its
customary procedures and shall promptly issue the Letter of Credit requested
thereby (but in no event shall the Issuing Bank be required to issue any Letter
of Credit earlier than three Business Days after its receipt of the Application
therefor and all such other certificates, documents and other papers and
information relating thereof) by issuing the original of such Letter of Credit
to the beneficiary thereof or as otherwise may be agreed by

                                       30
<PAGE>   35

the Issuing Bank and the Company. The Issuing Bank shall furnish a copy of such
Letter of Credit to the Company and the other Banks promptly following the
issuance thereof.

         3.3      FEES, COMMISSIONS AND OTHER CHARGES.

         (a) The Company shall pay to the Agent a letter of credit facility fee
(the "L/C Fee"), upon issuance of a Letter of Credit, in an amount equal to the
product of (i) the face amount of such Letter of Credit, times (ii) the
applicable Letter of Credit Rate, times (iii) the term of such Letter of Credit,
expressed as a fraction equal to the number of days of such term divided by
three hundred sixty-five (365). The applicable Letter of Credit Rate shall be
determined based upon the calculations submitted to the Banks pursuant to
subsection 6.1(b) and shall be effective as of the first day of the fiscal
quarter next following the date such calculations are submitted to the Banks.
Any change in the applicable Letter of Credit Rate as a consequence of the
Banks' review of the aforesaid calculation after the effective date of such
Letter of Credit Rate shall be retroactively applied to the first day such
Letter of Credit Rate became effective. In the event that the Letter of Credit
Rate can not be determined at any time because the Company's financial
statements for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter are not available at
such time, the Letter of Credit Rate shall be presumed to be the same as the
Letter of Credit Rate as of the last FQED for which the Company's financial
statements were available. Any change in the L/C Fee as a consequence of a
change in the Letter of Credit Rate shall be effective as of the date of such
change in the Letter of Credit Rate. Any increase or reduction in the L/C Fee as
a consequence of an increase or reduction in the Letter of Credit Rate, as the
case may be, shall be credited against or deducted from the next L/C Fee, as the
case may be. In the event any Letter of Credit is terminated or the available
credit thereunder is permanently reduced prior to the stated expiry date
thereof, the Company shall be entitled to a rebate of that portion of the L/C
Fee paid with respect to such Letter of Credit which is allocable pro rata to
the portion of the Letter of Credit that has been terminated or reduced, as the
case may be, as determined by the Issuing Bank. Each L/C Fee payable under this
subsection 3.3 shall be shared ratably among the Banks in accordance with their
respective Commitment Percentages.

         (b) In addition to the L/C Fees, the Company shall pay or reimburse the
Issuing Bank for such normal and customary costs and expenses as are incurred or
charged by the issuing Bank in issuing, processing, effecting payment under,
amending or otherwise administering any Letter of Credit.

         (c) The Agent shall, promptly following its receipt thereof, distribute
to the Issuing Bank and the L/C Participants all fees and commissions received
by the Agent for their respective accounts pursuant to this subsection.

         3.4 REIMBURSEMENT OBLIGATION OF THE COMPANY. The Company agrees to
reimburse the Issuing Bank on each date on which the Issuing Bank notifies the
Company of the date and amount of a draft presented under any Letter of Credit
and paid by the

                                       31
<PAGE>   36

Issuing Bank for the amount of (a) such draft so paid and (b) any taxes (other
than income taxes), fees, charges or other costs or expenses incurred by the
Issuing Bank in connection with such payment. Each such payment shall be made to
the Issuing Bank at its address for notices specified herein in Dollars and in
immediately available funds. Interest shall be payable on any and all amounts
remaining unpaid by the Company under this subsection from the date such amounts
become payable (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) until
payment in full at the rate which would be payable on any outstanding Loans
which were then overdue under subsection 2.3. Each drawing under any Letter of
Credit shall constitute a request by the Company to the Agent for the borrowing
pursuant to subsection 2.1 of Revolving Credit Loans in the amount of such
drawing and any reimbursement made by an L/C Participant pursuant to subsection
3.5 shall constitute a Revolving Credit Loan pursuant to subsection 2.3.

         3.5      L/C DRAWS AND REIMBURSEMENTS.

         (a) Each L/C Participant unconditionally and irrevocably agrees with
the Issuing Bank that, if a draft is paid under any Letter of Credit for which
the Issuing Bank is not reimbursed in full by the Company in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement, such L/C Participant shall pay to the Issuing Bank upon
demand at the Issuing Bank's address for notices specified herein an amount
equal to such L/C Participant's Commitment Percentage of the amount of such
draft, or any part thereof, which is not so reimbursed through participation or
otherwise. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Issuing Bank irrevocably agrees
to grant and hereby grants to each L/C Participant, and, to induce the Issuing
Bank to issue Letter of Credit hereunder, each L/C Participant irrevocably
agrees to accept and purchase and hereby accepts and purchases from the Issuing
Bank, on the terms and conditions hereinafter stated, for such L/C Participant's
own account and risk an undivided interest equal to such L/C Participant's
Commitment Percentage in the Issuing Bank's obligations and rights under each
Letter of Credit issued hereunder and the amount of each draft paid by the
Issuing Bank thereunder.

         (b) If any amount required to be paid by any L/C Participant to the
Issuing Bank pursuant to subsection 3.5(a) in respect of any unreimbursed
portion of any payment made by the Issuing Bank under any Letter of Credit is
paid to the Issuing Bank within three Business Days after the date such payment
is due, such L/C Participant shall pay to the Issuing Bank on demand an amount
equal to the product of (1) such amount, TIMES (2) the daily average Federal
Funds Effective Rate, as quoted by the Issuing Bank, during the period from and
including the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is
immediately available to the Issuing Bank, TIMES (3) a fraction the numerator of
which is the number of days that elapse during such period and the denominator
of which is 365. If any such amount required to be paid by any L/C Participant
pursuant to subsection 3.4(a) is not in fact made available to the Issuing Bank
by such L/C Participant within three Business Days after the date such payment
is due, the Issuing Bank shall be entitled to recover from such L/C Participant,
on demand, such amount with interest thereon calculated from such due date at
the rate per annum equal to

                                       32
<PAGE>   37

the Alternate Base Rate. A certificate of the Issuing Bank submitted to any L/C
Participant with respect to any amounts owing under this subsection shall be
conclusive in the absence of manifest error.

         (c) Whenever, at any time after the Issuing Bank has made payment under
any Letter of Credit and has received from any L/C Participant its share of such
payment in accordance with subsection 3.5(a), the Issuing Bank receives any
payment related to such Letter of Credit (whether directly from the Company or
otherwise, including proceeds of collateral applied thereto by the Issuing
Bank), or any payment of interest on account thereof, the Issuing Bank will
distribute to such L/C Participant its share thereof; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in
the event that any such payment received by the Issuing Bank shall be required
to be returned by the Issuing Bank, such L/C Participant shall return to the
Issuing Bank the portion thereof previously distributed by the Issuing Bank to
it.

         3.6 OBLIGATIONS ABSOLUTE. The Company's obligations under this Section
3 shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances and
irrespective of any set-off, counterclaim or defense to payment which the
Company may have or have had against the Issuing Bank or any beneficiary of a
Letter of Credit. The Company also agrees with the Issuing Bank that the Issuing
Bank shall not be responsible for, and the Company's Reimbursement Obligations
under Subsection 3.4 shall not be affected by, among other things, the validity
or genuineness of documents or of any endorsements thereon, even though such
documents shall in fact prove to be invalid, fraudulent or forged, or any
dispute between or among the Company and any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit
or any other party to which such Letter of Credit may be transferred or any
claims whatsoever of the Company against any beneficiary of such Letter of
Credit or any such transferee. The Issuing Bank shall not be liable for any
error, omission, interruption or delay in transmission, dispatch or delivery of
any message or advice, however transmitted, in connection with any Letter of
Credit, except for errors or omissions caused by the Issuing Bank's gross
negligence or willful misconduct. The Company agrees that any action taken or
omitted by the Issuing Bank under or in connection with any Letter of Credit or
the related drafts or documents, if done in the absence of gross negligence or
willful misconduct and in accordance with the standards of care specified in the
Uniform Commercial Code of the State of Connecticut, shall be binding on the
Company and shall not result in any liability of the Issuing Bank to the
Company.

         3.7 LETTER OF CREDIT PAYMENTS. If any draft shall be presented for
payment under any Letter of Credit, the Issuing Bank shall promptly notify the
Company and the Banks of the date and amount thereof. The responsibility of the
Issuing Bank to the Company in connection with any draft presented for payment
under any Letter of Credit shall, in addition to any payment obligation
expressly provided for in such Letter of Credit, be limited to determining that
the documents (including each draft) delivered under such Letter of Credit in
connection with such presentment are in conformity with such Letter of Credit.

                                       33
<PAGE>   38

         3.8 APPLICATION. To the extent that any provision of any Application
related to any Letter of Credit is inconsistent with the provisions of this
Section 3, the provisions of this Section 3 shall apply.

                    SECTION 4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         To induce the Banks to enter into this Agreement and to make the Loans
and issue or participate in the Letters of Credit the Company hereby represents
and warrants to the Agent and each Bank that:

         4.1      FINANCIAL CONDITION.

         (a) The consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated
Subsidiaries as of January 30, 1999 and the related consolidated statements of
operations and retained earnings and of cash flows for the fiscal year ended on
such date, reported on by Arthur Andersen LLP, copies of which have heretofore
been furnished to each Bank, are complete and correct and present fairly the
consolidated financial condition of the Company and its consolidated
Subsidiaries as at such date, and the consolidated results of their operations
and their consolidated cash flows for the fiscal year then ended. The unaudited
consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as
of October 30, 1999 and the related unaudited consolidated statements of
operations and retained earnings for the nine-month period ended on such date,
certified by a Responsible Officer, copies of which have heretofore been
furnished to each Bank, are complete and correct and present fairly the
consolidated financial condition of the Company and its consolidated
Subsidiaries as at such date, and the consolidated results of their operations
for the nine-month period then ended (subject to normal year-end audit
adjustments). All such financial statements, including the related schedules and
notes thereto, have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied consistently
throughout the periods involved (except as approved by such accountants or
Responsible Officer, as the case may be, and as disclosed therein).

         (b) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE II, neither the Company nor any of
its consolidated Subsidiaries had, at the date of the most recent balance sheet
referred to in subsection 4.1(a), any material Guarantee Obligation, contingent
liability or liability for taxes, or any long-term lease or unusual forward or
long-term commitment, including, without limitation, any interest rate or
foreign currency swap or exchange transaction, which is not reflected in the
financial statements referred to in subsection 4.1(a) or in the notes thereto.

         (c) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE III, during the period from January
30, 1999 to and including the date hereof there has been no sale, transfer or
other disposition by the Company or any of its consolidated Subsidiaries of any
material part of its business or property and no purchase or other acquisition
of any business or property (including any capital stock of any other Person)
material in relation to the consolidated

                                       34

<PAGE>   39

financial condition of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of
January 30, 1999.

         4.2 NO CHANGE. Since January 30, 1999, (a) except as set forth on
SCHEDULE IV, there has been no development or event nor any prospective
development or event which has had or could have a Material Adverse Effect and
(b) except as set forth on SCHEDULE IV or as permitted by this Agreement, no
dividends or other distributions have been declared, paid or made upon the
Capital Stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries nor has any of the
Capital Stock of the Company been redeemed, retired, purchased or otherwise
acquired for value by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

         4.3 CORPORATE EXISTENCE; COMPLIANCE WITH LAW. Each of the Company and
each Designated Subsidiary (a) is duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, (b) has the
corporate power and authority, and the legal right, to own and operate its
property, to lease the property it operates as lessee and to conduct the
business in which it is currently engaged in each jurisdiction where the failure
to have such power, authority or right would have a Material Adverse Effect, (c)
is duly qualified as a foreign corporation and in good standing under the laws
of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of property or the
conduct of its business requires such qualification except where the failure so
to qualify could not have a Material Adverse Effect and (d) is in compliance
with all Requirements of Law except to the extent that the failure to comply
therewith could not, in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

         4.4 CORPORATE POWER, AUTHORIZATION; ENFORCEABLE OBLIGATIONS. The
Company has the corporate power and authority, and the legal right, to make,
deliver and perform this Agreement, the Notes, each Application and the other
Loan Documents to which it is a party, to borrow hereunder and to grant the
Liens pursuant to the Security Documents to which it is a party and has taken
all necessary corporate action to authorize the borrowings on the terms and
conditions of this Agreement and the Notes, the grant of the Liens pursuant to
the Security Documents to which it is a party and the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement, the Notes, each Application and each other Loan
Document to which it is a party. No consent or authorization of, filing with or
other action by or in respect of, any Governmental Authority or any other Person
is required in connection with the borrowings hereunder, the grant of the Liens
pursuant to the Security Documents or the execution, delivery, performance,
validity or enforceability of this Agreement, the Notes, each Application or any
other Loan Document except that prior authorization of the SBA is required for
any exercise of remedies under the Subsidiary Pledge Agreement with respect to
the FinOp common stock pledged thereunder and under the Company Pledge Agreement
with respect to the common stock of CONNA Corporation pledged thereunder. This
Agreement and each other Loan Document to which the Company is a party (except
the Notes) has been, and each Note will be, duly executed and delivered on
behalf of the Company. This Agreement and each other Loan Document to which the
Company is a party (except the Notes) constitutes, and each Note when executed
and delivered will constitute, a

                                       35
<PAGE>   40

legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the
Company in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws
affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by general
equitable principles (whether enforcement is sought by proceedings in equity or
at law).

         4.5 NO LEGAL BAR. The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement, the Notes, each Application and each other Loan Document, the grant
of the Liens pursuant to the Security Documents, the borrowings hereunder and
the use of the proceeds thereof will not violate any Requirement of Law or
Contractual Obligation of the Company or of any Designated Subsidiary and will
not result in, or require, the creation or imposition of any Lien on any of its
or their respective properties or revenues pursuant to any such Requirement of
Law or Contractual Obligation.

         4.6 NO MATERIAL LITIGATION. No litigation, investigation or proceeding
of or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority is pending or, to the
knowledge of the Company, threatened by or against the Company or any Designated
Subsidiary or against any of its or their respective properties or revenues (a)
with respect to this Agreement, the Notes, any Application or any other Loan
Document or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or (b) which
could have a Material Adverse Effect, except with respect to matters described
on SCHEDULE VII or as disclosed in the Company's most recent annual report.

         4.7 NO DEFAULT. Neither the Company nor any Designated Subsidiary is in
default under or with respect to any of its Contractual Obligations or Capital
Stock in any respect which could have a Material Adverse Effect. No Default or
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

         4.8 OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY; LIENS. Each of the Company and each
Designated Subsidiary has good record and marketable title in fee simple to, or
a valid leasehold interest in, all its real property, and good title to all its
other property except for any defect in title thereto or leasehold interest
therein which could not in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect, and
none of the property owned or leased by the Company or any Designated Subsidiary
is subject to any Lien except as permitted by subsection 7.3 or which could not
in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect.

         4.9 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. The Company and each Designated Subsidiary
owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, trade names, copyrights,
technology, know-how and processes necessary for the conduct of its business as
currently conducted except for those the failure to own or license which could
not have a Material Adverse Effect (the "Intellectual Property"). No claim has
been asserted and is pending by any Person challenging or questioning the use of
any such Intellectual Property or the validity or effectiveness of any such
Intellectual Property, nor does the Company know of any valid basis for any such
claim which could or might have a Material Adverse Effect. The

                                       36
<PAGE>   41

use of such Intellectual Property by the Company and each Designated Subsidiary
does not infringe on the rights of any Person, except for such claims and
infringements that, in the aggregate, could not have a Material Adverse Effect.

         4.10 NO BURDENSOME RESTRICTIONS. No Requirement of Law or Contractual
Obligation of the Company or any Designated Subsidiary has a Material Adverse
Effect.

         4.11 TAXES. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has filed or
caused to be filed all tax returns which, to the knowledge of the Company, are
required to be filed (the "Tax Returns") and has paid all taxes shown to be due
and payable on said returns or on any assessments made against it or any of its
property and all other taxes, fees or other charges imposed on it or any of its
property by any Governmental Authority (other than any the amount or validity of
which are currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and
with respect to which reserves in conformity with GAAP have been provided on the
books of the Company or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be) where the failure
to so file such Tax Returns or to pay such taxes could or might have a Material
Adverse Effect; no tax Lien has been filed, and, to the knowledge of the
Company, no claim is being asserted, with respect to any such tax, fee or other
charge. SCHEDULE XI sets forth a complete and correct list of all audits
concerning any Tax Return that are being conducted by any Governmental Authority
or are otherwise in progress on the Effective Date.

         4.12 FEDERAL REGULATIONS. No part of the proceeds of any Loans will be
used for "purchasing" or "carrying" any "margin stock" within the respective
meanings of each of the quoted terms under Regulation U of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System as now and from time to time hereafter
in effect or for any purpose which violates the provisions of the Regulations of
such Board of Governors. If requested by any bank or the Agent, the Company will
furnish to the Agent and each Bank a statement to the foregoing effect in
conformity with the requirements of FR Form U-1 referred to in said Regulation
U.

         4.13 ERISA. No Reportable Event has occurred during the five-year
period prior to the date on which this representation is made or deemed made
with respect to any Plan, and each Plan has complied in all material respects
with the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code. The present value of all
accrued benefits under each Single Employer Plan maintained by the Company or
any Commonly Controlled Entity (based on those assumptions used to fund the
Plans) did not, as of the last annual valuation date prior to the date on which
this representation is made or deemed made, exceed the value of the assets of
such Plan allocable to such accrued benefits. Neither the Company nor any
Commonly Controlled Entity has had a complete or partial withdrawal from any
Multiemployer Plan except as set forth on Part A of SCHEDULE V, and neither the
Company nor any Commonly Controlled Entity would become subject to any liability
under ERISA if the Company or any such Commonly Controlled Entity were to
withdraw completely from all Multiemployer Plans as of the valuation date most
closely preceding

                                       37
<PAGE>   42

the date on which this representation is made or deemed made, except as set
forth on Part B of SCHEDULE V. No such Multiemployer Plan is in Reorganization
or insolvent. The present value (determined using actuarial and other
assumptions which are reasonable in respect of the benefits provided and the
employees participating) of the liability of the Company and each Commonly
Controlled Entity for post-retirement benefits to be provided to their current
and former employees under Plans which are welfare benefit plans (as defined in
Section 3(1) of ERISA) does not, in the aggregate, exceed the assets under all
such Plans allocable to such benefits.

         4.14 INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT; OTHER REGULATIONS. Neither the Company nor
any Subsidiary (other than FinOp) is an "investment company", or a company
"controlled" by an "investment company", within the meaning of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). Neither the Company, FinOp nor
any Designated Subsidiary is subject to regulation under the 1940 Act or any
Federal or State statute or regulation which limits its ability to incur
Indebtedness.

         4.15 SUBSIDIARIES. All the Subsidiaries of the Company (other than the
Designated Subsidiaries) are listed on Part B of SCHEDULE VI. The assets owned
by the Designated Subsidiaries on the Effective Date represent in the aggregate
at least 90% of the total assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries as shown on
the audited consolidated balance sheet as at January 30, 1999 referred to in
subsection 4.1(a). The revenues of the Designated Subsidiaries represent in the
aggregate at least 90% of the revenues of the Company and its Subsidiaries as
shown on the audited consolidated statement of operations and retained earnings
for the period ended January 30, 1999 referred to in subsection 4.1(a).

         4.16 PURPOSE OF LOANS. The proceeds of the Loans shall be used by the
Company for the working capital needs of the Company, including, without
limitation, financing any Reimbursement Obligations, capital expenditures, and
financing any other general corporate purposes of the Company or any Designated
Subsidiary in the ordinary course of the Company's or such Subsidiary's
business.

         4.17 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. To the best knowledge of the Company, each
of the representations and warranties set forth in paragraphs (a) through (e) of
this subsection is true and correct with respect to each parcel of real property
heretofore or now owned or operated by the Company or any Subsidiary (the
"Properties"), except as set forth on SCHEDULE VII and except to the extent that
the facts and circumstances giving rise to any such failure to be so true and
correct could not have a Material Adverse Effect:

         (a) The Properties do not contain, and have not previously contained,
in, on, or under, including, without limitation, the soil and groundwater
thereunder, any Hazardous Materials.

                                       38
<PAGE>   43

         (b) The Properties and all operations and facilities at the Properties
are in compliance with all Environmental Laws, and there is no Hazardous
Materials contamination or violation of any Environmental Law which could
interfere with the continued operation of any of the Properties or impair the
fair saleable value of any thereof.

         (c) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any
complaint, notice of violation, alleged violation, investigation or advisory
action or of potential liability or of potential responsibility regarding
environmental protection matters or permit compliance with regard to the
Properties, nor is the Company aware that any Governmental Authority is
contemplating delivering to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries any such
notice.

         (d) Hazardous Materials have not been generated, treated, stored,
disposed of, at, on or under any of the Properties, nor have any Hazardous
Materials been transferred from the Properties to any other location.

         (e) There are no governmental, administrative or judicial proceedings
pending or contemplated under any Environmental Laws to which the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries is or will be named as a party with respect to the
Properties, nor are there any consent decrees or other decrees, consent orders,
administrative orders or other orders, or other administrative or judicial
requirements outstanding under any Environmental Law with respect to any of the
Properties.

         4.18     SECURITY DOCUMENTS.

         (a) The provisions of each Pledge Agreement are effective to create in
favor of the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks a legal, valid and
enforceable security interest in all right, title and interest of the pledgor in
the Collateral as described therein. Each Pledge Agreement constitutes a fully
perfected first lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest
of the pledgor in the Collateral described therein.

         (b) The provisions of the Company Security Agreement are effective to
create in favor of the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks a legal, valid
and enforceable security interest in all right, title and interest of the
Company in the Collateral as described therein. Except where failure to file
would not have a material effect on Agent's ability to effectively realize on
the Collateral, as a whole, the Company Security Agreement constitutes a fully
perfected first lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest
of the Company in the Collateral described therein, and no Uniform Commercial
Code financing statements have been filed by any other Person with respect to
such Collateral other than as may be filed in connection with this Agreement and
except as described on SCHEDULE IX hereto.

         (c) The provisions of each of the Subsidiary Security Agreements are
effective to create in favor of the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks a
legal, valid

                                       39
<PAGE>   44

and enforceable security interest in all right, title and interest of such
Subsidiary in the Collateral as described therein. Except where failure to file
would not have a material effect on Agent's ability to effectively realize on
the Collateral, as a whole, each Subsidiary Security Agreement constitutes a
fully perfected first lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and
interest of such Subsidiary in the Collateral described therein, and no Uniform
Commercial Code financing statements have been filed by any other Person with
respect to such Collateral other than as may be filed in connection with this
Agreement and except as described on SCHEDULE IX hereto.

         4.19 COMPANY SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS. The extensions of credit under this
Agreement, the Notes and each Application will be, and are hereby designated as,
Company Senior Indebtedness under and as defined in the Senior Subordinated
Indenture.

                         SECTION 5. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

         5.1 CONDITIONS TO INITIAL EXTENSION OF CREDIT. The agreement of each
Bank to make the initial extension of credit requested to be made by it is
subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

         (a) AGREEMENT, NOTES. The Agent shall have received (i) with a
counterpart for each Bank, this Agreement, executed and delivered by a duly
authorized officer of the Company, and (ii) for the account of each Bank, a
Revolving Credit Note conforming to the requirements hereof and executed by a
duly authorized officer of the Company.

         (b) OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS. The Agent shall have received, with a
counterpart for each Bank, (i) the Subsidiary Guarantee, executed and delivered
by a duly authorized officer of each Designated Subsidiary, (ii) the Company
Pledge Agreement, executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of the
Company, (iii) the Subsidiary Pledge Agreement, executed and delivered by a duly
authorized officer of each Designated Subsidiary, (iv) a Subsidiary Security
Agreement, executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of each
Subsidiary, (v) the Company Security Agreement, executed and delivered by a duly
authorized officer of the Company, and the Collateral Disclosure List executed
and delivered by a duly authorized officer of the Company.

         (c) EXISTING INDEBTEDNESS. The Agent shall have received, with a copy
for each Bank, a certificate, dated on or before the Effective Date, executed by
a duly authorized officer of the Company certifying that, on or before the
Effective Date, the Company shall have paid in full all indebtedness of the
Company outstanding under that Credit Agreement dated April 24, 1996 and as
amended from time to time, by and between Bank of Boston Connecticut, as agent,
the Company and the banks a party thereto, other than the indebtedness
represented by the letters of credit described on SCHEDULE VIII, each of which
has the benefit of a Letter of Credit issued on the Effective Date by the Agent.

                                       40
<PAGE>   45

         (d) PLEDGED STOCK; STOCK POWERS. The Agent shall have received (A)
certificates representing the stock pledged pursuant to each Pledge Agreement,
together with an undated stock power executed in blank for each such
certificate, and (B) the Acknowledgments and Consents attached as exhibits to
each Pledge Agreement, in each case executed and delivered by a duly authorized
officer of the relevant issuer.

         (e) UCC FILINGS. All documents (including, without limitation,
financing statements) required to be filed in respect of the Company Security
Agreement in order to create in favor of the Agent for the ratable benefit of
the Banks a perfected, first priority security interest in the Collateral
described therein with respect to which a security interest may be perfected by
filing under the Uniform Commercial Code shall have been properly filed in each
office listed on SCHEDULE XII. The Agent shall have received acknowledgment
copies of all such filings (or, in lieu thereof, other evidence satisfactory to
it that all such filings have been made); and the Agent shall have received
evidence that all necessary filing fees and all taxes or other expenses related
to such filings have been paid in full.

         (f) CORPORATE PROCEEDINGS. The Agent shall have received, with a
counterpart for each Bank, a copy of the resolutions, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Agent, of the Board of Directors of the Company and each
Designated Subsidiary authorizing (i) the execution, delivery and performance of
the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (ii) with respect to the Company, the
grant of the Liens pursuant to the Security Documents to which it is a party,
and (iv) with respect to each Designated Subsidiary, the grant of the Liens
pursuant to the Security Documents to which it is a party, in each case
certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company or such
Designated Subsidiary at the Effective Date, which certificate shall state that
the resolutions thereby certified have not been amended, modified, revoked or
rescinded and shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent.

         (g) INCUMBENCY CERTIFICATES. The Agent shall have received a
certificate dated the Effective Date, of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary
of the Company and each Designated Subsidiary as to the incumbency and signature
of the officer or officers signing the Loan Documents to which such Person is a
party, together with evidence of the incumbency of such Secretary or Assistant
Secretary.

         (h) CORPORATE DOCUMENTS. The Agent shall have received, with a
counterpart for each Bank, true and complete copies of the certificate of
incorporation and by-laws of the Company and each Designated Subsidiary,
certified at the Effective Date as complete and correct copies thereof, by the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company or such Designated
Subsidiary.

         (i) GOOD STANDING CERTIFICATES. The Agent shall have received, with a
copy for each Bank, copies of certificates dated as of a recent date from the
Secretary of State or other appropriate authority of such jurisdiction,
evidencing the good standing of the Company and each Designated Subsidiary.

                                       41
<PAGE>   46

         (j) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The Agent shall have received, with copies
for each Bank, copies of the financial statements referred to in subsection 4.1
and all other documents requested by the Agent in connection with its completion
of a testing and review of the assets and liabilities of the Company and its
Subsidiaries.

         (k) LIEN SEARCHES. The Agent shall have received the results of a
recent search by a Person satisfactory to the Agent, of Uniform Commercial Code
and other filings which may have been filed with respect to the personal
property of the Company or any Designated Subsidiaries in those locations of
which the Agent notifies the Company prior to the Effective Date.

         (l) LITIGATION. No suit, action, investigation, inquiry or other
proceeding (including, without limitation, the enactment or promulgation of a
statute or rule) by or before any arbitrator or any Governmental Authority shall
be formally instituted or threatened and no preliminary or permanent injunction
or restraining order by a state or federal court shall have been entered or
threatened (i) in connection with any Loan Document or any of the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby or (ii) which, in the reasonable opinion of the
Banks, could have a Material Adverse Effect.

         (m) NO VIOLATION. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, the Notes, each Application and the other Loan Documents shall
not contravene, violate or conflict with, nor involve the Agent or any Bank in
any violation of, any Requirement of Law.

         (n) FEES. The Agent and each Bank shall have received the fees to be
received by it on the Effective Date referred to in subsection 2.8 and the Agent
shall have received an agency fee in the amount of $20,000, and the fees and
disbursements of Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C., special counsel for the Agent,
shall have been paid in full on the Effective Date. Annually on the anniversary
of the Effective Date the Company shall pay to the Agent an annual agency fee of
$20,000.

         (o) LEGAL OPINIONS. The Agent shall have received, with a counterpart
for each Bank, the executed legal opinions of Baker & Hostetler, counsel to the
Company and its Subsidiaries, and Peter D. Miller, General Counsel to the
Company and its Subsidiaries, each dated the Effective Date and substantially in
the form of EXHIBIT F, with such changes thereto as the Agent shall approve.
Such legal opinions shall cover such other matters incident to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement as the Agent may reasonably require.

         (p) CONSENTS, LICENSES AND APPROVALS. The Agent shall have received,
with a counterpart for each Bank, a certificate, dated the Effective Date,
executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company stating that all consents,
authorizations, notices and filings necessary or advisable in connection with
the financings contemplated by this

                                       42
<PAGE>   47

Agreement and the continuing operations of the Company, have been obtained and
are in full force and effect, except where the failure to obtain such consents,
authorizations, notices or filings could not have a Material Adverse Effect.

         5.2 CONDITIONS TO EACH EXTENSION OF CREDIT. The agreement of each Bank
to make any extension of credit requested to be made by it on any date
(including, without limitation, its initial extension of credit) is subject to
the satisfaction on the Effective Date and on such borrowing date of the
following conditions precedent:

         (a) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Each of the representations and
warranties made by the Company and each Subsidiary in or pursuant to the Loan
Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of such
date as if made on and as of such date; provided that, with respect to
extensions of credit made after the Effective Date, Guarantee Obligations
incurred after the Effective Date and in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement shall not be deemed a breach of the representation and warranty set
forth in subsection 4.1(b) to the extent that such Guarantee Obligations are not
described in the financial statements described in subsection 4.1(a).

         (b) NO DEFAULT. No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and
be continuing on such date or after giving effect to the extension of credit
requested to be made on such date.

         (c) ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS. The Agent shall have received each additional
document, instrument, legal opinion or item of information reasonably requested
by it, including, without limitation, a copy of any debt instrument, security
agreement or other material contract to which the Company or any Subsidiary may
be a party.

         (d) ADDITIONAL MATTERS. All corporate and other proceedings, and all
documents, instruments and other legal matters in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall
be satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent, and the Agent shall have
received such other documents and legal opinions in respect of any aspect or
consequence of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby as it shall
reasonably request.

Each borrowing by and Letter of Credit issued on behalf of the Company hereunder
shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Company as of the date of
such Loan or Letter of Credit that the conditions contained in this subsection
5.2 have been satisfied.

                        SECTION 6. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

         The Company hereby agrees that, so long as the Commitments remain in
effect, any Note or any Letter of Credit remains outstanding and unpaid or any
other amount is owing

                                       43
<PAGE>   48

to any Bank or the Agent hereunder, the Company shall and (except in the case of
delivery of financial information, reports and notices) shall cause each of its
Subsidiaries to:

         6.1      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  Furnish to each Bank:

         (a) as soon as available, but in any event within 90 days after the end
of each fiscal year of the Company, a copy of the consolidated balance sheet of
the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as at the end of such year and the
related consolidated statements of operations and retained earnings and of cash
flows for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures
for the previous year, reported on without a "going concern" or like
qualification or exception, or qualification arising out of the scope of the
audit, by Arthur Andersen LLP or other independent certified public accountants
of nationally recognized standing not unacceptable to the Required Banks; and

         (b) as soon as available, but in any event not later than 45 days after
the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the
Company, the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its
consolidated Subsidiaries as at the end of such quarter, (i) the related
unaudited consolidated statement of operations and retained earnings of the
Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries, for such quarter and the portion of
the fiscal year through the end of such quarter, and the related unaudited
consolidated statement of cash flows of the Company and its consolidated
Subsidiaries for the portion of the fiscal year through the end of such quarter,
setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous
year, certified by a Responsible Officer as being fairly stated in all material
respects when considered in relation to the consolidated financial statements of
the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries (subject to normal year-end audit
adjustments) and (ii) a statement setting forth the aggregate amount of Capital
Expenditures made by the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries during such
fiscal period (which aggregate amount shall separately specify the total amount
of Capital Expenditures consisting of cash and the total amount of Capital
Expenditures consisting of Financing Leases and other non-cash financings), in
each case, certified by a Responsible Officer as being fairly stated in all
material respects when, in the case of the financial statements delivered
pursuant to clause (i) above, considered in relation to the consolidated
financial statements of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries (subject
to normal year-end audit adjustments); and

         (c) as soon as available, but in any event not later than 45 days after
the last day of each of the 12 fiscal periods of each fiscal year of the Company
(other than the last such fiscal period in each such fiscal year), the unaudited
consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as
at the end of such fiscal period and the related unaudited consolidated
statement of operations and retained earnings of the Company and its
consolidated Subsidiaries for such fiscal period and the portion of the fiscal
year of the Company through the end of such fiscal period, setting forth in each
case in comparative form the figures for the previous year; all such financial
statements to be complete and correct in all material respects and to be
prepared in reasonable detail

                                       44
<PAGE>   49

and in accordance with GAAP applied consistently throughout the periods
reflected therein and with prior periods (except as approved by such accountants
or officer, as the case may be, and disclosed therein).

         6.2      CERTIFICATES; OTHER INFORMATION.  Furnish to each Bank:

         (a) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred
to in subsection 6.1(a), a certificate of the independent certified public
accountants reporting on such financial statements stating that in making the
examination necessary therefor no knowledge was obtained of any Default or Event
of Default, except as specified in such certificate;

         (b) (i) concurrently with the delivery of each of the financial
statements referred to in subsections 6.1(a) and 6.1(b), a certificate of a
Responsible Officer (which certificate shall set forth, in detail, all interim
and preparatory figures and calculations used in determining the Company's
satisfaction of its covenants and agreements contained in subsection 7.1)
stating that, to the best of such Officer's knowledge, each of the Company and
its Subsidiaries during such period has observed or performed all of its
covenants and other agreements, and satisfied every condition, contained in this
Agreement, the Notes and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party to be
observed, performed or satisfied by it, and that such Officer has obtained no
knowledge of any Default or Event of Default except as specified in such
certificate and (ii) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements
referred to in subsection 6.1(a), a certificate of a Responsible Officer setting
forth the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received by the Company and any of its
Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year, the portion thereof which has
been reinvested by the Company or its Subsidiaries in fixed or capital assets or
POS Program Expenses, the portion thereof which has been applied by or on behalf
of the Company to make any mandatory prepayment in accordance with subsection
2.11 and any remaining balances in respect of such Net Cash Proceeds which have
not been so reinvested or applied;

         (c) if delivered, as soon thereafter as practicable but in no event
later than fifteen days after receipt, a copy of the letter, if any, addressed
to the Company, of the certified public accountants who prepared the financial
statements referred to in subsection 6.1(a) for such fiscal year and otherwise
referred to as a "management letter";

         (d) as soon as available, but in any event within 30 days after the end
of each fiscal year of the Company, a copy of (i) the projections by the Company
of the operating budget and cash flow budget of the Company and its Subsidiaries
for the succeeding three (3) fiscal years and (ii) the projected consolidated
balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as at the last
day of each of such three (3) succeeding fiscal years. Such projections and
projected balance sheet to be accompanied by a certificate of a Responsible
Officer to the effect that such projections and projected balance sheet have
been prepared on the basis of sound financial planning practice and that such
Officer has no reason to believe they are incorrect or misleading in any
material respect;

                                       45
<PAGE>   50

         (e) within five days after the same are sent, copies of all financial
statements and reports which the Company sends to its stockholders, and within
five days after the same are filed, copies of all financial statements and
reports which the Company may make to, or file with, the Securities and Exchange
Commission or any successor or analogous Governmental Authority; and

         (f) promptly, such additional financial and other information as any
Bank may from time to time reasonably request.

         6.3 PAYMENT OF OBLIGATIONS. Pay, discharge or otherwise satisfy at or
before maturity or before they become delinquent, as the case may be, all its
obligations of whatever nature, except where the amount or validity thereof is
currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and reserves
conformity with GAAP with respect thereto have been provided on the books of the
Company or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be or except where the failure to
pay, discharge or otherwise satisfy could not have a Material Adverse Effect.

         6.4 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS AND MAINTENANCE OF EXISTENCE. Continue to
engage in business of the same general type as now conducted by it and preserve,
renew and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence and take all
reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges and franchises necessary or
desirable in the normal conduct of its business except as otherwise permitted
pursuant to subsection 7.5; comply with all Contractual Obligations and
Requirements of Law except to the extent that failure to comply therewith could
not, in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

         6.5 MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY; INSURANCE. (a) Keep all property useful
and necessary in its business in good working order and condition except where
the failure to do so could not have a Material Adverse Effect; (b) maintain with
financially sound and reputable insurance companies insurance on all its
property in at least such amounts and against at least such risks (but including
in any event public liability, product liability and business interruption) as
are usually insured against in the same general area by companies engaged in the
same or a similar business; and furnish to each Bank, upon written request, full
information as to the insurance carried; provided that a program of self-
insurance maintained by the Company and its Subsidiaries with respect to certain
product liability, workers' compensation, environmental liability, public
liability, accident and health and property insurance risks shall comply with
the requirements of subsection 6.5(b) so long as adequate reserves in connection
with such self-insurance program are taken and maintained in accordance with
GAAP and such program is otherwise reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.

         6.6 INSPECTION OF PROPERTY; BOOKS AND RECORDS; DISCUSSIONS. Keep proper
books of records and account in which full, true and correct entries in
conformity with GAAP and all Requirements of Law shall be made of all dealings
and transactions in

                                       46
<PAGE>   51

relation to its business and activities; and permit representatives of any Bank,
upon reasonable notice to the Company, to visit and inspect any of its
properties and examine and make abstracts from any of its books and records at
any reasonable time and as often as may reasonably be desired and to discuss the
business, operations, properties and financial and other condition of the
Company and its Subsidiaries with officers and employees of the Company and its
Subsidiaries and with its independent certified public accountants.

         6.7      NOTICES.  Promptly give notice to the Agent and each Bank of:

         (a)      the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default;

         (b) any (i) default or event of default under any Contractual
Obligation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (ii) litigation,
investigation or proceeding which may exist at any time between the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries and any Governmental Authority, which in either case, if
not cured or if adversely determined, as the case may be, would have a Material
Adverse Effect;

         (c) any litigation or proceeding affecting the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries in which the amount involved is $1,000,000 or more and not covered
by insurance or in which injunctive or similar relief is sought which
individually or in the aggregate could or might have a Material Adverse Effect;
provided that the Company shall not be required to give notice of any such
litigation or proceeding if the Company has reasonably determined, after
consultation with counsel, that the possibility is remote that such litigation
or proceeding will result in a judgment of $1,000,000 or more or in injunctive
or similar relief against the Company or its Subsidiaries;

         (d) the following events, as soon as possible and in any event within
30 days after the Company knows or has reason to know thereof: (i) the
occurrence or expected occurrence of any Reportable Event with respect to any
Plan, or any withdrawal from, or the termination, Reorganization or Insolvency
of any Multiemployer Plan or (ii) the institution of proceedings or the taking
of any other action by the PBGC or the Company or any Commonly Controlled Entity
or any Multiemployer Plan with respect to the withdrawal from, or the
terminating, Reorganization or Insolvency of, any Plan;

         (e) as soon as the Company knows or has reason to know that it or any
Subsidiary has become liable for remediation and/or environmental compliance
expenses and/or fines, penalties or other charges which, in the aggregate, are
in excess of $2,500,000 at any one time outstanding (net of all reimbursements
in respect of such amounts from any state trust funds which have been or are
reasonably expected to be made to the Company or its Subsidiaries and have been
recognized as a receivable or may properly be set off as a credit against such
liabilities in accordance with GAAP); and

         (f) a material adverse change in the business, operations, property,
condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Company and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

                                       47
<PAGE>   52

Each notice pursuant to this subsection shall be accompanied by a statement of a
Responsible Officer setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein
and stating what action the Company proposes to take with respect thereto.

         6.8      ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS.

         (a) Comply with, and insure compliance by all tenants and subtenants,
if any, with, all Environmental Laws and obtain and comply with and maintain,
and ensure that all tenants and subtenants obtain and comply with and maintain,
any and all licenses, approvals, registrations or permits required by
Environmental Laws, except to the extent that failure to do so could not have a
Material Adverse Effect;

         (b) Conduct and complete all investigations, studies, sampling and
testing, and all remedial, removal and other actions required under
Environmental Laws and promptly comply with all lawful orders and directives of
all Governmental Authorities respecting Environmental Laws, except to the extent
that the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and
the pendency of such proceedings could not have a Material Adverse Effect;

         (c) Defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Agent and the Banks, and
their respective employees, agents, officers and directors, from and against any
claims, demands, penalties, fines, liabilities, settlements, damages, costs and
expenses of whatever kind or nature known or unknown, contingent or otherwise,
arising out of, or in any way relating to the violation of or noncompliance with
any Environmental Laws by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any orders,
requirements or demands of Governmental Authorities related thereto, including,
without limitation, attorney's and consultant's fees, investigation and
laboratory fees, court costs and litigation expenses, except to the extent that
any of the foregoing arise out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of
the party seeking indemnification therefor.

         (d) Prepare and deliver, at least as frequently as once each fiscal
quarter, to the Agent and to each other Bank, a report setting forth a summary,
as of the end of such fiscal quarter, of (i) the gross amount of all sums
accrued in respect of any remediation required by applicable Environmental Laws,
(ii) all reimbursements in respect of such amounts from any state trust funds
which have been or are reasonably expected to be made to the Company or its
Subsidiaries and have been recognized as a receivable or may properly be set off
as a credit against the cost of such remediation under GAAP and (iii) the net
amount of all sums accrued in respect of such remediation costs.

         6.9 ADDITIONAL DESIGNATED SUBSIDIARIES. If, at any time following the
delivery of the financial statements referred to in subsections 6.1(a) and (b),
the Company cannot (x) represent and warrant to the Agent and the Banks as to
the matters set forth in either the second or third sentences of subsection 4.15
because a Subsidiary or certain

                                       48
<PAGE>   53

Subsidiaries not named a Designated Subsidiary on the Effective Date causes the
Designated Subsidiaries to fail to reach the percentage threshold set forth in
either of such sentences or (y) pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.14 of
the Senior Subordinated Indenture, is required to cause one or more of its
Subsidiaries to become an additional "Guarantor" (as defined in the Senior
Subordinated Indenture) (in either case, an "Undesignated Subsidiary"), then as
soon as possible and in any event concurrently with any actions taken in respect
thereof under the Senior Subordinated Indenture or within 15 days after the
delivery of such financial statements, (a) the Company shall deliver to the
Agent, with a counterpart for each Bank, (i) a supplement to the Subsidiary
Guarantee, satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent, whereby such
Undesignated Subsidiary guarantees the Obligations (as defined in the Subsidiary
Guarantee and subject to the Maximum Guaranteed Amount, as defined therein, with
respect to such Undesignated Subsidiary) and agrees to be bound by the terms and
conditions of the Subsidiary Guarantee, (ii) the Capital Stock of any such
Undesignated Subsidiary, pledged and delivered by the holder thereof pursuant to
a supplement to the pledge agreement to which such holder is a party, duly
authorized, executed and delivered by such holder and otherwise in form and
substance satisfactory to the Agent, (iii) a Subsidiary Security Agreement,
satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent, executed by such Undesignated
Subsidiary, and (iv) an opinion of counsel to such Undesignated Subsidiary and
such pledgor addressed to the Agent and the Banks and covering such matters as
the Agent may reasonably request and (b) SCHEDULE VI shall be deemed amended to
include the name of such Undesignated Subsidiary.

         6.10 FURTHER ASSURANCES. Execute and deliver such additional financing
statements, continuations of financing statements and other documents as Agent
shall reasonably request to perfect and maintain perfected Agent's security
interest in the Collateral.

                          SECTION 7. NEGATIVE COVENANTS

         The Company hereby agrees that, so long as the Commitments remain in
effect, any Note or any Letter of Credit remains outstanding and unpaid or any
other amount is owing to any Bank or the Agent hereunder, the Company shall not,
and (except with respect to subsection 7.1) shall not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:

         7.1      FINANCIAL CONDITION COVENANTS.

         (a) ADJUSTED CONSOLIDATED INDEBTEDNESS TO CONSOLIDATED EBITDA. For any
period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on any FQED set forth below,
permit the ratio of (i) Adjusted Consolidated Indebtedness at the end of such
period less Store Properties Held For Sale/Leaseback at the end of such period
to (ii) Consolidated EBITDA for such period to be more than the ratio set forth
opposite such FQED:

               FQED                                                        Ratio
               ----                                                        -----

                                       49
<PAGE>   54

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                                  <C>
The FQED ending on or about January 31, 1999                           4.65 to 1.00
The FQED ending on or about April 30, 1999                             4.50 to 1.00
The FQED ending on or about July 31, 1999                              4.35 to 1.00
The FQED ending on or about October 30, 1999                           4.25 to 1.00
The FQED ending on or about January 31, 2000                           4.25 to 1.00
The FQED ending on or about April 30, 2000                             4.15 to 1.00
The FQED ending on or about July 31, 2000                              4.10 to 1.00
The FQED ending on or about October 30, 2000 and thereafter            3.90 to 1.00
</TABLE>

         (b) EBITDA TO INTEREST EXPENSE. For any period of four consecutive
fiscal quarters ending on any FQED set forth below, permit the ratio of (i)
Consolidated EBITDA for the applicable period to (ii) Consolidated Interest
Expense for such period to be less than the ratio set forth opposite such FQED:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

               FQED                                                        Ratio
               ----                                                        -----
<S>                                                                   <C>
The FQED ending on or about January 31, 1999                           2.00 to 1.00
The FQED ending on or about April 30, 1999                             2.00 to 1.00
The FQED ending on or about July 31, 1999                              2.00 to 1.00
The FQED ending on or about October 30, 1999                           2.10 to 1.00
The FQED ending on or about January 31, 2000                           2.10 to 1.00
The FQED ending on or about April 30, 2000 and thereafter              2.25 to 1.00
</TABLE>

         (c) FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE. For any period of four consecutive fiscal
quarters ending on any FQED set forth below, permit the ratio of (i)
Consolidated EBITDAR minus the amount of any federal, state and local income
taxes levied by a Governmental Authority on the revenues of the Company which
are actually paid by the Company or its consolidated Subsidiaries in cash during
such period, to (ii) Consolidated Interest Expense, plus all principal payments
required to be made during the period on account of any Consolidated
Indebtedness, plus the amount of any Consolidated Rent Expense during the
period, to be less than the ratio set forth opposite such FQED:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

               FQED                                                        Ratio
               ----                                                        -----
<S>                                                                   <C>
The FQED ending on or about January 31, 1999 and thereafter            1.25 to 1.00
</TABLE>

         (d) MAINTENANCE OF NET WORTH. Permit Consolidated Net Worth of the
Company to be less than the Minimum Consolidated Net Worth.

         7.2 LIMITATION ON INDEBTEDNESS. Create, incur, assume or suffer to
exist any Indebtedness, except:

                                       50
<PAGE>   55

         (a) Indebtedness in respect of the Loans, the Notes and the Letters of
Credit and other obligations of the Company and its Designated Subsidiaries
under the Loan Documents;

         (b) Indebtedness of the Company to any Designated Subsidiary and of any
Designated Subsidiary to the Company or any other Designated Subsidiary;

         (c) Indebtedness outstanding on the Effective Date and listed on
SCHEDULE VIII; provided that no letter of credit listed on SCHEDULE VIII shall
remain outstanding beyond its stated date of termination;

         (d) any Indebtedness of the Company or any Designated Subsidiary
incurred after the Effective Date to finance the acquisition, improvement or
construction of fixed or capital assets or POS Program Expenses (whether
pursuant to a loan, a Financing Lease or otherwise), including any Indebtedness
incurred in connection with any transaction permitted under subsection 7.3(g);

         (e) Indebtedness of FinOp to the SBA incurred in connection with the
Company's on-going franchise program, in an aggregate amount not exceeding
$20,000,000 at any one time outstanding; and

         (f)      Indebtedness under any Interest Rate Agreement.

         7.3 LIMITATION ON LIENS. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any
Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or
hereafter acquired, except for:

         (a) Liens for taxes not yet due or which are being contested in good
faith by appropriate proceedings; provided that adequate reserves with respect
thereto are maintained on the books of the Company or its Subsidiaries, as the
case may be, in conformity with GAAP;

         (b) carriers', warehousemen's, mechanics', materialmen's, repairmen's
or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business which are not
overdue for a period of more than 60 days or which are being contested in good
faith by appropriate proceedings;

         (c) pledges or deposits in connection with workers' compensation,
unemployment insurance and other social security legislation and deposits
securing liability to insurance carriers under insurance or self-insurance
arrangements;

         (d) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts (other
than for borrowed money), leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal
bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the
ordinary course of business;

                                       51
<PAGE>   56

         (e) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions and other similar
encumbrances incurred in the ordinary course of business which, in the
aggregate, are not substantial in amount and which do not in any case materially
detract from the value of the property subject thereto or materially interfere
with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Company or such Subsidiary;

         (f) Liens in existence on the Effective Date listed on SCHEDULE IX,
securing Indebtedness permitted by subsection 7.2(c); provided that no such Lien
is expanded to cover any additional property after the Effective Date and that
the amount of Indebtedness secured thereby is not increased;

         (g) Liens securing Indebtedness of the Company or a Designated
Subsidiary permitted by subsection 7.2(d); PROVIDED that (i) such Liens shall be
created promptly upon the acquisition, improvement or completion of the
construction of such fixed or capital asset or the incurrence of such POS
Program Expense, as the case may be (and in any event no later than the earlier
of (A) twelve months from the date on which the construction of such fixed or
capital asset is completed or such POS Program Expense is incurred, and (B) 24
months from the date on which the real estate, on which such fixed or capital
asset is located, was purchased by the Company, (ii) such Liens do not at any
time encumber any property other than the property financed by such
Indebtedness, (iii) the amount of Indebtedness secured thereby is not increased,
(iv) the principal amount of Indebtedness secured by any such Lien shall at no
time exceed 100% of the original purchase price of such property, and (v) there
shall be no Liens on any of the following types of collateral, as those terms
are defined in Title 42a of the Connecticut General Statutes: inventory,
accounts or general intangibles (except Liens on general intangibles that result
from the granting of a mortgage, equipment lease financing or other equipment
financing arrangement); and

         (h) Liens created under the Security Documents.

         7.4 LIMITATION ON GUARANTEE OBLIGATIONS. Create, incur, assume or
suffer to exist any Guarantee Obligation except:

         (a) the Subsidiary Guarantee;

         (b) Guarantee Obligations arising from the issuance of the Letters of
Credit issued pursuant to this Agreement and any Application issued for the
account of the Company or any Designated Subsidiary in the ordinary course of
its business, not to exceed an aggregate face amount and unreimbursed
obligations of the L/C Commitment at any one time outstanding;

         (c) Guarantee Obligations arising with respect to the Franchisee
Guarantees or under the Senior Subordinated Indenture; and

                                       52
<PAGE>   57

         (d) Guarantee Obligations arising as a result of guarantees by the
Company of any Indebtedness of a consolidated Subsidiary that would appear as a
liability on a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated
Subsidiaries.

         7.5 LIMITATIONS ON FUNDAMENTAL CHANGES. Enter into any merger,
consolidation or amalgamation, or liquidate, wind up or dissolve itself (or
suffer any liquidation or dissolution), or convey, sell, lease, assign, transfer
or otherwise dispose of, all or substantially all of its property, business or
assets, or make any material change in its present method of conducting
business, except:

         (a) any Subsidiary of the Company may be merged or consolidated with or
into the Company (provided that the Company shall be the continuing or surviving
corporation) or with or into any one or more wholly-owned Designated
Subsidiaries of the Company (provided that the wholly-owned Designated
Subsidiary or Designated Subsidiaries shall be the continuing or surviving
corporation and shall be a member of the Company's consolidated group for
financial reporting and tax purposes);

         (b) any wholly-owned Designated Subsidiary may sell, lease, transfer or
otherwise dispose of any or all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or
otherwise) to the Company or any other wholly-owned Designated Subsidiary of the
Company; and

         (c) any Subsidiary which is not a Designated Subsidiary (i) may be
merged or consolidated with or into any other Subsidiary (provided that if it is
merged or consolidated with a Designated Subsidiary, the continuing or surviving
entity must be the Designated Subsidiary) and (ii) may liquidate, wind up or
dissolve itself (provided, in the case of clause (ii) only, that the Required
Banks consent to such action (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld)).

         7.6 LIMITATION ON SALE OF ASSETS. Convey, sell, lease, assign, transfer
or otherwise dispose of any of its property, business or assets (including,
without limitation, receivables and leasehold interests), whether now owned or
hereafter acquired, except:

         (a) the sale of inventory in the ordinary course of business;

         (b) as permitted by subsection 7.5(b); and

         (c) Asset Dispositions (as defined in the Senior Subordinated
Indenture), such dispositions being subject to the provisions of subsection
2.11(b) hereof, if applicable.

         7.7 LIMITATION ON RESTRICTED PAYMENTS. Except as permitted by Section
7.9 hereof, (i) declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution in respect
of the Company's or any Subsidiary's Capital Stock (except (A) dividends or
distributions payable solely in the Company's or a Subsidiary's Capital Stock,
(B) options, warrants or other rights to purchase the Capital Stock of the
Company or a Subsidiary, (C) stock

                                       53
<PAGE>   58

dividends or distributions payable from a Subsidiary to the Company so long as
any such stock dividend is pledged by the Company pursuant to the Pledge
Agreement to which the Company is a party, and (D) non-stock dividends or
distributions payable solely to the Company or to a Subsidiary which has
executed and delivered to the Agent a Subsidiary Guarantee), or (ii) purchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value, or set apart assets for a
sinking or other analogous fund for the benefit of, any Capital Stock of the
Company or any Subsidiary, either directly or indirectly, whether in cash or
property or in obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary (collectively, a
"Restricted Payment") unless no Event of Default will occur as a result of such
Restricted Payment and such Restricted Payment, when aggregated with all other
Restricted Payments made since January 30, 1999 and any repurchase by the
Company of Senior Subordinated Notes (unless required by the Senior Subordinated
Indenture to be repurchased from the Net Cash Proceeds of an Asset Disposition),
made since January 30, 1999, would not exceed the sum of (x) 50% of Consolidated
Net Income accrued on a cumulative basis from January 30, 1999 to the end of the
most recent fiscal quarter ending prior to the date of the proposed Restricted
Payment (treating such period as a single accounting period), (y) the aggregate
net proceeds received by the Company from any Person other than a Subsidiary as
a result of the issuance of Capital Stock of the Company or as a result of a
capital contribution from any shareholders of the Company, and (z) the amount by
which Indebtedness of the Company is reduced on the Company's balance sheet upon
the conversion or exchange (other than by a Subsidiary) of any Indebtedness of
the Company convertible into or exchangeable for Capital Stock of the Company.

         7.8 LIMITATION ON CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. Make or commit to make (by way
of the acquisition of securities of a Person or otherwise) any Capital
Expenditures (excluding any expenses incurred in connection with normal
replacement and maintenance programs properly charged to current operations) in
the aggregate for the Company and its Subsidiaries during any of the fiscal
years of the Company set forth below in an amount in excess of that set forth
opposite such fiscal year:

                                                     MAXIMUM CAPITAL
                                                     ---------------
            FISCAL YEAR                               EXPENDITURES
            -----------                               ------------

            1999                                       $35,000,000
            Each fiscal year thereafter                $25,000,000

PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in the event the Company and its Subsidiaries shall make
Capital Expenditures in any fiscal year of less than the maximum amount set
forth above, an amount equal to the difference between such maximum amount and
the actual Capital Expenditures made during such fiscal year shall be available
(in addition to the maximum amount stated above) to the Company for Capital
Expenditures during (but only during) the immediately following fiscal year.

                                       54
<PAGE>   59

         7.9 LIMITATION ON INVESTMENTS, LOANS AND ADVANCES. Make any advance,
loan, extension of credit or capital contribution to, or purchase any stock,
bonds, notes, debentures or other securities of or any assets constituting a
business unit of, or make any other investment in (each, an "Investment"), any
Person, except:

         (a) extensions of trade credit in the ordinary course of business;

         (b) Investments in Cash Equivalents;

         (c) loans and advances to employees of the company or its Subsidiaries
in the ordinary course of business in an aggregate amount for the Company and
its Subsidiaries not to exceed $1,500,000 in the aggregate or $500,000 for any
one employee, at any one time outstanding (including the principal amount of the
loans listed on SCHEDULE X hereto);

         (d) Investments by the Company in its Subsidiaries and investments by a
Designated Subsidiary in the Company and in other Designated Subsidiaries (other
than, in either case, any investments in FinOp); provided that any Designated
Subsidiary making an investment or receiving the proceeds thereof is a member of
the company consolidated group for financial reporting and tax purposes;

         (e) Investments after the date hereof by the Company or any Designated
Subsidiary in FinOp in an aggregate amount of up to $2,500,000;

         (f) Investments by the Insurance Subsidiary of its statutory or
regulatory reserves in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction of its
incorporation;

         (g) Investments of amounts held in depositary accounts in financial
institutions geographically proximate to the location of the Company's or a
Subsidiary's retail operations; provided that such amounts are withdrawn from
such accounts and deposited into the Company's cash concentration account at
least once during each seven-day period;

         (h) Investments as a result of stock repurchases permitted by
subsection 7.7;

         (i) Investments by the Company or any Designated Subsidiary (other than
a Permitted Joint Venture Investment) in any Person not a Subsidiary on the
Effective Date; provided that (i) any such Investment (whether made in one
transaction or a series of transactions) does not exceed $2,000,000 (inclusive
of commissions, fees and other transaction costs, but not including any portion
of the Investments with respect to which the consideration is the capital stock
of the Company), (ii) all such Investments made after the Effective Date do not
exceed $5,000,000 in the aggregate (inclusive of commissions, fees and other
transaction costs, but not including any portion of the Investments with respect
to which the consideration is the capital stock of the Company), (iii) any such
acquired Person that is a Subsequently Acquired Subsidiary executes and

                                       55

<PAGE>   60

delivers to the Agent, with a counterpart for each Bank, a supplement to the
Subsidiary Guarantee, satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent, whereby
such Subsequently Acquired Subsidiary guarantees the Obligations (as defined in
the Subsidiary Guarantee subject to the Maximum Guaranteed Amount, as defined
therein, with respect to such Subsequently Acquired Subsidiary) and agrees to be
bound by the terms and conditions of the Subsidiary Guarantee, (iv) the Capital
Stock of any such acquired Person is pledged and delivered by the holder thereof
pursuant to a supplement to the Pledge Agreement to which such holder is a
party, duly authorized, executed and delivered by such holder and otherwise in
form and substance satisfactory to the Agent, (v) any such acquired Person
executes a Subsidiary Security Agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to
the Agent, and (vi) in connection with the matters contemplated by the foregoing
clauses (iii), (iv) and (v) the Person executing such supplement
contemporaneously therewith causes to be delivered an opinion of counsel to such
Person so executing such supplement and such pledgor, addressed to the Agent and
the Banks and covering such matters as the Agent may request. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Company or any Subsidiary shall not make any Investment any
Person which exceeds one percent of the voting power represented by the Capital
Stock then outstanding of such Person if the Board of Directors or other
governing body of such Person has disapproved or recommended against any such
Investment or refused to negotiate or terminated negotiations with the Company
or such Subsidiary; and

         (j)      Permitted Joint Venture Investments.

         7.10 LIMITATION ON OPTIONAL PAYMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS OF DEBT
INSTRUMENTS. (a) Make any optional payment or prepayment on or redemption of any
Indebtedness other than Indebtedness under this Agreement and the repayment of
the indebtedness required under Section 5.1(c) hereof, including, without
limitation (except to the extent permitted by subsection 7.7), the Senior
Subordinated Notes; (b) amend, modify or change, or consent or agree to any
amendment, modification or change to any of the terms of the Senior Subordinated
Notes or the Senior Subordinated Indenture, including, without limitation, any
amendment to the subordination provisions thereof; or (c) amend, modify or
change, or consent or agree to any amendment, modification or change to, any of
the terms relating to the payment or prepayment of principal of or interest on
any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness pursuant to this Agreement or the
Senior Subordinated Notes), other than, with respect to the Indebtedness
described in the foregoing clauses (b) and (c), any such amendment, modification
or change the primary effect of which would extend the maturity or reduce the
amount of any payment of principal thereof or the primary effect of which would
reduce the rate or extend the date for payment of interest thereon.

         7.11 TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES. Enter into any transaction,
including, without limitation, any purchase, sale, Lease or exchange of property
or the rendering of any service, with any Affiliate unless such transaction is
not otherwise prohibited under this Agreement, is in the ordinary course of the
Company's or such Subsidiary's business (including in connection with the
Company's on-going franchise program) and is upon fair and reasonable

                                       56
<PAGE>   61

terms no less favorable to the Company or such Subsidiary, a the case may be,
than it would obtain in a comparable arm's length transaction with a Person not
an Affiliate.

         7.12 SALE AND LEASEBACK. Enter into any arrangement with any Person
providing for the leasing by the Company or any Subsidiary of real or personal
property which has been or is to be sold or transferred by the Company or such
Subsidiary to such Person or to any other Person to whom funds have been or are
to be advanced by such Person on the security of such property or rental
obligations of the Company or such Subsidiary (a "Sale/Leaseback Transaction")
unless (a) the proceeds received therefrom are not required by subsections 2.11
and 7.6 to be applied to prepay the Loans, or (b) the proceeds received
therefrom are applied, if so required under subsections 2.11 and 7.6, to prepay
the Loans in accordance with such subsections.

         7.13 CORPORATE DOCUMENTS; NAME/LOCATION OF ASSETS. (a) Amend its
Certificate of Incorporation (except to increase the number of authorized shares
of common stock) or (b) do any of the following, unless, in each case, it shall
provide the Agent with at least 30 days prior written notice of such action: (i)
change its corporate name; (ii) change the location of its inventory or
equipment; (iii) change the location of the office where it maintains its
records pertaining to its accounts; (iv) change the location of its existing
places of business or open any new places of business; or (v) change the
location of its chief executive office; provided, however, that anything herein
to the contrary notwithstanding (A) in the alternative, with respect to store
openings and closings, the Company may satisfy the requirements of this
subsection by submitting to the Agent, on a quarterly basis, a list of all
stores opened and closed, and (B) with respect to moving Collateral, no notice
need be provided pursuant to this subsection so long as either (i) the Company
or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, executes and delivers to the Agent a
Uniform Commercial Code financing statement appropriate for filing to perfect
the Agent's security interest in the Collateral in its new location, or (ii) the
Agent has previously filed a Uniform Commercial Code financing statement which
perfects the Agent's security interest in the Collateral in its new location. As
used herein, "inventory," "equipment" and accounts have the respective meanings
ascribed to them in Title 42a of the Connecticut General Statutes. In the event
that the Company sells or franchises a store or any Collateral contained therein
to a purchaser or franchisee in the ordinary course of the Company's business,
the Agent shall, provided no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing,
promptly execute and deliver to the Company appropriate Uniform Commercial Code
termination statements terminating the Agent's security interest in such store
or Collateral.

         7.14 FISCAL YEAR. Permit the fiscal year of the Company to end on a day
other than on the Saturday closest to January 31 of each calendar year.

         7.15 LIMITATION ON NEGATIVE PLEDGE CLAUSES. Enter into any agreement,
other than (i) as permitted by this Agreement and (ii) any industrial revenue
bonds, purchase money or other mortgages, the Senior Subordinated Indenture or a
lease the obligations

                                       57
<PAGE>   62

of which are required in accordance with GAAP to be capitalized on a balance
sheet of the Company (in which cases, any prohibition or limitation shall only
be effective against the assets financed thereby), with any Person other than
the Banks pursuant hereto which prohibits or limits the ability of the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien
upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter
acquired.

                          SECTION 8. EVENTS OF DEFAULT

         If any of the following events shall occur and be continuing:

         (a) The Company shall fail to pay any principal of any Note or any
Reimbursement Obligation when due in accordance with the terms thereof or
hereof; or the Company shall fail to pay any interest on any Note or any
Reimbursement Obligation, or any other amount payable hereunder, within five
days after any such interest or other amount becomes due in accordance with the
terms thereof or hereof; or

         (b) Any representation or warranty made or deemed made by the Company
or any Subsidiary in any Loan Document to which the Company or such Subsidiary
is a party or which is contained in any certificate, document or financial or
other statement furnished at any time under or in connection with this Agreement
or any other Loan Document shall prove to have been incorrect in any material
respect on or as of the date made or deemed made; or

         (c) The Company shall default in the observance or performance of any
agreement contained in Section 6 (other than subsection 6.7) and Section 7; or

         (d) The Company shall default in the observance or performance of any
other agreement contained in this Agreement (other than as provided in
paragraphs (a) through (c) of this subsection), and such default shall continue
unremedied for a period of 30 days after the earlier of (i) an officer of the
Company becomes aware of such default or (ii) notice of such default to the
Company by Agent or any Bank; or

         (e) Any Subsidiary shall default in the observance or performance of
any agreement contained in any Loan Document to which it is a party, and such
default shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after the earlier of
(i) an officer of any such Subsidiary becomes aware of such default or (ii)
notice of such default to such Subsidiary by Agent or any Bank; or

         (f) The Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall (i) default in any
payment of principal of or interest of any Indebtedness (other than the Notes)
which has an aggregate principal amount in excess of $500,000, individually or
in the aggregate, or in the payment of any Guarantee Obligation under which the
maximum liability of the Company or such Subsidiary exceeds $500,000,
individually or in the aggregate, beyond

                                       58
<PAGE>   63

the period of grace (not to exceed 30 days), if any, provided in the instrument
or agreement under which such Indebtedness or Guarantee Obligation was created;
or (ii) default in the observance or performance of any other agreement or
condition relating to any such Indebtedness or Guarantee Obligation or contained
in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any
other event shall occur or condition exist, the effect of which default or other
event or condition is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such
Indebtedness or beneficiary or beneficiaries of such Guarantee Obligation (or a
trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or
beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such
Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity or such Guarantee
Obligation to become payable; or

         (g) (i) The Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall commence any case,
proceeding or other action (A) under any existing or future law of any
jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, relating to bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization or relief' of debtors, seeking to have an order for relief
entered with respect to it, or seeking to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent,
or seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, winding-up, liquidation,
dissolution, composition or other relief with respect to it or its debts, or (B)
seeking appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official
for it or for all or any substantial part of its assets, or the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries shall make a general assignment for the benefit of its
creditors; or (ii) there shall be commenced against the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries any case, proceeding or other action of a nature referred to in
clause (i) above which (A) results in the entry of an order for relief or any
such adjudication or appointment or (B) remains undismissed, undischarged or
unbonded for a period of 60 days; or (iii) there shall be commenced against the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries any case, proceeding or other action seeking
issuance of a warrant of attachment, execution, distraint or similar process
against all or any substantial part of its assets which results in the entry of
an order for any such relief which shall not have been vacated, discharged, or
stayed or bonded pending appeal within 60 days from the entry thereof; or (iv)
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall take any action in furtherance of,
or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any of the acts
set forth in clause (i),(ii), or (iii) above, or (v) the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries shall generally not, or shall be unable to, or shall admit in
writing its inability to, pay its debts as they become due; or

         (h) (i) Any Person shall engage in any "prohibited transaction" (as
defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) involving any Plan,
(ii) any "accumulated funding deficiency" (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA),
whether waived or not, shall exist with respect to any Plan, (iii) a Reportable
Event shall occur with respect to, or proceedings shall commence to have a
trustee appointed, or a trustee shall be appointed, to administer or to
terminate, any Single Employer Plan, which Reportable Event or commencement of
proceedings or appointment of a trustee is, in the reasonable opinion of the
Required Banks, likely to result in the termination of such Plan for purposes of
Title IV of ERISA, (iv) any Single Employer Plan shall terminate for purposes of
Title

                                       59
<PAGE>   64

IV of ERISA, (v) the Company or any Commonly Controlled Entity shall, or in the
reasonable opinion of the Required Banks is likely to, incur any liability in
connection with a withdrawal from, or the Insolvency or Reorganization of, a
Multiemployer Plan or (vi) any other event or condition shall occur or exist,
with respect to a Plan; and in each case in clauses (i) through (vi) above, such
event or condition, together with all other such events or conditions, if any,
could subject the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any tax, penalty or
other liabilities in the aggregate material in relation to the business,
operations, property or financial or other condition of the Company and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole; or

         (i) One or more judgments or decrees shall be entered against the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries involving in the aggregate a liability (to
the extent not paid or covered by insurance) of $1,000,000 or more and all such
judgments or decrees shall not have been vacated, discharged, stayed or bonded
pending appeal within 60 days from the entry thereof; or

         (j) If at any time the Company or all or any of its Subsidiaries shall
become liable for remediation and/or environmental compliance expenses and/or
fines, penalties or other charges which, in the aggregate, are in excess of
$3,000,000 at any one time outstanding (net of all reimbursements in respect of
such amounts from any state trust funds which have been or are reasonably
expected to be made to the Company or its Subsidiaries and have been recognized
as a receivable or may properly be set off as a credit against such liabilities
under GAAP); or

         (k) A Change of Control shall have occurred; or

         (l) The Subsidiary Guarantee or any other Guarantee Obligation in
respect of the Company's Indebtedness hereunder shall be held in any judicial
proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or shall cease for any reason to be in
full force and effect, or any Person having a Guarantee Obligation in respect of
the Company's Indebtedness hereunder, including without limitation each
Designated Subsidiary (or any Person acting on behalf of any such Person) shall
deny or disaffirm such Guarantee Obligation.

         Then, and in any such event, (A) if such event is an Event of Default
specified in clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (g) above with respect to the
Company, automatically the Commitments shall immediately terminate and the Loans
hereunder (with accrued interest thereon) and all other amounts owing under this
Agreement (including, without limitation, all amounts of L/C Obligations,
regardless of whether the beneficiaries of the then outstanding Letters of
Credit shall have presented the documents required thereunder) and the Notes
shall immediately become due and payable, and (B) if such event is any other
Event of Default, either or both of the following actions may be taken: (i) with
the consent of the Required Banks, the Agent may, or upon the request of the
Required Banks, the Agent shall, by notice to the Company declare the
Commitments to be terminated forthwith, whereupon the Commitments shall
immediately terminate; and (ii) with the consent of the Required Banks, the
Agent may, or upon the request of the Required Banks,

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<PAGE>   65

the Agent shall, by notice of default to the Company, declare the Loans
hereunder (with accrued interest thereon) and all other amounts owing under this
Agreement (including, without limitation, all amounts of L/C Obligations,
regardless of whether the beneficiaries of the then outstanding Letters of
Credit shall have presented the documents required thereunder) and the Notes to
be due and payable forthwith, whereupon the same shall immediately become due
and payable.

         With respect to all Letters of Credit with respect to which presentment
for honor shall not have occurred at the time of an acceleration pursuant to the
preceding paragraph, the Company shall at such time deposit in a cash collateral
account to be opened by the Agent (the "Cash Collateral Account") an amount
equal to the aggregate then undrawn and unexpired amount of such Letters of
Credit. The Company hereby grants to the Agent, for the benefit of the Issuing
Bank and the L/C Participants, a security interest in the Cash Collateral
Account and all amounts from time to time on deposit therein to secure all
obligations of the Company in respect of such Letters of Credit under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The Company shall execute and deliver to
the Agent, for the account of the Issuing Bank and the L/C Participants, such
further documents and instruments as the Agent may request to evidence the
creation and perfection of such security interest in the Cash Collateral
Account. Amounts held in the Cash Collateral Account shall be applied by the
Agent to the payment of drafts drawn under such Letters of Credit, and the
unused portion thereof after all such Letters of Credit shall have expired or
been fully drawn upon, if any, shall be applied to repay other obligations of
the Company hereunder and under the Notes. After all such Letters of Credit
shall have expired or been fully drawn upon, all Reimbursement Obligations shall
have been satisfied and all other obligations of the Company hereunder and under
the Notes shall have been paid in full, the balance, if any, in the Cash
Collateral Account shall be returned to the Company.

         Except as expressly provided above in this Section, presentment,
demand, protest and all other notices of any kind are hereby expressly waived.

                              SECTION 9. THE AGENT

         9.1 APPOINTMENT. Each Bank hereby irrevocably designates and appoints
Citizens Bank of Connecticut as the Agent of such Bank under this Agreement and
the other Loan Documents, to take such action on its behalf under the provisions
of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to exercise such powers and
perform such duties as are expressly delegated to the Agent by the terms of this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents, together with such other powers as are
reasonably incidental thereto.

         9.2 DELEGATION OF DUTIES. The Agent may execute any of its duties under
this Agreement and the other Loan Documents by or through agents or
attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all
matters pertaining to such duties. The Agent shall not be responsible for the
negligence or misconduct of any agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by it with
reasonable care.

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<PAGE>   66

         9.3 EXCULPATORY PROVISIONS. Neither the Agent nor any of its officers,
directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or Affiliates shall be (i)
liable for any action lawfully taken or omitted to be taken by it or such Person
under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document (except
for its or such Person's own gross negligence or willful misconduct) or (ii)
responsible in any manner to any of the Banks for any recitals, statements,
representations or warranties made by the Company or any officer thereof
contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any certificate,
report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received
by the Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan
Document or for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability
or sufficiency of this Agreement or the Notes or any other Loan Document or for
any failure of the Company to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder.
The Agent shall not be under any obligation to any Bank to ascertain or to
inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained
in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or to inspect
the properties, books or records of the Company.

         9.4 RELIANCE BY AGENT. The Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall
be fully protected in relying, upon any Note, writing, resolution, notice,
consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, cablegram, telegram, telecopy, telex or
teletype message, statement, order or other document or conversation believed by
it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper
Person or Persons and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including,
without limitation, counsel to the Company), independent accountants and other
experts selected by the Agent. The Agent may deem and treat the payee of any
Note as the owner thereof for all purposes unless a written notice of
assignment, negotiation or transfer thereof shall have been filed with the
Agent. The Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any
action under this Agreement or any other Loan Document unless it shall first
receive such advice or concurrence of the Required Banks as it deems appropriate
or it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Banks against any
and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or
continuing to take any such action. The Agent shall in all cases be fully
protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement and the
Notes and the other Loan Documents in accordance with a request of the Required
Banks, and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto
shall be binding upon all the Banks and all future holders of the Notes.

         9.5 NOTICE OF DEFAULT. The Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge
or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default hereunder unless
the Agent has received notice from a Bank or the Company referring to this
Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such
notice is a "notice of default". In the event that the Agent receives such a
notice, the Agent shall give notice thereof to the Banks. The Agent shall take
such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall be
reasonably directed by the Required Banks; provided that unless and until the
Agent shall have received such directions, the Agent may (but shall not be
obligated to)

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<PAGE>   67

take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such
Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable in the best interests of
the Banks.

         9.6 NON-RELIANCE ON AGENT AND OTHER BANKS. Each Bank expressly
acknowledges that neither the Agent nor any of its officers, directors,
employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or Affiliates has made any representations
or warranties to it and that no act by the Agent hereinafter taken, including
any review of the affairs of the Company, shall be deemed to constitute any
representation or warranty by the Agent to any Bank. Each Bank represents to the
Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any
other Bank, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed
appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into the business,
operations, property, financial and other condition and credit worthiness of the
Company and made its own decision to make its Loans hereunder and enter into
this Agreement. Each Bank also represents that it will, independently and
without reliance upon the Agent or any other Bank, and based on such documents
and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its
own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action
under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and to make such
investigation as it deems necessary to inform itself, and keep itself informed,
as to the business, operations, property, financial and other condition and
creditworthiness of the Company. Except for notices, reports and other documents
expressly required to be furnished to the Banks by the Agent hereunder, the
Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Bank with any
credit or other information concerning the business, operations, property,
condition (financial or otherwise), prospects or creditworthiness of the Company
which may come into the possession of the Agent or any of its officers,
directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or Affiliates.

         9.7 INDEMNIFICATION. The Banks agree to indemnify the Agent in its
capacity as such (to the extent not reimbursed by the Company and without
limiting the obligation of the Company to do so), ratably according to the
respective amounts of their original Commitments, from and against any and all
liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits,
costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind whatsoever which may at any time
(including, without limitation, at any time following the payment of the Notes)
be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Agent in any way relating to
or arising out of this Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents or any
documents contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby or any action taken or omitted by the Agent under
or in connection with any of the foregoing; provided that no Bank shall be
liable for the payment of any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses,
damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements
resulting solely from the Agent's gross negligence or willful misconduct. The
agreements in this subsection shall survive the payment of the Notes and all
other amounts payable hereunder.

                                       63
<PAGE>   68

         9.8 AGENT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY. The Agent and its Affiliates may
make loans to, accept deposits from and generally engage in any kind of business
with the Company as though the Agent were not the Agent hereunder and under the
other Loan Documents. With respect to its Loans made or renewed by it and any
Note issued to it and with respect to any Letter of Credit issued or
participated in by it, the Agent shall have the same rights and powers under
this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as any Bank and may exercise the
same as though it were not the Agent, and the terms "Bank" and "Banks" shall
include the Agent in its individual capacity.

         9.9 SUCCESSOR AGENT. The Agent may resign as Agent upon 10 days' notice
to the Banks. If the Agent shall resign as Agent under this Agreement and the
other Loan Documents, then the Required Banks shall appoint a Successor Agent,
whereupon such Successor Agent shall succeed to the rights, powers and duties of
the Agent, and the term "Agent" shall mean such Successor Agent effective upon
its appointment, and the former Agent's rights, powers and duties as Agent shall
be terminated, without any other or further act or deed on the part of such
former Agent or any of the parties to this Agreement or any holders of the
Notes. After any retiring Agent's resignation as Agent, the provisions of this
subsection shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be
taken by it while it was Agent under this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents.

                            SECTION 10. MISCELLANEOUS

         10.1 AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. Neither this Agreement, any Note, any
other Loan Document nor any terms hereof or thereof may be amended, supplemented
or modified except in accordance with the provisions of this subsection. With
the written consent of the Agent and the Required Banks, the Agent and the
Company may, from time to time, enter into written amendments, supplements or
modifications hereto and to the Notes and the other Loan Documents for the
purpose of adding any provisions to this Agreement, the Notes or the other Loan
Documents or changing in any manner the rights of the Banks or of the Company
hereunder or thereunder or waiving, on such terms and conditions as the Agent
may specify in such instrument, any of the requirements of this Agreement, the
Notes or the other Loan Documents or any Default or Event of Default and its
consequences; provided, however, that no such waiver and no such amendment,
supplement or modification shall (a) reduce the amount or extend the maturity of
any Note or any installment thereof, or reduce the rate or extend the time of
payment of interest thereon, or reduce any fee payable to any Bank hereunder, or
change the amount of any Bank's Commitment, in each case without the consent of
the Bank affected thereby, or (b) amend, modify or waive any provision of this
subsection or reduce the percentage specified in the definition of Required
Banks, or consent to the assignment or transfer by the Company of any of its
rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or
release any of the Collateral, in each case without the written consent of the
Agent and all the Banks, or (c) amend, modify or waive any provision of Section
9 without the written consent of the then Agent. Any such waiver and any such
amendment, supplement or modification shall apply equally to each of the Banks
and

                                       64
<PAGE>   69

shall be binding upon the Company, the Banks, the Agent and all future holders
of the Notes. In the case of any waiver, the Company, the Banks and the Agent
shall be restored to their former position and rights hereunder and under the
outstanding Notes and any other Loan Documents, and any Default or Event of
Default waived shall be deemed to be cured and not continuing; but no such
waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default, or
impair any right consequent thereon.

         10.2 NOTICES. All notices, requests and demands to or upon the
respective parties hereto to be effective shall be in writing (including by
telecopy, telegraph or telex), and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein,
shall be deemed to have been duly given or made when delivered by hand, or three
days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, or, in the case of
telecopy notice, when received, or, in the case of telegraphic notice, when
delivered to the telegraph company, or, in the case of telex notice, when sent,
answer back received, addressed as follows in the case of the Company and the
Agent, and as set forth in SCHEDULE I in the case of the other parties hereto,
or to such other address as may be hereafter notified by the respective parties
hereto and any future holders of the Notes:

         The Company:              Dairy Mart Convenience Stores, Inc.
                                   One Dairy Mart Way
                                   300 Executive Parkway West
                                   Hudson, OH  44236
                                   Attention:  Gregory G. Landry
                                   Telephone: (330) 342-6729
                                   Telecopy:  (330) 342-6804

         With a copy to:
                                   Dairy Mart Convenience Stores, Inc.
                                   One Dairy Mart Way
                                   300 Executive Parkway West
                                   Hudson, OH  44236
                                   Attention: Peter D. Miller, General Counsel
                                   Telephone: (330) 342-6725
                                   Telecopy:  (330) 342-6804

         The Agent:                Citizens Bank of Connecticut
                                   237 Main Street
                                   Middletown, CT 06457
                                   Attention: Scott S. Barnett
                                   Telephone:  (860) 343-3809
                                   Telecopy: (860) 638-4439

provided that any notice, request or demand to or upon the Agent or the Banks
pursuant to subsections 2.4, 2.5, 2.9, 2.14 or 2.15 shall not be effective until
received.

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<PAGE>   70

         10.3 NO WAIVER; CUMULATIVE REMEDIES. No failure to exercise and no
delay in exercising, on the part of the Agent or any Bank, any right, remedy,
power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any
single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder
preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other
right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges
herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers
and privileges provided by law.

         10.4 SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. All representations
and warranties made hereunder and in any document, certificate or statement
delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith shall survive the execution
and delivery of this Agreement and the Notes.

         10.5 PAYMENT OF EXPENSES AND TAXES. The Company agrees, within 15 days
after demand, (a) to pay or reimburse the Agent for all its out-of-pocket costs
and expenses incurred in connection with the development, preparation and
execution of, and any amendment, supplement or modification to, this Agreement,
the Notes and the other Loan Documents and any other documents prepared in
connection herewith or therewith, and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby, including, without limitation, the fees and
disbursements of counsel to the Agent, (b) to pay or reimburse each Bank and the
Agent for all its costs and expenses incurred in connection with the enforcement
or preservation of any rights under this Agreement, the Notes, the other Loan
Documents and any such other documents, including, without limitation, fees and
disbursements of counsel to the Agent and to the several Banks, and (c) to pay,
indemnify, and hold each Bank and the Agent harmless from, any and all recording
and filing fees and any and all liabilities with respect to, or resulting from
any delay in paying, stamp, excise and other taxes, if any, which may be payable
or determined to be payable in connection with the execution and delivery of, or
consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by, or any amendment,
supplement or modification of, or any waiver or consent under or in respect of,
this Agreement, the Notes, the other Loan Documents and any such other
documents, and (d) to pay, indemnify and hold each Bank harmless from any and
all fees, costs and expenses incurred by any such Bank after the occurrence and
throughout the continuance of an Event of Default in connection with any
inspection or examination pursuant to subsection 6.6, and (e) to pay, indemnify,
and hold each Bank and the Agent (and their respective directors, officers,
employees and agents) harmless from and against any and all other liabilities,
obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs,
expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever with respect to the
execution, delivery, enforcement, performance and administration of this
Agreement, the Notes, the other Loan Documents and any such other documents (all
the foregoing, collectively, the "indemnified liabilities"); provided, that the
Company shall have no obligation hereunder to the Agent or any Bank with respect
to indemnified liabilities arising from (i) the gross negligence or willful
misconduct of the Agent or any such Bank (or any of their respective directors,
officers, employees or agents), (ii) legal proceedings commenced against the
Agent or any

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<PAGE>   71

such Bank by any security holder or creditor thereof arising out of and based
upon rights afforded any such security holder or creditor solely in its capacity
as such, or (iii) legal proceedings commenced, against the Agent or any such
Bank by any other Bank or by any Transferee. The agreement in this subsection
shall survive repayment of the Notes and all other amounts payable hereunder.

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<PAGE>   72

            10.6  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS; PARTICIPATIONS; PURCHASING BANKS.

         (a) This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the Company, the Banks, the Agent, all future holders of the Notes and their
respective successors and assigns, except that the Company may not assign or
transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior
written consent of each Bank.

         (b) Without the consent of the Company, any Bank may, in the ordinary
course of its commercial banking business and in accordance with applicable law,
at any time sell to one or more banks or other entities (other than any entity
which, to the knowledge of such Bank, is a competitor of the Company or an
Affiliate of such a competitor ("Participants")) participating interests in any
Loan owing to such Bank, any Note held by such Bank, any Commitment of such Bank
or any other interest of such Bank hereunder and under the other Loan Documents.
In the event of any such sale by a Bank of participating interests to a
Participant, such Bank's obligations under this Agreement to the other parties
to this Agreement shall remain unchanged, such Bank shall remain solely
responsible for the performance thereof, such Bank shall remain the holder of
any such Note for all purposes under this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents, and the Company and the Agent shall continue to deal solely and
directly with such Bank in connection with such Bank's rights and obligations
under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The Company agrees that if
amounts outstanding under this Agreement and the Notes are due or unpaid, or
shall have been declared or shall have become due and payable upon the
occurrence of an Event of Default, each Participant shall be deemed to have the
right of set off in respect of its participating interest in amounts owing under
this Agreement and any Note to the same extent as if the amount of its
participating interest were owing directly to it as a Bank under this Agreement
or any Note; provided that such Participant shall only be entitled to such right
of set off if it shall have agreed in the agreement pursuant to which it shall
have acquired its participating interest to share with the Banks the proceeds
thereof as provided in subsection 10.7. The Company also agrees that each
Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of subsections 2.16, 2.17, 2.18,
2.19 and 10.5 with respect to its participation in the Commitments and the Loans
outstanding from time to time; provided, that no Participant shall be entitled
to receive any greater amount pursuant to such subsections than the transferor
Bank would have been entitled to receive in respect of the amount of the
participation transferred by such transferor Bank to such Participant had no
such transfer occurred.

         (c) Any Bank may, in the ordinary course of its commercial banking
business and in accordance with applicable law, at any time sell to any Bank or
any affiliate thereof and, with the consent of the Agent and (so long as no
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing) the Company if a Purchasing
Bank (as hereinafter defined) is not then a Bank party to this Agreement (which
shall not be unreasonably withheld), to one or more additional banks or
financial institutions ("Purchasing Banks") all or any part of its rights and
obligations under this Agreement and the Notes in the minimum principal amount
of $5,000,000 and integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess thereof,

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<PAGE>   73

pursuant to an Assignment and Acceptance executed by such Purchasing Bank, such
transferor Bank (and, in the case of a Purchasing Bank that is not then a Bank
or an affiliate thereof, by the Company and the Agent) and delivered to the
Agent for its acceptance and recording in the Register. Upon such execution,
delivery, acceptance and recording, from and after the effective date of such
Assignment and Acceptance, (x) the Purchasing Bank thereunder shall be a party
hereto and, to the extent provided in such Assignment and Acceptance, have the
rights and obligations of a Bank hereunder with a Commitment as set forth
therein, and (y) the transferor Bank thereunder shall, to the extent provided in
such Assignment and Acceptance, be released from its obligations under this
Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance covering all or the
remaining portion of a transferor Bank's rights and obligations under this
Agreement, such transferor Bank shall cease to be a party hereto). Such
Assignment and Acceptance shall be deemed to amend this Agreement to the extent,
and only to the extent, necessary to reflect the addition of such Purchasing
Bank and the resulting adjustment of the appropriate Commitment Percentages
arising from the purchase by such Purchasing Bank of all or a portion of the
rights and obligations of such transferor Bank under this Agreement and the
Notes. On or prior to the effective date of such Assignment and Acceptance, the
Company shall execute and deliver to the Agent in exchange for the Revolving
Credit Note a new Revolving Credit Note to the order of such Purchasing Bank in
an amount equal to the Commitment assumed by it pursuant to such Assignment and
Acceptance and, if the transferor Bank has retained a Commitment hereunder, new
Notes to the order of the transferor Bank in an amount equal to the Commitment
retained by it hereunder. Such new Notes shall be dated the Effective Date, and
shall otherwise be in the form of the Notes replaced thereby. The Notes
surrendered by the transferor Bank shall be returned by the Agent to the Company
marked "canceled".

         (d) The Agent shall maintain at its address referred to in subsection
10.2 a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to it and a register
(the "Register") for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Banks and
the Commitment of, and principal amount of the Loans owing to, each Bank from
time to time. The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, in the absence of
manifest error, and the Company, the Agent and the Banks may treat each Person
whose name is recorded in the Register as the owner of the Loan recorded therein
for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for
inspection by the Company or any Bank at any reasonable time and from time to
time upon reasonable prior notice.

         (e) Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance executed by a
transferor Bank and Purchasing Bank (and, in the case of a Purchasing Bank that
is not then a Bank or an affiliate thereof, by the Company and the Agent)
together with, if such Purchasing Bank is not then a Bank hereunder, payment by
the transferor Bank and/or the Purchasing Bank of a registration and processing
fee of $2,500, the Agent shall (i) promptly accept such Assignment and
Acceptance, and (ii) on the effective date of such Assignment and Acceptance,
record the information contained therein in the Register and give notice of such
acceptance and recordation to the Banks and the Company.

                                       69
<PAGE>   74

Notwithstanding any provision of this subsection (e) to the contrary, no
registration and processing fee shall be due and payable as a result of any
assignment required to make CBC or NCB a party to this Agreement.

         (f) The Company authorizes each Bank to disclose to any Participant or
Purchasing Bank (each, a "Transferee") and any prospective Transferee any and
all financial information in such Bank's possession concerning the Company and
its affiliates which has been delivered to such Bank by or on behalf of the
Company pursuant to this Agreement or which has been delivered to such Bank by
or on behalf of the Company in connection with such Bank's credit evaluation of
the Company and its affiliates prior to becoming a party to this Agreement;
provided, that, prior to receiving such information, such Transferee shall agree
to hold in confidence all confidential material or proprietary information
obtained by such Transferee with respect to the Company's business operations
that is plainly marked by the provider of such material or information as
confidential or proprietary except (a) to the extent that the production of such
information is required pursuant to any statute, ordinance, regulation, rule or
order or any subpoena or any governmental authority or by reason of any bank
regulation in connection with any bank examination, (b) to the extent already
publicly disclosed and (c) that any Bank shall not be prohibited from disclosing
any such information to any of their agents, attorneys, accountants,
consultants, participants, assignees, or prospective participants, who are aware
of such Bank's covenant in this subsection and who have agreed with such Bank,
for the benefit of the Company, to comply with such covenant.

         (g) If, pursuant to this subsection, any interest in this Agreement or
any Note is transferred to any Transferee which is organized under the laws of
any jurisdiction other than the United States or any state thereof, the
transferor Bank shall cause such Transferee, concurrently with the effectiveness
of such transfer, (i) to represent to the transferor Bank (for the benefit of
the transferor Bank, the Agent and the Company) that under applicable law and
treaties no taxes will be required to be withheld by the Agent, the Company or
the transferor Bank with respect to any payments to be made to such Transferee
in respect of the Loans, (ii) to furnish to the transferor Bank (and, in the
case of any Purchasing Bank registered in the Register, the Agent and the
Company) either (A) United States Internal Revenue Service Form 4224 or United
States Internal Revenue Service Form 1001 or (B) United States Internal Revenue
Service Form W-8 or W-9, as applicable (wherein such Transferee claims
entitlement to complete exemption from United States federal withholding tax on
all interest payments hereunder), and (iii) to agree (for the benefit of the
transferor Bank, the Agent and the Company) to provide the transferor Bank (and,
in the case of any Purchasing Bank registered in the Register, the Agent and the
Company) a new Form 4224 or Form 1001 or Form W-8 or W-9, as applicable, upon
the expiration or obsolescence of any previously delivered form and comparable
statements in accordance with applicable United States laws and regulations and
amendments duly executed and completed by such Transferee, and to comply from
time to time with all applicable United States laws and regulations with regard
to such withholding tax exemption.

184453      CITIZENS BANK OF CONNECTICUT       UPDIKE, KELLY & SPELLACY, P.C.
                                               (Hartford/New Haven, Connecticut)

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<PAGE>   75

         (h) Nothing herein shall prohibit any Bank from pledging or assigning
any Note to any Federal Reserve Bank in accordance with applicable law.

         10.7     ADJUSTMENTS; SET-OFF.

         (a) Subject to the provisions of subsection 2.14(b), if any Bank (a
"Benefitted Bank") shall at any time receive any payment of all or part of its
Loans or the Reimbursement Obligations owing to it, or interest thereon, or
receive any collateral in respect thereof (whether voluntarily or involuntarily,
by set-off, pursuant to events or proceedings of the nature referred to in
subsection 8(g), or otherwise), in a greater proportion than any such payment to
or collateral received by any other Bank, if any, in respect of Loans or
Reimbursement Obligations owing to it, or interest thereon, then such benefitted
Bank shall purchase for cash from the other Bank such portion of such other
Bank's Loans or the Reimbursement Obligations owing to it, or shall provide such
other Bank with the benefits of any such collateral, or the proceeds thereof, as
shall be necessary to cause such benefitted Bank to share the excess payment or
benefits of such collateral or proceeds ratably with each of the other Banks;
PROVIDED HOWEVER, that if all or any portion of such excess payment or benefits
is thereafter recovered from such benefitted Bank, such purchase shall be
rescinded, and the purchase price and benefits returned, to the extent of such
recovery, but without interest. The Company agrees that each Bank so purchasing
a portion of another Bank's Loan or the Reimbursement Obligations owing to it
may exercise all rights of payment (including, without limitation, rights of
set-off) with respect to such portion as fully as if such Bank were the direct
holder of such portion.

         (b) In addition to any rights and remedies of the Banks provided by
law, each Bank shall have the right, without prior notice to the Company, any
such notice being expressly waived by the Company to the extent permitted by
applicable law, upon any amount becoming due and payable by the Company
hereunder or under the Notes (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or
otherwise) to set-off and appropriate and apply against such amount any and all
deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final), in any
currency, and any other credits, indebtedness or claims, in any currency, in
each case whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, matured or
unmatured, at any time held or owing by such Bank to or for the credit or the
account of the Company. Each Bank agrees promptly to notify the Company and the
Agent after any such set-off and application made by such Bank; PROVIDED that
the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set-off
and application.

         10.8 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed by one or more of the
parties to this Agreement on any number of separate counterparts, and all of
said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same
instrument. A set of the copies of this Agreement signed by all the parties
shall be lodged with the Company and the Agent.

                                       71
<PAGE>   76

         10.9 SEVERABILITY. Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited
or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be
ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without
invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or
unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render
unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

         10.10 INTEGRATION. This Agreement represents the agreement of the
Company, the Agent and the Banks with respect to the subject matter hereof, and
there are no promises, undertakings, representations or warranties by the Agent
or any Bank relative to subject matter hereof not expressly set forth or
referred to herein or in the other Loan Documents.

         10.11 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement and the Notes and the rights and
obligations of the parties under this Agreement and the Notes shall be governed
by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of
Connecticut.

         10.12 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION; WAIVERS. The Company hereby
irrevocably and unconditionally:

         (a) submits for itself and its property in any legal action or
proceeding relating to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it
is a party, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect
thereof, to the non-exclusive general jurisdiction of the Courts of the State of
Connecticut, the courts of the United States of America for the District of
Connecticut, and appellate courts from any thereof;

         (b) consents that any such action or proceeding may be brought in such
courts and waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue
of any such action or proceeding in any such court or that such action or
proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim
the same;

         (c) agrees that service of process in any such action or proceeding may
be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any
substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to the Company at its
address set forth in subsection 10.2 or at such other address of which the Agent
shall have been notified pursuant thereto;

         (d) agrees that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect service
of process in any other manner permitted by law or shall limit the right to sue
in any other jurisdiction; and

         (e) waives, to the maximum extent not prohibited by law, any right it
may have to claim or recover in any legal action or proceeding referred to in
this subsection any special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages.

         10.13  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.  The Company hereby acknowledges that:

                                       72
<PAGE>   77

         (a) it has been advised by counsel in the negotiation, execution and
delivery of this Agreement, the Notes and the other Loan Documents;

         (b) neither the Agent nor any Bank has any fiduciary relationship to
the Company, and the relationship between Agent and Banks, on one hand, and
Company, on the other hand, is solely that of debtor and creditor; and

         (c) no joint venture exists among the Banks or among the Company and
the Banks.

         10.14 WAIVERS OF JURY TRIAL; COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS. (A) THE COMPANY,
THE AGENT AND THE BANKS HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE TRIAL BY
JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE NOTES OR
ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN.

         (B) THE COMPANY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE LOANS EVIDENCED HEREBY ARE
COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS WITHIN THE MEANING OF CHAPTER 903A OF THE CONNECTICUT
GENERAL STATUTES.

                        [SIGNATURE PAGE S-1 NEXT FOLLOWS]

                                       73

<PAGE>   78

                                       S-1

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

                                      DAIRY MART CONVENIENCE STORES, INC.

                                      By:  /s/ Susan Adams
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Name: Susan Adams
                                          Title: Vice President

                                      CITIZENS BANK OF CONNECTICUT,
                                      Individually and as Agent

                                      By: /s/ Scott S. Barrett
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Name: Scott S. Barrett
                                          Title: Vice President

                                      NATIONAL CITY BANK

                                      By: /s/ W. Michael Sweeny
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Name: W. Michael Sweeny
                                          Title: Senior Vice President

<PAGE>   79

                                   SCHEDULE I

                             COMMITMENTS; ADDRESSES

                                         Commitment              Commitment
                                          $ Amount               Percentage

CITIZENS BANK OF CONNECTICUT             $17,500,000             58.33333333%
63 Eugene O'Neill Drive
New London, CT 06320
Attn: Scott S. Barnett
Telecopy No. (860) 638-4439

NATIONAL CITY BANK                       $ 7,500,000             25%
1 Cascade Plaza
Akron, OH  44308
Attn: W. Michael Sweeney
Telecopy No. (330) 375-8436

THE PROVIDENT BANK                       $ 5,000,000             16.66666667
1111 Superior Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114
Attn:  James M. Hojnacki
Telecopy No.  (216)694-2336

TOTALS                                   $30,000,000             100%

<PAGE>   80

                                                                       EXHIBIT A
                                                                       ---------

                                                                         FORM OF
                                                           REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE

<PAGE>   81

                              REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE

$___________________                                          December __, 1999

                FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned DAIRY MART CONVENIENCE
STORES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower" or "Maker"), hereby
unconditionally promises to pay to the order of _________________________ (the
"Bank"), or any subsequent assignee or holder (Bank and any such subsequent
assignee or holder being sometimes referred to as "Holder"), at the office of
CITIZENS BANK OF CONNECTICUT, a Connecticut stock savings bank, in its capacity
as the agent (in such capacity, the "Agent") under the Credit Agreement (as
hereinafter defined), located at 63 Eugene O'Neill Drive, New London,
Connecticut 06320 or such other place as the Holder may designate from time to
time, in lawful money of the United States of America and in immediately
available funds, the principal amount of ___________________($___________) or
such lesser amounts as may have been loaned, advanced and readvanced to Maker by
Bank pursuant to that certain Credit Agreement of even date herewith (as amended
and in effect from time to time, the "Credit Agreement") by and among Borrower,
the banks, financial institutions and other lenders which are or may become
parties thereto (collectively, with Bank, the "Banks"), and the Agent under the
Credit Agreement, together with interest thereon as provided herein and all
other amounts due from Maker to Bank under the Credit Agreement and this Note.

                The unpaid principal amount of this Note shall be paid at the
times and in the manner set forth in Section 2.4 of the Credit Agreement, but if
not sooner paid, the entire unpaid principal amount of this Note, together with
accrued and unpaid interest thereon, shall be due and payable on April 30, 2003.

                Interest on the unpaid principal amount of this Note shall
accrue and be payable at the times, in the manner and at the rates set forth in
Section 2.3 of the Credit Agreement and, upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default, Section 2.3 (c) of the Credit Agreement.

                The Holder is authorized to, and so long as it holds this Note
shall, record the date, Type and amount of each Revolving Credit Loan made by
the Bank pursuant to Section 2.7 of the Credit Agreement, each continuation
thereof and each conversion of all or a portion thereof to another Type pursuant
to Section 2.5 of the Credit Agreement, the date and amount of each payment or
prepayment of principal thereof and, in the case of Libor Loans, the length of
each Interest Period and Libor Rate with respect thereto, on Schedules A and B
attached hereto and constituting a part hereof, or on a continuation thereof
which shall be attached hereto and constitute a part hereof, PROVIDED that
failure of the Bank to make any such recordation (or any error in such
recordation) shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower under this Note or
under the Credit Agreement.

              This Note is one of the Revolving Credit Notes referred to in
Section 2.7 of the Credit Agreement, the terms and conditions of which are
hereby incorporated by this reference.

<PAGE>   82

                                       2

Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings set
forth in the Credit Agreement.

              No reference to the Credit Agreement nor any provision thereof
shall affect or impair the absolute and unconditional obligation of the Maker of
this Note to pay the principal of and interest on this Note as herein provided.

              Until notified in writing of the transfer of this Note, Maker
shall be entitled to deem Holder or such Person who has been so identified by
the transferor in writing to Maker as the holder of this Note, as the owner and
holder of this Note.

              The Credit Agreement and this Note shall be governed by, and shall
be construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of
Connecticut.

              Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined in Section
8 of the Credit Agreement), the unpaid principal amount of this Note may become
or may be declared to be due and payable in the manner, upon the conditions and
with the effect provided in Section 8 of the Credit Agreement.

              The terms of this Note are subject to amendment only in the manner
provided in Section 10.1 of the Credit Agreement.

              This Note is subject to prepayment under the circumstances set
forth in Section 2.10 and Section 2.11 of the Credit Agreement and may be
prepaid in the manner set forth in Section 2.10 and Section 2.11 of the Credit
Agreement.

              Any payment of principal or interest which is not made within ten
(10) days of its due date shall be subject to a late payment charge in an amount
set forth in Section 2.3(e) of the Credit Agreement. Nothing in the preceding
sentence shall affect the Bank's rights to exercise any of its rights and
remedies provided in the Agreement if an Event of Default has occurred.

              Any failure by the Banks or the Agent to exercise any rights or
remedies under this Note or the Credit Agreement arising or existing as a result
of the occurrence of an Event of Default, or any delay in such exercise, shall
not constitute a waiver of the right to exercise such right at a later time so
long as such Event of Default shall remain uncured, and shall not constitute a
waiver of the right to exercise such right if any other Event of Default shall
occur. The acceptance by the Bank or the Agent of the payment of any sum due and
payable under this Note after the date specified for such payment shall not be a
waiver of any right to require prompt payment when due of all other sums payable
under this Note or the right to declare a default for failure to make prompt
payment in full.

<PAGE>   83

                                       3

              Except as otherwise set forth in the Credit Agreement, maker and
each endorser, guarantor and surety of this Note, and each other Person liable
or who shall become liable for all or any part of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note:

              (a) waive demand, presentment, protest, notice of protest, notice
of dishonor, diligence in collection, notice of nonpayment and all notices of a
like nature; and

              (b) consent to (i) the release, surrender, exchange or
substitution of all or any part of the security for the indebtedness evidenced
by this Note, or the taking of any additional security; (ii) the release of any
or all other Persons from liability, whether primary or contingent, for the
indebtedness evidenced by this Note or for any related obligations; and (iii)
the granting of any other indulgences to any such Person; and

              (c) consent to (i) all renewals, extensions or modifications of
this Note or the Credit Agreement (including any affecting the time of payment)
made in accordance with Section 10.1 of the Credit Agreement, and (ii) all
advances under this Note or the Credit Agreement.

              Any such renewal, extension, modification, advance, release,
surrender, exchange, substitution, taking or indulgence may take place without
notice to any such Person, and, whether or not any such notice is given, shall
not impair the liability of any such Person.

              Maker and each endorser, guarantor and surety of this Note, and
each other Person liable or who shall become liable for all or any part of the
indebtedness evidenced by this Note, hereby give Holder a lien and right of
setoff for all of their respective liabilities in respect of such indebtedness
upon and against all of their respective deposits, credits and property, now or
hereafter in the possession or control of Holder or in transit to Holder. Holder
may, at any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of
Default, apply the same, or any part thereof, to any liability of Maker or any
such other Person, whether matured or unmatured, to Holder.

              If this Note is now, or hereafter shall be, signed by more than
one Person, it shall be the joint and several obligation of all such Persons
(including, without limitation, all makers, endorsers, guarantors and sureties,
if any) and shall be binding on all such Persons and their respective heirs,
executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns. This
Note and all covenants, agreements and provisions set forth in this Note shall
inure to the benefit of Holder and its successors and assigns, including any
lender(s) with which Holder may participate in the making of any loans or
advances evidenced by this Note.

              MAKER AND EACH AND EVERY ENDORSER, GUARANTOR AND SURETY OF THIS
NOTE, AND EACH OTHER PERSON WHO IS OR WHO SHALL BECOME LIABLE FOR ALL OR ANY
PART OF THIS NOTE, HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE TRANSACTION OF WHICH THIS NOTE IS
A PART IS A COMMERCIAL

<PAGE>   84

                                       4

TRANSACTION AND WAIVE THEIR RIGHTS TO NOTICE AND HEARING UNDER CHAPTER 903a OF
THE CONNECTICUT GENERAL STATUTES OR BY OTHER APPLICABLE LAW WITH RESPECT TO ANY
PREJUDGMENT REMEDY WHICH HOLDER MAY DESIRE TO USE.

              MAKER AND EACH AND EVERY ENDORSER, GUARANTOR AND SURETY OF THIS
NOTE, AND EACH OTHER PERSON WHO IS OR WHO SHALL BECOME LIABLE FOR ALL OR ANY
PART OF THIS NOTE, HEREBY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY COURT IN ANY SUIT, ACTION,
OR PROCEEDING OR ANY MATTER ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO
THE TRANSACTION OF WHICH THIS NOTE IS A PART AND/OR IN THE ENFORCEMENT BY THE
AGENT OR THE BANKS OF ANY OF THEIR RIGHTS AND REMEDIES HEREUNDER OR UNDER
APPLICABLE LAW. MAKER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT MAKES THIS WAIVER KNOWINGLY,
VOLUNTARILY AND ONLY AFTER CONSIDERATION OF THE RAMIFICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER BY
ITS ATTORNEY.

              IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Maker has executed this Note as of the date
first set forth above.

                                         DAIRY MART CONVENIENCE STORES, INC.

                                         By:____________________________
                                            Name:
                                            Title:

<PAGE>   85

                       SCHEDULE A TO REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE

                         LOANS, CONVERSIONS AND PAYMENTS
                          OF ALTERNATE BASE RATE LOANS
                          ----------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                     Amount of          Amount of                      Unpaid
                                     Libor Loans        Base Rate                      Principal
              Amount of              Converted          Loans                          Balance of
              Alternate Base         into Alternate     Converted       Amount of      Alternate
Date          Rate Loan              Base Rate          into Libor      Principal      Base Rate        Notation
----          ---------              Loans----          Loans           Repaid         Loans            Made By
                                     -----              -----           ------         -----            -------
<S>           <C>                   <C>                 <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   86

                       SCHEDULE B TO REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE

                         LOANS, CONVERSIONS AND PAYMENTS

                               OF LIBOR RATE LOANS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                            Amount of                             Amount of
                            Alternate           Interest          Libor Loans
          Amount of         Base Rate           Period and        Converted
          Libor Loan        Loans               Libor Rate        into             Amount        Unpaid
          (and              Converted           with              Alternate        of            Principal
          Continuations     into Libor          Respect           Base Rate        Principal     Balance of        Notation
Date      Thereof)          Loans               Thereto           Loans            Repaid        Libor Loans       Made By
-----     -------           -----               -------           -----            ------        -----------       -------
<S>       <C>               <C>                 <C>              <C>               <C>           <C>               <C>

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   87

                                                                       EXHIBIT B
                                                                       ---------
                                                                         FORM OF
                                                            SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEE

<PAGE>   88

                               GUARANTEE AGREEMENT
                               -------------------

         This GUARANTEE AGREEMENT (the "Guarantee") is made as of this ___ day
of December, 1999 by _____________________________, with its chief executive
office located at ______________________, (the "Guarantor") in favor of CITIZENS
BANK OF CONNECTICUT, a Connecticut stock savings bank, with an office located at
63 Eugene O'Neill Drive, New London, Connecticut 06320 as Agent (in such
capacity, the "Agent") for the banks, financial institutions and other Banks
(the "Banks") which are or become parties to the Credit Agreement (as
hereinafter defined).

                                    RECITALS
                                    --------

         Dairy Mart Convenience Stores, Inc. (the "Borrower"), the Agent and the
Banks are parties to a certain Credit Agreement of even date herewith (as
amended and in effect from time to time, the "Credit Agreement") pursuant to
which the Banks agreed severally to make loans, advances and other extensions of
credit to Borrower.

         Guarantor is a direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Borrower
and, as such, will receive a direct pecuniary benefit from the making of such
loans, advances and extension of credit to Borrower.

         It is a condition precedent to the obligation of the Banks to make
their respective loans, advances and other extensions of credit to the Borrower
under the Credit Agreement that the Guarantor shall have executed and delivered
this Guarantee.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the
Agent and the Banks to enter into the Credit Agreement and to induce the Banks
to make and continue their respective loans, advances and other extensions of
credit to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement, the Guarantor hereby agrees
with the Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Banks, as follows:

         1. DEFINED TERMS. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms which are
defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein, including, but not limited to
the term "Obligations" are so used as so defined.

         2. GUARANTEE. The Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably
guarantees to the Agent and the Banks the prompt and complete payment and
performance by the Borrower when due (whether at the stated maturity, by
acceleration or otherwise) of the Obligations. Anything contained in this
Guaranty to the contrary notwithstanding, the obligation of Guarantor hereunder
shall be limited to a maximum aggregate amount equal to the largest amount that
would not render its obligations hereunder subject to avoidance as a fraudulent
transfer or conveyance under Section 548 of Title 11 of the United States Code
or any applicable provisions of comparable state law (collectively, the
"Fraudulent Transfer Laws"), in each case after giving effect to all other
liabilities of such Guarantor, contingent or otherwise, that are relevant under

<PAGE>   89

                                       2

the Fraudulent Transfer Laws (specifically excluding, however, any liabilities
of the Guarantor in respect of intercompany indebtedness to the Borrower or
other affiliates of Borrower to the extent that such indebtedness would be
discharged in an amount equal to the amount paid by such Guarantor hereunder,
and after giving effect as assets to the value (as determined under the
applicable provisions of the Fraudulent Transfer Laws) of any rights to
subrogation, reimbursement, indemnification or contribution of such Guarantor
pursuant to applicable law or pursuant to the terms of any agreement (including
without limitation any such right of contribution).

         3. RIGHT OF SET-OFF. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of
any Event of Default specified in the Credit Agreement, the Agent and the Banks
are hereby irrevocably authorized at any time and from time to time without
notice to the Guarantor, any such notice being hereby waived by the Guarantor,
to set off and appropriate and apply any and all deposits (general or special,
time or demand, provisional or final), in any currency, and any other credits,
indebtedness or claims, in-any-currency, in each case whether direct or
indirect, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, at any time held or
owing by the Agent or any Bank to or for the credit or the account of the
Guarantor, or any part thereof in such amounts as the Agent or any Bank may
elect, on account of the liabilities of the Guarantor hereunder and claims of
every nature and description of the Agent or any Bank against the Guarantor, in
any currency, whether arising hereunder, under the Credit Agreement, the Notes
or otherwise, as the Agent or such Bank may elect, whether or not the Agent or
such Bank has made any demand for payment and although such liabilities and
claims may be contingent or unmatured. The Agent or such Bank shall notify the
Guarantor promptly of any such set-off and the application made by the Agent or
such Bank, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the
validity of such set-off and application. The rights of the Agent or any Bank
under this paragraph are in addition to other rights and remedies (including,
without limitation, other rights of set-off) which the Agent or such Bank may
have.

         4. SUBROGATION. Upon making any payment hereunder, the Guarantor shall
be subrogated to the rights of the Agent and the Banks against the Borrower with
respect to such payment; PROVIDED that the Guarantor shall not seek to enforce
any right or receive any payment by way of subrogation until all amounts of
principal of and interest on the Notes and all other amounts due and payable by
the Borrower to the Agent or any Bank under the Credit Agreement or any of the
Loan Documents have been paid in full and the Commitments have been terminated.

         5. AMENDMENTS, ETC. WITH RESPECT TO THE OBLIGATIONS. The Guarantor
shall remain obligated hereunder notwithstanding that, without any reservation
of rights against the Guarantor, and without notice to or further assent by the
Guarantor, any demand for payment of any of the Obligations made by the Agent
may be rescinded by the Agent, and any of the Obligations continued, and the
obligations, or the liability of any other party upon or for any part thereof,
or any collateral security or guarantee therefor or right of offset with respect
thereto, may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be renewed, extended,
amended, modified, accelerated, compromised, waived, surrendered or released by
the Agent and the Banks, and the Credit Agreement, the Notes, the Loan Documents
and any other document in connection therewith may be amended, modified,
supplemented or terminated, in whole or in part, as the Agent and the Banks may
deem advisable from time to time, and any collateral security,

<PAGE>   90
                                       3

guarantee or right of offset at any time held by the Agent for the payment of
the Obligations may be sold, exchanged, waived, surrendered or released. The
Agent shall have no obligation to protect, secure, perfect or insure any Lien at
any time held by it as security for the Obligations or for this Guarantee or any
property subject thereto.

         6. GUARANTEE ABSOLUTE AND UNCONDITIONAL. The Guarantor waives any and
all notice of the creation, renewal, extension or accrual of any of the
Obligations and notice of or proof of reliance by the Agent and the Banks upon
this Guarantee or acceptance of this Guarantee; the obligations, and any of
them, shall conclusively be deemed to have been created, contracted or incurred
in reliance upon this Guarantee; and all dealings between the Borrower or the
Guarantor, on the one hand, and the Agent and the Banks, on the other, shall
likewise be conclusively presumed to have been had or consummated in reliance
upon this Guarantee. The Guarantor waives diligence, presentment, protest,
demand for payment and notice of default or nonpayment to or upon the Borrower
or the Guarantor with respect to the Obligations. This Guarantee shall be
construed as a continuing, absolute and unconditional guarantee of payment
without regard to (a) the validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement,
the Notes, the Loan Documents, any of the obligations or any collateral security
therefor or guarantee or right of offset with respect thereto at any time or
from time to time held by the Agent or any Bank, (b) any defense, set-off or
counterclaim (other than a defense of payment or performance) which may at any
time be available to or be asserted by the Borrower against the Agent or any
Bank, or (c) any other circumstance whatsoever (with or without notice to or
knowledge of the Borrower or the Guarantor) which constitutes, or might be
construed to constitute, an equitable or legal discharge of the Borrower for the
Obligations, or of the Guarantor under this Guarantee, in bankruptcy or in any
other instance. When pursuing its rights and remedies hereunder against the
Guarantor, the Agent and the Banks may, but shall be under no obligation, to
pursue such rights and remedies that they may have against the Borrower or any
other Person or against any collateral security or guarantee for the obligations
or any right of offset with respect thereto, and any failure by the Agent and
the Banks to pursue such other rights or remedies or to collect any payments
from the Borrower or any such other Person or to realize upon any such
collateral security or guarantee or to exercise any such right of offset, or any
release of the Borrower or any such other Person or any such collateral
security, guarantee or right of offset, shall not relieve the Guarantor of any
liability hereunder, and shall not impair or affect the rights and remedies,
whether express, implied or available as a matter of law, of the Agent and the
Banks against the Guarantor.

         7. REINSTATEMENT. This Guarantee shall continue to be effective, or be
reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of
any of the Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned by
the Agent or any Bank upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation
or reorganization of the Borrower or upon or as a result of the appointment of a
receiver, intervenor or conservator of, or trustee or similar officer for, the
Borrower or any substantial part of its property, or otherwise, all as though
such payments had not been made.

         8. PAYMENTS. The Guarantor hereby agrees that the Obligations will be
paid to the Agent without set-off or counterclaim in U.S. Dollars at the office
of the Agent located at 63 Eugene O'Neill Drive, New London, Connecticut 06320
or such other place as the Agent may designate to the Guarantor.

<PAGE>   91
                                       4

         9. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Guarantor represents and
warrants that:

                  (a) the Guarantor has the corporate power and authority and
the legal right to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under,
this Guarantee, and has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize its
execution, delivery and performance of this Guarantee;

                  (b) no consent or authorization of, filing with, or other act
by or in respect of, any arbitrator or Governmental Authority and no consent of
any other Person (including, without limitation, any stockholder or creditor of
the Guarantor) is required in connection with the execution, delivery,
performance, validity or enforceability of this Guarantee;

                  (c) this Guarantee has been duly executed and delivered on
behalf of the Guarantor and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of
the Guarantor enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability
may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar
laws affecting the enforcement of creditors, rights generally and by general
principles of equity (whether enforcement is sought in proceedings in equity or
at law);

                  (d) the execution, delivery and performance of this Guarantee
will not violate any provision of any Requirement of Law or Contractual
Obligation of the Guarantor and will not result in or require the creation or
imposition of any Lien on any of the properties or assets of the Guarantor
pursuant to any Requirement of Law or Contractual Obligation of the Guarantor;
and

                  (e) no litigation, investigation or proceeding of or before
any arbitrator or Governmental Authority is pending or, to the knowledge of the
Guarantor, threatened by or against the Guarantor or against any of its
properties or revenues with respect to this Guarantee or any of the transactions
contemplated hereby.

         10. SEVERABILITY. Any provision of this Guarantee which is prohibited
or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be
ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without
invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or
unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render
unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

         11. PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The paragraph headings used in this Guarantee
are for convenience of reference only and are not to affect the construction
hereof or be taken into consideration in the interpretation hereof.

         12. NO WAIVER; CUMULATIVE REMEDIES. The Agent or any Bank shall not by
any act (except by a written instrument pursuant to paragraph 13 hereof), delay,
indulgence, omission or otherwise be deemed to have waived any right or remedy
hereunder or to have acquiesced in any Default or Event of Default or in any
breach of any of the terms and conditions hereof. No failure to exercise, nor
any delay in exercising, on the part of the Agent or any Bank, any right, power
or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof. No single or partial
exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder shall preclude any other or
further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.
A waiver by the Agent or any Bank of any right

<PAGE>   92
                                       5

or remedy hereunder on any one occasion shall not be construed as a bar to any
right or remedy which the Agent or any Bank would otherwise have on any future
occasion. The rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative, may be
exercised singly or concurrently and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies
provided by law.

         13. WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS; SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS; GOVERNING LAW. None
of the terms or provisions of this Guarantee may be waived, amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified except as provided in the Credit Agreement.
This Guarantee shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Guarantor
and shall inure to the benefit of the Agent and the Banks and their respective
successors and assigns. THIS GUARANTEE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND
INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT.

         14. NOTICES. Notices by the Agent to the Guarantor shall be given in
care of the Borrower in the manner set forth in the Credit Agreement.

         15. SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION; WAIVERS. The Guarantor hereby
irrevocably and unconditionally:

                  (a) submits for itself and its property in any legal action or
proceeding relating to this Guarantee and the Loan Documents to which it is a
party, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to
the non-exclusive general jurisdiction of the Courts of the State of
Connecticut, the courts of the United States of America for the District of
Connecticut, and appellate-courts from any thereof;

                  (b) consents that any such action or proceeding may be brought
in such courts and waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the
venue of any such action or proceeding in any such court or that such action or
proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim
the same;

                  (c) agrees that service of process in any such action or
proceeding may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified
mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to the
Guarantor to the address set forth in this Agreement or at such other address of
which the Agent shall have been notified; and

                  (d) agrees that nothing herein shall affect the right to
effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law or shall limit
the right to sue in any other jurisdiction.

         16. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. The Guarantor hereby acknowledges that:

                  (a) it has been advised by counsel in the negotiation,
execution and delivery of this Guarantee and the Loan Documents;

                  (b) neither the Agent or any Bank has any fiduciary
relationship to the Guarantor, and the relationship between the Agent and the
Banks and the Guarantor is solely that of guarantor and creditor; and

<PAGE>   93
                                       6

                  (c) no joint venture exists between the Agent and the
Guarantor or among the Agent, the Banks, the Borrower and the Guarantor.

         17. COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION. GUARANTOR ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE TRANSACTION
OF WHICH THIS GUARANTY IS A PART IS A COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION, AND HEREBY WAIVES
ITS RIGHT TO NOTICE AND HEARING UNDER CHAPTER 903a OF THE CONNECTICUT GENERAL
STATUTES OR BY OTHER APPLICABLE LAW WITH RESPECT TO ANY PREJUDGMENT REMEDY WHICH
THE AGENT OR THE BANKS MAY DESIRE TO USE.

         18. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. GUARANTOR HEREBY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY
COURT IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING OR ANY MATTER ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH
OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THE TRANSACTION OF WHICH THIS GUARANTY IS A PART AND/OR
THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY OF ITS RIGHTS AND REMEDIES. GUARANTOR ACKNOWLEDGES THAT
IT MAKES THIS WAIVER KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND ONLY AFTER CONSIDERATION OF THE
RAMIFICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER WITH ITS ATTORNEY.

         19. TERMINATION. Subject to the reinstatement provisions contained in
Section 7 hereof, this Guaranty shall terminate upon the payment and performance
of the Obligations in full and the termination of the Commitments, and the Agent
shall deliver a release of Guarantor in form and substance reasonably acceptable
to the Guarantor.

         20. EXERCISE OF REMEDIES. Except as otherwise permitted herein or under
the Credit Agreement, the Agent shall not require the payment and performance of
the Obligations under this Guarantee by Guarantor until the occurrence of a
Default or Event of Default specified in the Credit Agreement.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Guarantee to be
duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

                                         [-------------------------]

                                         By:
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Name:
                                            Title:
                                            Duly Authorized

<PAGE>   94

                                                                       EXHIBIT C
                                                                       ---------

                                                                 FORM OF COMPANY
                                                                PLEDGE AGREEMENT

<PAGE>   95

                            COMPANY PLEDGE AGREEMENT
                            ------------------------

         This COMPANY PLEDGE AGREEMENT is made as of this ___ day of December,
1999 by DAIRY MART CONVENIENCE STORES, INC., a Delaware corporation, with its
chief executive office located at 300 Executive Parkway West, Hudson, Ohio 44236
(the "Pledgor") in favor of CITIZENS BANK OF CONNECTICUT, a Connecticut stock
savings bank, with an office located at 63 Eugene O'Neill Drive, New London,
Connecticut 06320 as agent (in such capacity, the "Agent") for the banks,
financial institutions and other lenders (the "Banks") which are or become
parties to the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined).

                                    RECITALS
                                    --------

         The Pldegor, the Agent and the Banks are parties to a certain Credit
Agreement of even date herewith (as amended and in effect from time to time, the
"Credit Agreement") pursuant to which the Banks have agreed to make loans,
advances and other extensions of credit to the Pledgor. It is a condition
precedent to the obligation of the Banks to make their respective loans,
advances and other extensions of credit to the Pledgor under the Credit
Agreement that the Pledgor shall have executed and delivered this Company Pledge
Agreement to the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the
Agent and the Banks to enter into the Credit Agreement and to induce the Banks
to make their respective loans, advances and other extensions of credit to the
Pledgor under the Credit Agreement, the Pledgor hereby agrees with the Agent,
for the ratable benefit of the Banks, as follows:

         1. DEFINED TERMS. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms which are
defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein are so used as so defined, and
the following terms shall have the following meanings:

         "CODE" means the Uniform Commercial Code from time to time in effect in
the State of Connecticut.

         "COLLATERAL" means the Pledged Stock and all Proceeds.

         "ISSUER" means the Person or Persons which issued the Pledged Stock and
which acknowledges the agreements of the Pledgor under this Agreement.

         "OBLIGATIONS" has the meaning set forth in the Credit Agreement.

         "PLEDGE AGREEMENT" means this Company Pledge Agreement, as amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

         "PLEDGED STOCK" means the shares of capital stock of the Issuer listed
on Schedule I hereto, together with all stock certificates, options or rights of
any nature whatsoever which may be issued or granted by the Issuer to the
Pledgor while this Pledge Agreement is in effect.

<PAGE>   96
                                       2

         "PROCEEDS" means all "proceeds" as such term is defined in Section
9-306(l) of the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of Connecticut on
the date hereof and, in any event, shall include, without limitation, all
dividends or other income from the Pledged Stock, collections thereon or
distributions with respect thereto.

         2. PLEDGE; GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST. The Pledgor hereby delivers to
the Agent all the Pledged Stock and hereby grants to the Agent, for the ratable
benefit of the Banks, a security interest in the Collateral, as collateral
security for the prompt and complete payment and performance when due (whether
at the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of the Obligations.

         3. STOCK POWERS. Concurrently with the delivery to the Agent of each
certificate representing one or more shares of the Pledged Stock, the Pledgor
shall deliver an undated stock power covering such certificate, duly executed in
blank with, if the Agent so requests, signature guaranteed.

         4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Pledgor represents and warrants
that:

                  (a) this Pledge Agreement has been duly executed and delivered
on behalf of the Pledgor and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation
of the Pledgor enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as
enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally and by general equitable principles (whether enforcement is sought by
proceedings in equity or at law);

                  (b) the shares of Pledged Stock listed on Schedule I
constitute all the issued and outstanding shares of all classes of the capital
stock of the Issuer owned by the Pledgor and are represented by the certificates
listed thereon;

                  (c) to the best of Pledgor's knowledge, all the shares of the
Pledged Stock have been duly and validly issued and are fully paid and
nonassessable;

                  (d) the Pledgor is the record and beneficial owner of, and has
title to, the Pledged Stock listed on Schedule 1, free of any and all Liens or
options in favor of, or claims of, any other Person, except the Liens created by
this Pledge Agreement; and

                  (e) upon delivery to the Agent of the stock certificates
evidencing the Pledged Stock (and assuming the continuing possession by Agent of
such stock certificate in accordance with the requirements of applicable law),
the Lien granted pursuant to this Pledge Agreement will constitute a valid,
perfected Lien on the Pledged Stock, enforceable as such against all creditors
of the Pledgor and any Persons purporting to purchase any Pledged Stock from the
Pledgor.

         5. COVENANTS. The Pledgor covenants and agrees with the Agent that,
from and after the date of this Pledge Agreement until the Obligations are paid
in full and the Commitments are terminated:

<PAGE>   97
                                       3

                  (a) If the Pledgor shall, as a result of its ownership of the
Pledged Stock, become entitled to receive or shall receive any stock certificate
(including, without limitation, any certificate representing a stock dividend or
a distribution in connection with any reclassification, increase or reduction of
capital or any certificate issued in connection with any reorganization), option
or rights, whether in addition to, in substitution of, as a conversion of, or in
exchange for any shares of the Pledged Stock, or otherwise in respect thereof,
the Pledgor shall accept the same as the Agent's and each Bank's agent, hold the
same in trust for the Agent and the Banks and deliver the same forthwith to the
Agent in the exact form received, duly endorsed by the Pledgor to the Agent, if
required, together with an undated stock power covering such certificate duly
executed in blank and with, if the Agent so requests, signature guaranteed, to
be held by the Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Banks, hereunder as
additional collateral security for the Obligations. Any sums paid upon or in
respect of the Pledged Stock upon the liquidation or dissolution of the Issuer
shall be paid over to the Agent to be held by it hereunder for the ratable
benefits of the Banks as additional collateral security for the Obligations, and
in case any distribution of capital shall be made on or in respect of the
Pledged Stock or any property shall be distributed upon or with respect to the
Pledged Stock pursuant to the recapitalization or reclassification of the
capital of the Issuer or pursuant to the reorganization thereof, the property so
distributed shall be delivered to the Agent to be held by it for the ratable
benefit of the Banks, subject to the terms hereof, as additional collateral
security for the Obligations. If any sums of money or property so paid or
distributed in respect of the Pledged Stock shall be received by the Pledgor,
the Pledgor shall, until such money or property is paid or delivered to the
Agent, hold such money or property in trust for the Agent and the Banks,
segregated from other funds of the Pledgor, as additional collateral security
for the Obligations.

                  (b) Without the prior written consent of the Agent for the
ratable benefit of the Banks, except as otherwise set forth in the Credit
Agreement, the Pledgor will not (i) vote to enable, or take any other action to
permit, the Issuer to issue any stock or other equity securities of any nature
or to issue any other securities convertible into or granting the right to
purchase or exchange for any stock or other equity securities of the Issuer, or
(ii) sell, assign, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, or grant any
option with respect to, the Collateral, or (iii) create, incur or permit to
exist any Lien or option in favor of, or any claim of any Person with respect
to, any of the Collateral, or any interest therein, except for the Lien provided
for by this Pledge Agreement. The Pledgor will defend the right, title and
interest of the Agent and the Banks in and to the Collateral against the claims
and demands of all Persons whomsoever.

                  (c) At any time and from time to time, upon the written
request of the Agent, and at the sole expense of the Pledgor, the Pledgor will
promptly and duly execute and deliver such further instruments and documents and
take such further actions as the Agent may reasonably request for the purposes
of obtaining or preserving the full benefits of this Pledge Agreement and of the
rights and powers herein granted. If any amount payable under or in connection
with any of the Collateral shall be or become evidenced by any promissory note,
other instrument or chattel paper, such note, instrument or chattel paper shall
be immediately delivered to the Agent, duly endorsed in a manner satisfactory to
the Agent, to be held as Collateral pursuant to this Pledge Agreement.

<PAGE>   98
                                       4

                  (d) The Pledgor agrees to pay, and to save the Agent and the
Banks harmless from, any and all liabilities with respect to, or resulting from
any delay in paying, any and all stamp, excise, sales or other taxes which may
be payable or determined to be payable with respect to any of the Collateral or
in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Pledge
Agreement.

         6. CASH DIVIDENDS; VOTING RIGHTS. Unless an Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing and the Agent shall have given notice to the Pledgor
of the Agent's intent to exercise its corresponding rights pursuant to paragraph
7 below, the Pledgor shall be permitted to receive all cash dividends paid in
the normal course of business of the Issuer and consistent with past practice,
to the extent permitted in the Credit Agreement, in respect of the Pledged Stock
and to exercise all voting and corporate rights with respect to the Pledged
Stock, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no vote shall be cast or corporate right
exercised or other action taken which would impair the Collateral or which would
be inconsistent with or result in any violation of any provision of the Credit
Agreement, the Notes, the Loan Documents or this Pledge Agreement.

         7. RIGHTS OF AGENT. (a) If an Event of Default shall occur and be
continuing and the Agent shall give notice of its intent to exercise such rights
to the Pledgor: (i) the Agent shall have the right to receive any and all cash
dividends paid in respect of the Pledged Stock and make application thereof to
the Obligations in such order as it may determine, and (ii) at the-request of
the Agent, all shares of the Pledged Stock shall be registered in the name of
the Agent or its nominee, and the Agent or its nominee may thereafter exercise
(A) all voting, corporate and other rights pertaining to such shares of the
Pledged Stock at any meeting of shareholders of the Issuer or otherwise and (B)
any and all rights of conversion, exchange, subscription and any other rights,
privileges or options pertaining to such shares of the Pledged Stock as if it
were the absolute owner thereof (including, without limitation, the right to
exchange at its discretion any and all of the Pledged Stock upon the merger,
consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or other fundamental change in
the corporate structure of the Issuer, or upon the exercise by the Pledgor or
the Agent of any right, privilege or option pertaining to such shares of the
Pledged Stock, and in connection therewith, the right to deposit and deliver any
and all of the Pledged Stock with any committee, depository, transfer agent,
registrar or other designated agency upon such terms and conditions as it may
determine), all without liability except to account for property actually
received by it, but the Agent shall have no duty to exercise any such right,
privilege or option and shall not be responsible for any failure to do so or
delay in so doing.

                  (b) The rights of the Agent hereunder shall not be conditioned
or contingent upon the pursuit by the Agent of any right or remedy against the
Issuer or against any other Person which may be or become liable in respect of
all or any part of the Obligations or against any other collateral security
therefor, guarantee thereof or right of offset with respect thereto. The Agent
shall not be liable for any failure to demand, collect or realize upon all or
any part of the Collateral or for any delay in doing so, nor shall it be under
any obligation to sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral upon the request
of the Pledgor or any other Person or to take any other action whatsoever with
regard to the Collateral or any part thereof.

         8. REMEDIES. If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the
Agent may exercise, in addition to all other rights and remedies granted in this
Pledge Agreement and in any

<PAGE>   99
                                       5

other instrument or agreement securing, evidencing or relating to the
Obligations, all rights and remedies of a secured party under the Code. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as otherwise set forth in the
Credit Agreement, the Agent, without demand of performance or other demand,
presentment, protest, advertisement or notice of any kind (except any notice
required by law referred to below) to or upon the Pledgor, the Issuer or any
other Person (all and each of which demands, defenses, advertisements and
notices are hereby waived), may in such circumstances forthwith collect,
receive, appropriate and realize upon the Collateral, or any part thereof,
and/or may forthwith sell, assign, give option or options to purchase or
otherwise dispose of and deliver the Collateral or any part thereof (or contract
to do any of the foregoing), in one or more parcels at public or private sale or
sales, in the over-the-counter market, at any exchange, broker's board or office
of the Agent or elsewhere upon such terms and conditions as it may deem
advisable and at such prices as it may deem best, for cash or on credit or for
future delivery without assumption of any credit risk. The Agent shall have the
right upon any such public sale or sales, and, to the extent permitted by law,
upon any such private sale or sales, to purchase the whole or any part of the
Collateral so sold, free of any right or equity of redemption in the Pledgor,
which right or equity is hereby waived or released. The Agent shall apply any
Proceeds from time to time held by it and the net proceeds of any such
collection, recovery, receipt, appropriation, realization or sale, after
deducting all reasonable costs and expenses of every kind incurred therein or
incidental to the care or safekeeping of any of the Collateral or in any way
relating to the Collateral or the rights of the Agent and the Banks hereunder,
including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys, fees and disbursements, to
the payment in whole or in part of the Obligations, in the manner set forth in
the Credit Agreement, and only after such application and after the payment by
the Agent of any other amount required by any provision of law, including,
without limitation, Section 9-504(i) (c) of the Code, need the Agent account for
the surplus, if any, to the Pledgor. To the extent permitted by applicable law,
the Pledgor waives all claims, damages and demands it may acquire against the
Agent or any Bank arising out of the exercise by the Agent of any of its rights
hereunder. If any notice of a proposed sale or other disposition of Collateral
shall be required by law, such notice shall be deemed reasonable and proper if
given at least ten (10) days before such sale or other disposition. The Pledgor
shall remain liable for any deficiency if the proceeds of any sale or other
disposition of Collateral are insufficient to pay the Obligations and the fees
and disbursements of any attorneys employed by the Agent or any Bank to collect
such deficiency. The Pledgor further waives and agrees not to assert any rights
or privileges which it may acquire under Section 9-112 of the Code.

         9. PRIVATE SALES. (a) The Pledgor recognizes that the Agent may be
unable to effect a public sale of any or all the Pledged Stock, by reason of
certain prohibitions contained in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and
applicable state securities laws or otherwise, and may be compelled to resort to
one or more private sales thereof to a restricted group of purchasers which will
be obliged to agree, among other things, to acquire such securities for their
own account for investment and not with a view to the distribution or resale
thereof. The Pledgor acknowledges and agrees that any such private sale may
result in prices and other terms less favorable to the Agent than if such sale
were a public sale and, notwithstanding such circumstances, agrees that any such
private sale shall be deemed to have been made in a commercially reasonable
manner. The Agent shall be under no obligation to delay a sale of any of the
Pledged Stock for the period of time necessary to permit the Issuer to register
such securities for public sale under the Securities Act, or under applicable
state securities laws, even if the Issuer would agree to do so.

<PAGE>   100
                                       6

                  (b) The Pledgor further agrees to use its reasonable efforts
to do or cause to be done all such other acts as may be necessary to make any
sale or sales of all or any portion of the Pledged Stock pursuant to this
paragraph 9 valid and binding and in compliance with any and all other
applicable Requirements of Law.

         10. NO SUBROGATION. Notwithstanding any payment or payments made by the
Pledgor hereunder, or any set-off or application of funds of the Pledgor by the
Agent, or the receipt of any amounts by the Agent with respect to any of the
Collateral, the Pledgor shall not assert any right it may have to be subrogated
to any of the rights of the Agent or any Bank against the Issuer or against any
other collateral security held by the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks
for the payment of the Obligations, until the Obligations shall have been paid
in full and the Commitments shall have been terminated.

         11. AMENDMENTS, ETC. WITH RESPECT TO THE OBLIGATIONS. The Pledgor shall
remain obligated hereunder, and the Collateral shall remain subject to the Lien
granted hereby, notwithstanding that, without any reservation of rights against
the Pledgor, and, except as otherwise set forth in the Credit Agreement, without
notice to or further assent by the Pledgor, any demand for payment of any of the
Obligations made by the Agent may be rescinded by the Agent, and any of the
Obligations continued, and the Obligations, or the liability of the Issuer or
any other Person upon or for any part thereof, or any collateral security or
guarantee therefor or right of offset with respect thereto, may, from time to
time, in whole or in part, be renewed, extended, amended, modified, accelerated,
compromised, waived, surrendered or released by the Agent, and the Credit
Agreement, the Notes, the Loan Documents and any other document in connection
therewith may be amended, modified, supplemented or terminated, in whole or in
part, as the Agent and the Banks may deem advisable from time to time, and any
guarantee, right of offset or other collateral at any time held by the Agent for
the ratable benefit of the Banks for the payment of the Obligations may be sold,
exchanged, waived, surrendered or released. The Agent shall have no obligation
to protect, secure, perfect or insure any other Lien at any time held by it as
security for the Obligations or any property subject thereto. Except as
otherwise set forth in the Credit Agreement, the Pledgor waives any and all
notice of the creation, renewal, extension or accrual of any of the Obligations
and notice of or proof of reliance by the Agent upon this Pledge Agreement; the
Obligations, and any of them, shall conclusively be deemed to have been created,
contracted or incurred in reliance upon this Pledge Agreement, and all dealings
among the Issuer, the Pledgor, the Agent and the Banks shall likewise be
conclusively presumed to have been had or consummated in reliance upon this
Pledge Agreement. Except as otherwise set forth in the Credit Agreement, the
Pledgor waives diligence, presentment, protest, demand for payment and notice of
default or nonpayment to or upon the Issuer or the Pledgor with respect to the
Obligations.

         12. LIMITATION ON DUTIES REGARDING COLLATERAL. The Agent's sole duty
with respect to the custody safekeeping and physical preservation of the
Collateral in its possession, under Section 9-207 of the Code or otherwise,
shall be to deal with it in the same manner as the Agent deals with similar
securities and property for its own account. The Agent, the Banks or any of
their respective directors, officers, employees or agents shall not be liable
for failure to demand, collect or realize upon any of the Collateral or for any
delay in doing so or shall be under any

<PAGE>   101
                                       7

obligation to sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral upon the request of
the Pledgor or otherwise.

         13. POWERS COUPLED WITH AN INTEREST. All authorizations and agencies
herein contained with respect to the Collateral are irrevocable and powers
coupled with an interest.

         14. SEVERABILITY. Any provision of this Pledge Agreement which is
prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction,
be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without
invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or
unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render
unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

         15. PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The paragraph headings used in this Pledge
Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to affect the
construction hereof or be taken into consideration in the interpretation hereof.

         16. NO WAIVER; CUMULATIVE REMEDIES. The Agent or any Bank shall not by
any act (except by a written instrument pursuant to paragraph 17 hereof), delay,
indulgence, omission or otherwise be deemed to have waived any right or remedy
hereunder or to have acquiesced in any Default or Event of Default or in any
breach of any of the terms and conditions hereof. No failure to exercise, nor
any delay in exercising, on the part of the Agent or any Bank, any right, power
or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof. No single or partial
exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder shall preclude any other or
further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.
A waiver by the Agent or any Bank of any right or remedy hereunder on any one
occasion shall not be construed as a bar to any right or remedy which the Agent
or any Bank would otherwise have on any future occasion. The rights and remedies
herein provided are cumulative, may be exercised singly or concurrently and are
not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

         17. WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS; SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS; GOVERNING LAW. None
of the terms or provisions of this Pledge Agreement may be waived, amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified except in accordance with the Credit
Agreement. This Pledge Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and
assigns of the Pledgor and shall inure to the benefit of the Agent and the Banks
and their respective successors and assigns. THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT SHALL BE
GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE
STATE OF CONNECTICUT.

         18. NOTICES. Notices by the Agent to the Pledgor or the Issuer shall be
addressed to the Pledgor at its address as set forth in the preamble hereof and
if to the Issuer, at its address as set forth on the signature page.

         19. IRREVOCABLE AUTHORIZATION AND INSTRUCTION TO ISSUER. The Pledgor
hereby authorizes and instructs the Issuer to comply with any instruction
received by it from the Agent in writing that (a) states that an Event of
Default has occurred and (b) is otherwise in accordance with the terms of this
Pledge Agreement, without any other or further instructions from the Pledgor,
and the Pledgor agrees that the Issuer shall be fully protected in so complying.

<PAGE>   102
                                       8

         20. TERMINATION. Upon the payment and the performance of the
Obligations in full and the termination of the Commitments, this Pledge
Agreement shall terminate and the Agent shall deliver to the Pledgor all of the
Collateral that exists at such time and shall deliver any release in respect of
the Collateral that the Pledgor may reasonably request.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Pledge Agreement to
be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

                                     DAIRY MART CONVENIENCE STORES, INC.

                                     By:
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name:
                                        Title:
                                        Duly Authorized

<PAGE>   103
                                       9

                           ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONSENT

         The undersigned, the Issuer referred to in the Pledge Agreement, hereby
acknowledges receipt of a copy thereof and agrees to be bound thereby and to
comply with the terms thereof insofar as such terms are applicable to it. The
undersigned agrees to notify the Agent promptly in writing of the occurrence of
any of the events described in paragraph 5(a) of the Pledge Agreement. The
undersigned further agrees that the terms of paragraph 9(b) of the Pledge
Agreement shall apply to it, MUTATIS MUTANDIS, with respect to all actions that
may be required of it under or pursuant to or arising out of paragraph 9 of the
Pledge Agreement.

                                     [------------------------]

                                     By:
                                        --------------------------------------
                                        Name:
                                        Title:
                                        Duly Authorized

<PAGE>   104

                                  SCHEDULE 1 to
                                Pledge Agreement
                                ----------------

                        DESCRIPTION OF THE PLEDGED STOCK

<PAGE>   105

                                                                       EXHIBIT D
                                                                       ---------

                                                              FORM OF SUBSIDIARY
                                                                PLEDGE AGREEMENT

<PAGE>   106

                           SUBSIDIARY PLEDGE AGREEMENT
                           ---------------------------

         This PLEDGE AGREEMENT is made as of this ____ day of December, 1999
by________________________, a ____________, with its chief executive office
located at ____________________________(the "Pledgor") in favor of CITIZENS BANK
OF CONNECTICUT, a Connecticut stock savings bank, with an office located 63
Eugene O'Neill Drive, New London, Connecticut 06320 as agent (in such capacity,
the "Agent") for the banks, financial institutions and other lenders (the
"Banks") which are or become parties to the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter
defined).

                                    RECITALS
                                    --------

         Dairy Mart Convenience Stores, Inc. (the "Borrower"), the Agent and the
Banks are parties to a certain Credit Agreement of even date herewith (as
amended and in effect from time to time, the "Credit Agreement") pursuant to
which the Banks agreed severally to make loans, advances and other extensions of
credit to Borrower.

         Pledgor is a direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Borrower
and, as such, has and will continue to receive a direct pecuniary benefit from
the making of such loans, advances and extension of credit to Borrower. In
connection with the execution and delivery of the Credit Agreement, Pledgor
agreed to guarantee the payment and performance of the obligations of Borrower
under the Credit Agreement pursuant to a certain Guarantee Agreement of even
date herewith (the "Guarantee").

         It is a condition precedent to the obligation of the Banks to make
their respective loans, advances and other extensions of credit to the Borrower
under the Credit Agreement that the Pledgor shall have executed this Subsidiary
Pledge Agreement.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the
Agent and the Banks to enter into the Credit Agreement and to induce the Banks
to make and continue their respective loans, advances and other extensions of
credit to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement, the Pledgor hereby agrees
with the Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Banks, as follows:

         1. DEFINED TERMS. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms which are
defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein are so used as so defined, and
the following terms shall have the following meanings:

         "CODE" means the Uniform Commercial Code from time to time in effect in
the State of Connecticut.

         "COLLATERAL" means the Pledged Stock and all Proceeds.

         "ISSUER" means the Person or Persons which issued the Pledged Stock and
which acknowledges the agreements of the Pledgor under this Agreement.

<PAGE>   107
                                       2

         "OBLIGATIONS" means all obligations and liabilities of the Pledgor to
the Agent or the Banks, whether direct or indirect, absolute or continent, due
or to become due, or now existing or hereafter incurred, which may arise under,
out of, or in connection with, the Guarantee and the Loan Documents to which the
Pledgor is a party or this Pledge Agreement and any other documents made,
delivered or given in connection therewith or herewith, whether on account of
principal, interest, reimbursement obligations, fees, indemnities, costs,
expenses (including, without limitation, all fees and disbursements of counsel
to the Agent and the Banks) or otherwise.

         "PLEDGE AGREEMENT" means this Subsidiary Pledge Agreement, as amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

         "PLEDGED STOCK" means the shares of capital stock of the Issuer listed
on Schedule I hereto, together with all stock certificates, options or rights of
any nature whatsoever which may be issued or granted by the Issuer to the
Pledgor while this Pledge Agreement is in effect.

         "PROCEEDS" means all "proceeds" as such term is defined in Section
9-306(l) of the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of Connecticut on
the date hereof and, in any event, shall include, without limitation, all
dividends or other income from the Pledged Stock, collections thereon or
distributions with respect thereto.

         2. PLEDGE; GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST. The Pledgor hereby delivers to
the Agent all the Pledged Stock and hereby grants to the Agent, for the ratable
benefit of the Banks, a security interest in the Collateral, as collateral
security for the prompt and complete payment and performance when due (whether
at the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of the Obligations.

         3. STOCK POWERS. Concurrently with the delivery to the Agent of each
certificate representing one or more shares of the Pledged Stock, the Pledgor
shall deliver an undated stock power covering such certificate, duly executed in
blank with, if the Agent so requests, signature guaranteed.

         4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Pledgor represents and warrants
that:

                  (a) this Pledge Agreement has been duly executed and delivered
on behalf of the Pledgor and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation
of the Pledgor enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as
enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally and by general equitable principles (whether enforcement is sought by
proceedings in equity or at law);

                  (b) the shares of Pledged Stock listed on Schedule I
constitute all the issued and outstanding shares of all classes of the capital
stock of the Issuer owned by the Pledgor and are represented by the certificates
listed thereon;

<PAGE>   108
                                       3

                  (c) to the best of Pledgor's knowledge, all the shares of the
Pledged Stock have been duly and validly issued and are fully paid and
nonassessable;

                  (d) the Pledgor is the record and beneficial owner of, and has
title to, the Pledged Stock listed on Schedule 1, free of any and all Liens or
options in favor of, or claims of, any other Person, except the Liens created by
this Pledge Agreement; and

                  (e) upon delivery to the Agent of the stock certificates
evidencing the Pledged Stock (and assuming the continuing possession by Agent of
such stock certificate in accordance with the requirements of applicable law),
the Lien granted pursuant to this Pledge Agreement will constitute a valid,
perfected Lien on the Pledged Stock, enforceable as such against all creditors
of the Pledgor and any Persons purporting to purchase any Pledged Stock from the
Pledgor.

         5. COVENANTS. The Pledgor covenants and agrees with the Agent that,
from and after the date of this Pledge Agreement until the Obligations are paid
in full and the Commitments are terminated:

                  (a) If the Pledgor shall, as a result of its ownership of the
Pledged Stock, become entitled to receive or shall receive any stock certificate
(including, without limitation, any certificate representing a stock dividend or
a distribution in connection with any reclassification, increase or reduction of
capital or any certificate issued in connection with any reorganization), option
or rights, whether in addition to, in substitution of, as a conversion of, or in
exchange for any shares of the Pledged Stock, or otherwise in respect thereof,
the Pledgor shall accept the same as the Agent's and each Bank's agent, hold the
same in trust for the Agent and the Banks and deliver the same forthwith to the
Agent in the exact form received, duly endorsed by the Pledgor to the Agent, if
required, together with an undated stock power covering such certificate duly
executed in blank and with, if the Agent so requests, signature guaranteed, to
be held by the Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Banks, hereunder as
additional collateral security for the Obligations. Any sums paid upon or in
respect of the Pledged Stock upon the liquidation or dissolution of the Issuer
shall be paid over to the Agent to be held by it hereunder for the ratable
benefits of the Banks as additional collateral security for the Obligations, and
in case any distribution of capital shall be made on or in respect of the
Pledged Stock or any property shall be distributed upon or with respect to the
Pledged Stock pursuant to the recapitalization or reclassification of the
capital of the Issuer or pursuant to the reorganization thereof, the property so
distributed shall be delivered to the Agent to be held by it for the ratable
benefit of the Banks, subject to the terms hereof, as additional collateral
security for the Obligations. If any sums of money or property so paid or
distributed in respect of the Pledged Stock shall be received by the Pledgor,
the Pledgor shall, until such money or property is paid or delivered to the
Agent, hold such money or property in trust for the Agent and the Banks,
segregated from other funds of the Pledgor, as additional collateral security
for the Obligations.

                  (b) Without the prior written consent of the Agent for the
ratable benefit of the Banks, except as otherwise set forth in the Credit
Agreement, the Pledgor will not (i) vote to enable, or take any other action to
permit, the Issuer to issue any stock or other equity securities of any nature
or to issue any other securities convertible into or granting the right to
purchase or

<PAGE>   109
                                       4

exchange for any stock or other equity securities of the Issuer, or (ii) sell,
assign, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, or grant any option with
respect to, the Collateral, or (iii) create, incur or permit to exist any Lien
or option in favor of, or any claim of any Person with respect to, any of the
Collateral, or any interest therein, except for the Lien provided for by this
Pledge Agreement. The Pledgor will defend the right, title and interest of the
Agent and the Banks in and to the Collateral against the claims and demands of
all Persons whomsoever.

                  (c) At any time and from time to time, upon the written
request of the Agent, and at the sole expense of the Pledgor, the Pledgor will
promptly and duly execute and deliver such further instruments and documents and
take such further actions as the Agent may reasonably request for the purposes
of obtaining or preserving the full benefits of this Pledge Agreement and of the
rights and powers herein granted. If any amount payable under or in connection
with any of the Collateral shall be or become evidenced by any promissory note,
other instrument or chattel paper, such note, instrument or chattel paper shall
be immediately delivered to the Agent, duly endorsed in a manner satisfactory to
the Agent, to be held as Collateral pursuant to this Pledge Agreement.

                  (d) The Pledgor agrees to pay, and to save the Agent and the
Banks harmless from, any and all liabilities with respect to, or resulting from
any delay in paying, any and all stamp, excise, sales or other taxes which may
be payable or determined to be payable with respect to any of the Collateral or
in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Pledge
Agreement.

         6. CASH DIVIDENDS; VOTING RIGHTS. Unless an Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing and the Agent shall have given notice to the Pledgor
of the Agent's intent to exercise its corresponding rights pursuant to paragraph
7 below, the Pledgor shall be permitted to receive all cash dividends paid in
the normal course of business of the Issuer and consistent with past practice,
to the extent permitted in the Credit Agreement, in respect of the Pledged Stock
and to exercise all voting and corporate rights with respect to the Pledged
Stock, provided, however, that no vote shall be cast or corporate right
exercised or other action taken which would impair the Collateral or which would
be inconsistent with or result in any violation of any provision of the Credit
Agreement, the Notes, the Loan Documents or this Pledge Agreement.

         7. RIGHTS OF AGENT. (a) If an Event of Default shall occur and be
continuing and the Agent shall give notice of its intent to exercise such rights
to the Pledgor: (i) the Agent shall have the right to receive any and all cash
dividends paid in respect of the Pledged Stock and make application thereof to
the Obligations in such order as it may determine, and (ii) at the-request of
the Agent, all shares of the Pledged Stock shall be registered in the name of
the Agent or its nominee, and the Agent or its nominee may thereafter exercise
(A) all voting, corporate and other rights pertaining to such shares of the
Pledged Stock at any meeting of shareholders of the Issuer or otherwise and (B)
any and all rights of conversion, exchange, subscription and any other rights,
privileges or options pertaining to such shares of the Pledged Stock as if it
were the absolute owner thereof (including, without limitation, the right to
exchange at its discretion any and all of the Pledged Stock upon the merger,
consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or other fundamental change in
the corporate structure of the Issuer, or upon the exercise by the Pledgor or
the Agent of any right, privilege or option pertaining to such shares of the
Pledged

<PAGE>   110
                                       5

Stock, and in connection therewith, the right to deposit and deliver any and all
of the Pledged Stock with any committee, depository, transfer agent, registrar
or other designated agency upon such terms and conditions as it may determine),
all without liability except to account for property actually received by it,
but the Agent shall have no duty to exercise any such right, privilege or option
and shall not be responsible for any failure to do so or delay in so doing.

                  (b) The rights of the Agent hereunder shall not be conditioned
or contingent upon the pursuit by the Agent of any right or remedy against the
Issuer or against any other Person which may be or become liable in respect of
all or any part of the Obligations or against any other collateral security
therefor, guarantee thereof or right of offset with respect thereto. The Agent
shall not be liable for any failure to demand, collect or realize upon all or
any part of the Collateral or for any delay in doing so, nor shall it be under
any obligation to sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral upon the request
of the Pledgor or any other Person or to take any other action whatsoever with
regard to the Collateral or any part thereof.

         8. REMEDIES. If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the
Agent may exercise, in addition to all other rights and remedies granted in this
Pledge Agreement and in any other instrument or agreement securing, evidencing
or relating to the Obligations, all rights and remedies of a secured party under
the Code. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as otherwise
set forth in the Credit Agreement, the Agent, without demand of performance or
other demand, presentment, protest, advertisement or notice of any kind (except
any notice required by law referred to below) to or upon the Pledgor, the Issuer
or any other Person (all and each of which demands, defenses, advertisements and
notices are hereby waived), may in such circumstances forthwith collect,
receive, appropriate and realize upon the Collateral, or any part thereof,
and/or may forthwith sell, assign, give option or options to purchase or
otherwise dispose of and deliver the Collateral or any part thereof (or contract
to do any of the foregoing), in one or more parcels at public or private sale or
sales, in the over-the-counter market, at any exchange, broker's board or office
of the Agent or elsewhere upon such terms and conditions as it may deem
advisable and at such prices as it may deem best, for cash or on credit or for
future delivery without assumption of any credit risk. The Agent shall have the
right upon any such public sale or sales, and, to the extent permitted by law,
upon any such private sale or sales, to purchase the whole or any part of the
Collateral so sold, free of any right or equity of redemption in the Pledgor,
which right or equity is hereby waived or released. The Agent shall apply any
Proceeds from time to time held by it and the net proceeds of any such
collection, recovery, receipt, appropriation, realization or sale, after
deducting all reasonable costs and expenses of every kind incurred therein or
incidental to the care or safekeeping of any of the Collateral or in any way
relating to the Collateral or the rights of the Agent and the Banks hereunder,
including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys, fees and disbursements, to
the payment in whole or in part of the Obligations, in the manner set forth in
the Credit Agreement, and only after such application and after the payment by
the Agent of any other amount required by any provision of law, including,
without limitation, Section 9-504(i) (c) of the Code, need the Agent account for
the surplus, if any, to the Pledgor. To the extent permitted by applicable law,
the Pledgor waives all claims, damages and demands it may acquire against the
Agent or any Bank arising out of the exercise by the Agent of any of its rights
hereunder. If any notice of a proposed sale or other disposition of Collateral
shall be required by law, such notice shall be deemed reasonable and proper if
given at least ten (10) days before such sale or other

<PAGE>   111
                                       6

disposition. The Pledgor shall remain liable for any deficiency if the proceeds
of any sale or other disposition of Collateral are insufficient to pay the
Obligations and the fees and disbursements of any attorneys employed by the
Agent or any Bank to collect such deficiency. The Pledgor further waives and
agrees not to assert any rights or privileges which it may acquire under Section
9-112 of the Code.

         9. PRIVATE SALES. (a) The Pledgor recognizes that the Agent may be
unable to effect a public sale of any or all the Pledged Stock, by reason of
certain prohibitions contained in the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and
applicable state securities laws or otherwise, and may be compelled to resort to
one or more private sales thereof to a restricted group of purchasers which will
be obliged to agree, among other things, to acquire such securities for their
own account for investment and not with a view to the distribution or resale
thereof. The Pledgor acknowledges and agrees that any such private sale may
result in prices and other terms less favorable to the Agent than if such sale
were a public sale and, notwithstanding such circumstances, agrees that any such
private sale shall be deemed to have been made in a commercially reasonable
manner. The Agent shall be under no obligation to delay a sale of any of the
Pledged Stock for the period of time necessary to permit the Issuer to register
such securities for public sale under the Securities Act, or under applicable
state securities laws, even if the Issuer would agree to do so.

                  (b) The Pledgor further agrees to use its reasonable efforts
to do or cause to be done all such other acts as may be necessary to make any
sale or sales of all or any portion of the Pledged Stock pursuant to this
paragraph 9 valid and binding and in compliance with any and all other
applicable Requirements of Law.

         10. NO SUBROGATION. Notwithstanding any payment or payments made by the
Pledgor hereunder, or any set-off or application of funds of the Pledgor by the
Agent, or the receipt of any amounts by the Agent with respect to any of the
Collateral, the Pledgor shall not assert any right it may have to be subrogated
to any of the rights of the Agent or any Bank against the Issuer or against any
other collateral security held by the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks
for the payment of the Obligations, until the Obligations shall have been paid
in full and the Commitments shall have been terminated.

         11. AMENDMENTS, ETC. WITH RESPECT TO THE OBLIGATIONS. The Pledgor shall
remain obligated hereunder, and the Collateral shall remain subject to the Lien
granted hereby, notwithstanding that, without any reservation of rights against
the Pledgor, and, except as otherwise set forth in the Credit Agreement, without
notice to or further assent by the Pledgor, any demand for payment of any of the
Obligations made by the Agent may be rescinded by the Agent, and any of the
Obligations continued, and the Obligations, or the liability of the Issuer or
any other Person upon or for any part thereof, or any collateral security or
guarantee therefor or right of offset with respect thereto, may, from time to
time, in whole or in part, be renewed, extended, amended, modified, accelerated,
compromised, waived, surrendered or released by the Agent, and the Credit
Agreement, the Notes, the Loan Documents and any other document in connection
therewith may be amended, modified, supplemented or terminated, in whole or in
part, as the Agent and the Banks may deem advisable from time to time, and any
guarantee, right of offset or other collateral at any time held by the Agent for
the ratable benefit of the Banks for

<PAGE>   112
                                       7

the payment of the Obligations may be sold, exchanged, waived, surrendered or
released. The Agent shall have no obligation to protect, secure, perfect or
insure any other Lien at any time held by it as security for the Obligations or
any property subject thereto. Except as otherwise set forth in the Credit
Agreement, the Pledgor waives any and all notice of the creation, renewal,
extension or accrual of any of the Obligations and notice of or proof of
reliance by the Agent upon this Pledge Agreement; the Obligations, and any of
them, shall conclusively be deemed to have been created, contracted or incurred
in reliance upon this Pledge Agreement, and all dealings among the Issuer, the
Pledgor, the Agent and the Banks shall likewise be conclusively presumed to have
been had or consummated in reliance upon this Pledge Agreement. Except as
otherwise set forth in the Credit Agreement, the Pledgor waives diligence,
presentment, protest, demand for payment and notice of default or nonpayment to
or upon the Issuer or the Pledgor with respect to the Obligations.

         12. LIMITATION ON DUTIES REGARDING COLLATERAL. The Agent's sole duty
with respect to the custody safekeeping and physical preservation of the
Collateral in its possession, under Section 9-207 of the Code or otherwise,
shall be to deal with it in the same manner as the Agent deals with similar
securities and property for its own account. The Agent, the Banks or any of
their respective directors, officers, employees or agents shall not be liable
for failure to demand, collect or realize upon any of the Collateral or for any
delay in doing so or shall be under any obligation to sell or otherwise dispose
of any Collateral upon the request of the Pledgor or otherwise.

         13. POWERS COUPLED WITH AN INTEREST. All authorizations and agencies
herein contained with respect to the Collateral are irrevocable and powers
coupled with an interest.

         14. SEVERABILITY. Any provision of this Pledge Agreement which is
prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction,
be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without
invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or
unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render
unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

         15. PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The paragraph headings used in this Pledge
Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to affect the
construction hereof or be taken into consideration in the interpretation hereof.

         16. NO WAIVER; CUMULATIVE REMEDIES. The Agent or any Bank shall not by
any act (except by a written instrument pursuant to paragraph 17 hereof), delay,
indulgence, omission or otherwise be deemed to have waived any right or remedy
hereunder or to have acquiesced in any Default or Event of Default or in any
breach of any of the terms and conditions hereof. No failure to exercise, nor
any delay in exercising, on the part of the Agent or any Bank, any right, power
or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof. No single or partial
exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder shall preclude any other or
further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.
A waiver by the Agent or any Bank of any right or remedy hereunder on any one
occasion shall not be construed as a bar to any right or remedy which the Agent
or any Bank would otherwise have on any future occasion. The rights and

<PAGE>   113
                                       8

remedies herein provided are cumulative, may be exercised singly or concurrently
and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

         17. WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS; SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS; GOVERNING LAW. None
of the terms or provisions of this Pledge Agreement may be waived, amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified except in accordance with the Credit
Agreement. This Pledge Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and
assigns of the Pledgor and shall inure to the benefit of the Agent and the Banks
and their respective successors and assigns. THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT SHALL BE
GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE
STATE OF CONNECTICUT.

         18. NOTICES. Notices by the Agent to the Pledgor or the Issuer shall be
addressed to the Pledgor at its address as set forth in the preamble hereof and
if to the Issuer, at its address as set forth on the signature page.

         19. IRREVOCABLE AUTHORIZATION AND INSTRUCTION TO ISSUER. The Pledgor
hereby authorizes and instructs the Issuer to comply with any instruction
received by it from the Agent in writing that (a) states that an Event of
Default has occurred and (b) is otherwise in accordance with the terms of this
Pledge Agreement, without any other or further instructions from the Pledgor,
and the Pledgor agrees that the Issuer shall be fully protected in so complying.

         20. TERMINATION. Upon the payment and the performance of the
Obligations in full and the termination of the Commitments, this Pledge
Agreement shall terminate and the Agent shall deliver to the Pledgor all of the
Collateral that exists at such time and shall deliver any release in respect of
the Collateral that the Pledgor may reasonably request.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Pledge Agreement to
be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

                                      [------------------------]

                                      By:
                                         ---------------------------------
                                         Name:
                                         Title:
                                         Duly Authorized

<PAGE>   114
                                       9

                           ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONSENT

         The undersigned, the Issuer referred to in the Pledge Agreement, hereby
acknowledges receipt of a copy thereof and agrees to be bound thereby and to
comply with the terms thereof insofar as such terms are applicable to it. The
undersigned agrees to notify the Agent promptly in writing of the occurrence of
any of the events described in paragraph 5(a) of the Pledge Agreement. The
undersigned further agrees that the terms of paragraph 9(b) of the Pledge
Agreement shall apply to it, MUTATIS MUTANDIS, with respect to all actions that
may be required of it under or pursuant to or arising out of paragraph 9 of the
Pledge Agreement.

                                      [                          ]

                                      By:
                                        ----------------------------------
                                        Name:
                                        Title:
                                        Duly Authorized

<PAGE>   115

                                                                       EXHIBIT E
                                                                       ---------

                                                                         FORM OF
                                                                  ASSIGNMENT AND
                                                            ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT

<PAGE>   116

                       ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT
                       -----------------------------------

         This ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT is made as of this ____ day of
December, 1999, by and among the undersigned Transferor Bank (the "Transferor
Bank"), the undersigned Purchasing Bank (the "Purchasing Bank") and CITIZENS
BANK OF CONNECTICUT as agent for the Banks under the Credit Agreement (as
hereinafter defined) (in such capacity, the "Agent").

                               W I T N E S S E T H

         WHEREAS, this Assignment and Acceptance Agreement is being executed and
delivered in accordance with Section 10.6 of that certain Credit Agreement,
dated as of December ____, 1999, by and among Dairy Mart Convenience Stores,
Inc. (the "Borrower"), the Transferor Bank and the Agent (as amended and in
effect from time to time, the "Credit Agreement");

         WHEREAS, the Purchasing Bank desires to become a Bank under the Credit
Agreement; and

         WHEREAS, the Transferor Bank is selling and assigning to the Purchasing
Bank all or a portion of its rights, obligations and commitments under the
Credit Agreement so that the Purchasing Bank may become a Bank under the Credit
Agreement; and

         NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

         1. Upon receipt by the Agent of three (3) counterparts of this
Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, to each of which is attached a fully
completed Schedule I, and each of which has been executed by the Transferor Bank
and the Purchasing Bank (and any other Person required to execute this
Assignment and Acceptance Agreement under the Credit Agreement and a completed
administrative questionnaire from the Purchasing Bank in the form provided by
the Agent, the Agent will transmit to the Borrower, the Transferor Bank and the
Purchasing Bank an Assignment Notice, substantially in the form of Schedule II
to this Assignment and Acceptance Agreement (an "Assignment Notice"). Such
Assignment Notice shall set forth, INTER ALIA, the date on which the transfer
effected by this Assignment and Acceptance Agreement shall become effective (the
"Effective Date"), which date shall be the date so specified in such Assignment
Notice. From and after the Effective Date, the Purchasing Bank shall be a Bank
under the Credit Agreement for all purposes thereof.

         2. At or before 12:00 noon (local time of the Transferor Bank), on the
Effective Date, the Purchasing Bank shall pay to the Transferor Bank, in
immediately available funds, an amount equal to the purchase price, as agreed
between the Transferor Bank and the Purchasing Bank (the

<PAGE>   117
                                       2

"Purchase Price"), of the portion being purchased by the Purchasing Bank (the
"Purchasing Bank's Percentage") of the Loans of each Type and other amounts
owing to the Transferor Bank under the Credit Agreement and the Transferor
Bank's Note or Notes. Effective upon receipt by the Transferor Bank of the
Purchase Price from the Purchasing Bank, the Transferor Bank hereby irrevocably
sells, assigns and transfers to such Purchasing Bank, without recourse,
representation or warranty, and the Purchasing Bank hereby irrevocably
purchases, takes and assumes from the Transferor Bank, such Purchasing Bank's
Percentage of the Commitments and the presently outstanding Loans and other
amounts owing to the Transferor Bank under the Credit Agreement and the
Transferor Bank's Note or Notes, together with all instruments, documents and
collateral security pertaining thereto, which are being assigned hereunder.

         3. The Transferor Bank has made arrangements with the Purchasing Bank
with respect to (i) the portion, if any, to be paid, and the date or dates for
payment, by the Transferor Bank to such Purchasing Bank of any Fees heretofore
received by the Transferor Bank pursuant to the Credit Agreement prior to the
Effective Date and (ii) the portion, if any to be paid, and the date or dates
for payment by the Purchasing Bank to the Transferor Bank of interest, Fees or
other amounts received by such Purchasing Bank pursuant to the Credit Agreement
from and after the Effective Date.

         4. (a) All principal payments that would otherwise be payable from and
after the Effective Date to or for the account of the Transferor Bank pursuant
to the Credit Agreement in respect of the Loans being assigned and the
Transferor Bank's Note or Notes shall, instead, be payable to or for the account
of the Transferor Bank and the Purchasing Bank, as the case may be, in
accordance with their respective interests as reflected in this Assignment and
Acceptance Agreement.

             (b) All interest, Fees and other amounts that would otherwise
accrue for the account of the Transferor Bank from and after the Effective Date
pursuant to the Credit Agreement in respect of the Commitments and Loans being
assigned and the Transferor Bank's Note or Notes shall, instead, accrue for the
account of, and be payable to, the Transferor Bank and the Purchasing Bank, as
the case may be, in accordance with their respective interests as reflected in
this Assignment and Acceptance Agreement. In the event that any amount of
interest, Fees or other amounts accruing prior to the Effective Date was
included in the Purchase Price paid by the Purchasing Bank, the Transferor Bank
and the Purchasing Bank will make appropriate arrangements for payment by the
Transferor Bank to the Purchasing Bank of such amount upon receipt thereof from
the Borrower.

         5. On or prior to the Effective Date, the Transferor Bank will deliver
to the Agent its Note or Notes. On or prior to the Effective Date, the Borrower
will deliver to the Agent Notes for the Purchasing Bank and the Transferor Bank,
in each case in principal amounts reflecting, in accordance with the Credit
Agreement, their Commitments (as adjusted pursuant to this Assignment and
Acceptance Agreement). Each such new Note shall be dated the Closing Date.
Promptly after the Effective Date, the Agent will send to each of the Transferor
Bank and the Purchasing Bank its new Notes and will send to the Borrower the
superseded Transferor Bank's

<PAGE>   118
                                       3

Note or Notes of such Borrower marked "Canceled" or if any such Note cannot be
located by such Transferee Bank, a lost note indemnification agreement in form
and substance reasonably acceptable to the Borrower.

         6. Concurrently with the execution and delivery hereof, the Transferor
Bank will provide to the Purchasing Bank (if it is not already a Bank under the
Credit Agreement) conformed copies of all documents delivered to such Transferor
Bank on the Closing Date in satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth
in the Credit Agreement and all written amendments and waivers thereto through
the date of execution and delivery hereof.

         7. Each of the parties to this Assignment and Acceptance Agreement
agrees that at any time and from time to time upon the written request of any
other party, it will execute and deliver such further documents and do such
further acts and things as such other party may reasonably request in order to
effect the purposes of this Assignment and Acceptance Agreement.

         8. By executing and delivering this Assignment and Acceptance
Agreement, the Transferor Bank and the Purchasing Bank confirm to and agree with
each other and the Agent and the Banks, and in the case of the following clause
(vi), the Purchasing Bank agrees for the benefit of the Borrower, as follows:
(i) other than the representation and warranty that it is the legal and
beneficial owner of the interest being assigned hereby free and clear of any
adverse claim, the Transferor Bank makes no representation or warranty and
assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or
representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement of the
execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value
of the Credit Agreement or any of the Loan Documents or any other document,
agreement or instrument executed or delivered pursuant thereto; (ii) the
Transferor Bank makes no representation or warranty and assumes no
responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or any
Subsidiary (collectively, the "Credit Party") or the performance or observance
by any Credit Party of any of their obligations under the Agreement or any of
the Loan Documents or any other instrument executed or delivered pursuant
hereto; (iii) the Purchasing Bank confirms that it has received a copy of the
Credit Agreement, together with copies of the financial statements referred to
in Section 4.1, the financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.1 if
any, and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to
make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and
Acceptance Agreement; (iv) the Purchasing Bank will, independently and without
reliance upon the Agent, the Transferor Bank or any other Bank and based on such
documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to
make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Credit
Agreement or the Loan Documents; (v) the Purchasing Bank appoints and authorizes
the Agent to take such action on its behalf and to exercise such powers under
the Agreement as are delegated to the Agent by the terms thereof, together with
such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto, all in accordance with Section
9 of the Credit Agreement; and (vi) the Purchasing Bank agrees that it will
perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms
of the Credit Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Bank.

<PAGE>   119
                                       4

         9. Each party hereto represents and warrants to and agrees with the
Agent that it is aware of and will comply with the provision of subsection 2.19
of the Credit Agreement.

         10. Schedule I hereto sets forth the Commitments and the Commitment
Percentages of the Transferor Bank and the Purchasing Bank after giving effect
to the assignment contemplated hereby.

         11. All capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this
Assignment and Acceptance Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to such
terms in the Credit Agreement.

         12. This Assignment and Acceptance Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Connecticut.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Assignment and
Acceptance Agreement to be executed as of the date set forth above.

                                               Transferor Bank
                                               [                        ]
                                               --------------------------

                                               By:
                                                  ----------------------------
                                                  Name:
                                                  Title:

                                               Purchasing Bank
                                               [                        ]
                                               --------------------------

                                               By:
                                                  ----------------------------
                                                  Name:
                                                  Title:

The foregoing assignment is hereby accepted for
recordation and registration:

CITIZENS BANK OF CONNECTICUT

By:
   ------------------------------
   Name:
   Title:
   Duly Authorized

<PAGE>   120
                                       5

<PAGE>   121

                SCHEDULE I TO ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT

                  COMPLETION OF INFORMATION FOR ASSIGNMENT AND
                              ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT

Item 1         Effective Date of Assignment        _______________ ___, 19__

Item 2         Name of Transferor Bank:

Item 3         Name of Purchasing Bank:

Item 4         Revised Revolving Credit Commitment of Transferor
               Bank

Item 5         Revised Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of
               Transferor Bank

Item 6         Revolving Credit Commitment of Purchasing Bank

Item 7         Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of
               Purchasing Bank

Item 8         Letter of Credit Participations of Transferor Bank

Item 9         Letter of Credit Participations of Purchasing Bank

<PAGE>   122
                                       2

               SCHEDULE II TO ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT

TO:

         The undersigned, as Agent under the Amended and Credit Agreement dated
as of November __, 1999, among DAIRY MART CONVENIENCE STORES, INC., the banks,
financial institutions and other Banks which are parties thereto, and CITIZENS
BANK OF CONNECTICUT as Agent acknowledges receipt of three executed counterparts
of a competed Assignment and Acceptance Agreement. Terms defined in such
Assignment and Acceptance Agreement are used herein as therein defined.

         1. Pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, you are
advised that the Effective Date will be ________.

         2. Pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, the Transferor
Bank is required to deliver to the Agent on or before the Effective Date its
Note or Notes, or a lost note indemnification agreement reasonably acceptable to
the Borrower.

         3. Pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, the Borrower
is required to deliver to the Agent on or before the Effective Date the
following Revolving Credit Notes, each dated ________________________:

[Name of Transferor Bank]           [Amount]

[Name of Purchasing Bank]           [Amount]

         4. Pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, each
Purchasing Bank is required to pay its Purchase Price to the Transferor Bank at
or before 12:00 noon on the Effective Date in immediately available funds.

                                      Very truly yours,

                                      CITIZENS BANK OF CONNECTICUT
                                      AS AGENT

                                      By
                                         -----------------------------------
                                         Name:
                                         Title:

<PAGE>   123

                                                                       EXHIBIT G
                                                                       ---------

                                                                 FORM OF COMPANY
                                                              SECURITY AGREEMENT

<PAGE>   124

                           COMPANY SECURITY AGREEMENT
                           --------------------------

         This COMPANY SECURITY AGREEMENT is made as of this ____ day of
December, 1999 by and between DAIRY MART CONVENIENCE STORES, INC., a Delaware
corporation, with its chief executive office located at 300 Executive Parkway
West, Hudson, Ohio 44236 (the "Debtor"), in favor of CITIZENS BANK OF
CONNECTICUT, a Connecticut stock savings bank, with an office located at 63
Eugene O'Neill Drive, New London, Connecticut 06320 as agent (in such capacity,
the "Agent") for the banks, financial institutions and other lenders (the
"Banks") which are or become parties to the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter
defined).

                                    RECITALS
                                    --------

         The Debtor, the Agent and the Banks are parties to a certain Credit
Agreement of even date herewith (as amended and in effect from time to time, the
"Credit Agreement") pursuant to which the Banks have agreed to make loans,
advances and other extensions of credit to Debtor. It is a condition precedent
to the obligation of the Banks to make their respective loans, advances and
other extensions of credit to the Debtor under the Credit Agreement that the
Debtor shall have executed and delivered this Company Security Agreement to the
Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the
Agent and the Banks to enter into the Credit Agreement and to induce the Banks
to make their respective loans, advances and other extensions of credit to the
Debtor under the Credit Agreement, the Debtor hereby agrees with the Agent, for
the ratable benefit of the Banks, as follows:

         1. DEFINED TERMS. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms which are
defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein are so used as so defined; the
following terms which are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in
the State of Connecticut on the date hereof are used herein as so defined:
Accounts, Chattel Paper, Documents, Equipment, Farm Products, General
Intangibles, Instruments, Inventory, Investment Property and Proceeds; and the
following terms shall have the following meanings:

         "BANK ACCOUNT" means (i) a deposit, custody or other account (whether,
in any case, time or demand or interest or non-interest bearing) maintained by
the Debtor with the Agent or any Bank, (ii) all cash and securities from time to
time held within such accounts and (iii) all dividends and other distributions
payable on or with respect to, such account or such cash or securities.

         "CODE" means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect
in the State of Connecticut.

<PAGE>   125
                                       2

         "COLLATERAL" shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 2 of this
Security Agreement.

         "CONTRACTS" means the separate contracts between the Debtor and its
customers, as the same may from time to time be amended, supplemented or
otherwise modified, including, without limitation, (a) all rights of the Debtor
to receive moneys due and to become due to it thereunder or in connection
therewith, (b) all rights of the Debtor to damages arising out of, or for,
breach or default in respect thereof and (c) all rights of the Debtor to perform
and to exercise all remedies thereunder; but excluding any contracts, the
assignment or hypothecation of which, for collateral purposes, would result in a
default or require, or cause, a forfeiture or permit a revocation of material
rights under such contract.

         "OBLIGATIONS" has the meaning set forth in the Credit Agreement.

         "PATENTS" means (a) all letters patent of the United States and all
reissues and extensions thereof, (b) all applications for letters patent of the
United States and all divisions, continuations and continuations-in-part thereof
or any other country, including, without limitation, any thereof referred to in
the Collateral Disclosure List and (c) all proceeds thereof, including the
goodwill of the business connected with the use of and symbolized by the
Patents.

         "PATENT LICENSE" means all agreements, whether written or oral,
providing for the grant by the Debtor of any right to manufacture, use or sell
any invention covered by a Patent, including, without limitation, any thereof
referred to in the Collateral Disclosure List.

         "SECURITY AGREEMENT" means this Company Security Agreement, as amended,
supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

         "TRADEMARKS" means (a) all trademarks, trade names, corporate names,
company names, business names, fictitious business names, trade styles, service
marks, logos and other source or business identifiers and the goodwill
associated therewith, now existing or hereafter adopted or acquired, all
registrations and recordings thereof, and all applications in connection
therewith, whether registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office
or in any similar office or agency of the United States, any State thereof or
any other country or any political subdivision thereof or otherwise, including,
without limitation, any thereof referred to in the Collateral Disclosure List;
(b) all renewals thereof; and (c) all proceeds thereof, including the goodwill
of the business connected with the use of and symbolized by the Trademarks.

         "TRADEMARK LICENSE" means any agreement, written or oral, providing for
the grant by the Debtor of any right to use any Trademark, including, without
limitation, any thereof referred to in the Collateral Disclosure List.

         "VEHICLES" means all cars, trucks, trailers, construction and earth
moving equipment and other vehicles covered by a certificate of title law of any
state and, in any event, shall include, without limitation, the vehicles listed
in the Collateral Disclosure List and all tires and other appurtenances to any
of the foregoing.

<PAGE>   126
                                       3

         2. GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST. As collateral security for the prompt
and complete payment and performance when due (whether at the stated maturity,
by acceleration or otherwise) of the Obligations, the Debtor hereby grants to
the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks a security interest in all of the
following property now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by the Debtor or
in which the Debtor now has or at any time in the future may acquire any right,
title or interest (collectively, the "Collateral"):

                  (i)      all Accounts;

                  (ii)     all Bank Accounts;

                  (iii)    all Chattel Paper;

                  (iv)     all Contracts;

                  (v)      all Documents;

                  (vi)     all Equipment;

                  (vii)    all General Intangibles;

                  (viii)   all Instruments;

                  (ix)     all Inventory;

                  (x)      all Investment Property;

                  (xi)     all Patents;

                  (xii)    all Patent Licenses;

                  (xiii)   all Trademarks;

                  (xiv)    all Trademark Licenses;

                  (xv)     all Vehicles; and

                  (xvi) to the extent not otherwise included, all Proceeds and
products of any and all of the foregoing, all accessions and additions thereto
and all substitutions and replacements therefore.

3. RIGHTS OF AGENT AND BANKS; LIMITATIONS ON AGENT'S AND BANKS' OBLIGATIONS.

                  (a) DEBTOR REMAINS LIABLE UNDER ACCOUNTS AND CONTRACTS.
Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Debtor shall remain liable
under each of the Accounts and Contracts to observe and perform all the
conditions and obligations to be observed and

<PAGE>   127
                                       4

performed by it thereunder, all in accordance with the terms of any agreement
giving rise to each such Account and in accordance with and pursuant to the
terms and provisions of each such Contract. Neither the Agent nor any Bank shall
have any obligation or liability under any Account (or any agreement giving rise
thereto) or under any Contract by reason of or arising out of this Security
Agreement or the receipt by the Agent or any such Bank of any payment relating
to such Account or Contract pursuant hereto, nor shall the Agent or any Bank be
obligated in any manner to perform any of the obligations of the Debtor under or
pursuant to any Account (or any agreement giving rise thereto) or under or
pursuant to any Contract, to make any payment, to make any inquiry as to the
nature or the sufficiency of any payment received by it or as to the sufficiency
of any performance by any party under any Account (or any agreement giving rise
thereto) or under any Contract, to present or file any claim, to take any action
to enforce any performance or to collect the payment of any amounts which may
have been assigned to it or to which it may be entitled at any time or times.

                  (b) NOTICE TO ACCOUNT DEBTORS AND CONTRACTING PARTIES. Upon
the request of the Agent at any time after the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default, the Debtor shall notify account debtors on
the Accounts and parties to the Contracts that the Accounts and the Contracts
have been assigned to the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks and that
payments in respect thereof shall be made directly to the Agent. The Agent may
in its own name or in the name of others communicate with account debtors on the
Accounts and parties to the Contracts to verify with them to its satisfaction
the existence, amount and terms of any Accounts or Contracts.

                  (c) ANALYSIS OF ACCOUNTS. Subject to the provisions of the
Credit Agreement, the Agent shall have the right, at its own expense, to make
test verifications of the Accounts in any manner and through any medium that it
reasonably considers advisable, and the Debtor shall furnish all such assistance
and information as the Agent may reasonably require in connection therewith,
provided that the making of the foregoing test verifications shall be at the
expense of the Debtor if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing. Subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement, at any time upon
the Agent's request and after the occurrence and during the continuance of an
Event of Default, or in connection with the Debtor's annual audit, the Debtor,
at its sole expense, shall cause its independent public accountants or others
selected by the Debtor and satisfactory to the Agent to furnish to the Bank
reports showing reconciliations, aging and test verifications of, and trial
balances for, the Accounts.

                  (d) COLLECTIONS ON ACCOUNTS. The Agent hereby authorizes the
Debtor to collect the Accounts subject to the Agent's direction and control as
set forth in the Credit Agreement, and the Agent may curtail or terminate said
authority upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default.
If required by the Agent upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an
Event of Default, any payments of Accounts, when collected by the Debtor, shall
be forthwith (and, in any event, within two Business Days) deposited by the
Debtor in the exact form received, duly endorsed by the Debtor to the Agent if
required, in a special collateral account maintained by the Agent, subject to
withdrawal by the Agent only, as hereinafter provided, and, until so turned
over, shall be held by the Debtor in trust for the Agent and the Banks,
segregated from other funds of the Debtor. Each deposit of any such Proceeds
shall be accompanied by a report identifying in reasonable detail the nature and
source of the

<PAGE>   128
                                       5

payments included in the deposit. All Proceeds constituting collections of
Accounts while held by the Agent (or by the Debtor in trust for the Agent and
the Banks) shall continue to be collateral security for all of the Obligations
and shall not constitute payment thereof until applied as hereinafter provided.
If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, at any time at the
Agent's election, the Agent shall apply all or any part of the funds on deposit
in said special collateral account on account of the Obligations in accordance
with the Credit Agreement, and any part of such funds which the Agent elects not
so to apply and deems not required as collateral security for the Obligations
shall be paid over from time to time by the Agent to the Debtor or to whomsoever
may be lawfully entitled to receive the same. At the Agent's request during the
continuance of an Event of Default, the Debtor shall deliver to the Agent all
original and other documents evidencing, and relating to, the agreements and
transactions which gave rise to the Accounts, including, without limitation, all
original orders, invoices and shipping receipts.

         4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Debtor hereby represents and
warrants that:

                  (a) TITLE; NO OTHER LIENS. Except for the Lien granted to the
Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks pursuant to this Security Agreement,
and the other Liens permitted to exist on the Collateral pursuant to the Credit
Agreement, the Debtor owns each item of the Collateral free and clear of any and
all Liens or claims of others. No security agreement, financing statement or
other public notice with respect to all or any part of the Collateral is on file
or of record in any public office, except such as may have been filed in favor
of the Agent or any other Person holding a permitted Lien, for the ratable
benefit of the Banks, pursuant to this Security Agreement or as may be permitted
pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

                  (b) PERFECTED FIRST PRIORITY LIENS. Except with respect to
Vehicles referred to in Section 5(r), the Liens granted pursuant to this
Security Agreement constitute perfected Liens on the Collateral (not
constituting real property) in favor of the Agent, for the ratable benefit of
the Banks, which are prior to all other Liens on the Collateral created by the
Debtor and in existence on the date hereof, except as otherwise permitted in the
Credit Agreement, based upon a search and review of the public files and records
referenced in Section 4(a) hereof and which are enforceable as such against all
creditors of and purchasers from the Debtor and against any owner or purchaser
of the real property where any of the Equipment is located and any present or
future creditor obtaining a Lien on such real property.

                  (c) ACCOUNTS. The amount represented by the Debtor to the
Agent from time to time as owing by each account debtor or by all account
debtors in respect of the Accounts will at such time be the correct amount
actually owing by such account debtor or debtors thereunder in all material
respects. No amount payable to the Debtor under or in connection with any
Account is evidenced by any Instrument or Chattel Paper (other than Customer
Contracts constituting Chattel Paper) which has not been delivered to the Agent.
The place where the Debtor keeps its records concerning the Accounts is set
forth in the Collateral Disclosure List.

                  (d) CONTRACTS. No consent of any party (other than the Debtor)
to any Contract is required, or purports to be required, in connection with the
execution, delivery and performance of this Security Agreement. Each Contract is
in full force and effect and constitutes

<PAGE>   129
                                       6

a valid and legally enforceable obligation of the parties thereto, except as
enforceability may be limited by Bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditor's rights
generally. No consent or authorization of, filing with or other act by or in
respect of any Governmental Authority is required in connection with the
execution, delivery, performance, validity or enforceability of any of the
Contracts by any party thereto other than those which have been duly obtained,
made or performed, are in full force and effect and do not subject the scope of
any such Contract to any material adverse limitation, either specific or general
in nature. Neither the Debtor nor (to the best of the Debtor's knowledge) any
other party to any Contract is in default in a manner which could reasonably be
expected to materially adversely affect the value of all such Contracts as
Collateral or is reasonably likely to become in default in the performance or
observance of any of the terms thereof in any material respect. The Debtor has
fully performed all its current obligations under each Contract. The right,
title and interest of the Debtor in, to and under each Contract are not subject
to any defense, offset, counterclaim or claim which in the aggregate could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No amount payable to
the Debtor under or in connection with any Contract is evidenced by any
Instrument or Chattel Paper (other than Customer Contracts constituting Chattel
Paper) which has not been delivered to the Agent.

                  (e) INVENTORY AND EQUIPMENT. The Inventory and the Equipment
are kept at the locations listed in the Collateral Disclosure List.

                  (f) CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The Debtor's chief executive
office and chief place of business is set forth in the Collateral Disclosure
List.

                  (g) FARM PRODUCTS. None of the Collateral constitutes, or is
         the Proceeds of, Farm Products.

                  (h) PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS. All Patents and Patent Licenses
owned by the Debtor in its own name as of the date hereof are listed on the
Collateral Disclosure List, which listing includes all Trademarks and Trademark
Licenses owned by the Debtor in its own name as of the date hereof. To the best
of the Debtor's knowledge, each Patent and Trademark is valid, subsisting,
unexpired, enforceable and has not been abandoned. Except as set forth in the
Collateral Disclosure List, none of such Patents and Trademarks is the subject
of any licensing or franchise agreement. No holding, decision or judgment has
been rendered by any Governmental Authority which would limit, cancel or
question the validity of any Patent or Trademark. Except as disclosed in the
Credit Agreement, no action or proceeding is pending (i) seeking to limit,
cancel or question the validity of any Patent or Trademark, or (ii) which, if
adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.

                  (i) VEHICLES. A complete and correct list of all Vehicles
owned by the Debtor is set forth in the Collateral Disclosure List.

                  (j) GOVERNMENTAL OBLIGORS. None of the obligors on any
Accounts, and none of the parties to any Contracts, is a Governmental Authority
with respect to which the Federal Assignment of Claims Act is applicable.

<PAGE>   130
                                       7

                  (k) BANK ACCOUNTS. All deposit, custody, money-market or other
accounts (whether, in any case, time or demand or interest or non-interest
bearing) maintained by the Debtor with any bank or any other financial
institution are Bank Accounts and are listed on the Collateral Disclosure List.

         5. COVENANTS. The Debtor covenants and agrees with the Agent and the
Banks that, from and after the date of this Security Agreement until the
obligations are paid in full and the commitment terminated:

                  (a) FURTHER DOCUMENTATION; PLEDGE OF INSTRUMENTS AND CHATTEL
PAPER. At any time and from time to time, upon the written request of the Agent,
and at the sole expense of the Debtor, the Debtor will promptly and duly execute
and deliver such further instruments and documents and take such further action
as the Agent may reasonably request for the purpose of obtaining or preserving
the full benefits of this Security Agreement and of the rights and powers herein
granted, including, without limitation, the filing of any financing or
continuation statements under the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in any
jurisdiction with respect to the Liens created hereby. The Debtor also hereby
authorizes the Agent to file any such financing or continuation statement
without the signature of the Debtor to the extent permitted by applicable law. A
carbon, photographic or other reproduction of this Security Agreement shall be
sufficient as a financing statement for filing in any jurisdiction. If any
amount payable under or in connection with any of the Collateral shall be or
become evidenced by any Instrument or Chattel Paper (other than Customer
Contracts constituting Chattel Paper), such instrument or Chattel Paper shall be
immediately delivered to the Agent, duly endorsed in a manner satisfactory to
the Agent to be held as Collateral pursuant to this Security Agreement.

                  (b) INDEMNIFICATION. The Debtor agrees to pay, and to save the
Agent and the Banks harmless from, any and all liabilities, reasonable costs and
expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees and expenses) (i)
with respect to, or resulting from, any delay in paying, any and all excise,
sales or other taxes which may be payable or determined to be payable with
respect to any of the Collateral, (ii) with respect to, or resulting from, any
delay not caused by the Agent or the Banks in complying with any Requirement of
Law applicable to any of the Collateral or (iii) subject to Section 10.5 of the
Credit Agreement in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this
Security Agreement. In any suit, proceeding or action brought by the Agent or
any Bank under any Account or Contract for any sum owing thereunder, or to
enforce any provisions of any Account or Contract, the Debtor will save,
indemnify and keep the Agent and such Bank harmless from and against all
expense, loss or damage suffered by reason of any defense, setoff, counterclaim,
recoupment or reduction or liability whatsoever of the account debtor or obligor
thereunder, arising out of a breach by the Debtor of any obligation thereunder
or arising out of any other agreement, indebtedness or liability at any time
owing to or in favor of such account debtor or obligor or its successors from
the Debtor.

                  (c) MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS. The Debtor will keep and maintain
at its own cost and expense satisfactory and complete records of the Collateral,
including, without limitation, a record of all payments received and all credits
granted with respect to the Accounts. The Debtor will mark its books and records
pertaining to the Collateral to evidence this Security Agreement and the
security interests granted hereby. For the Agent's and the Banks' further

<PAGE>   131
                                       8

security, the Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Banks, shall have a security
interest in all of the Debtor's books and records pertaining to the Collateral,
and the Debtor shall turn over any such books and records to the Agent or to its
representatives during normal business hours at the request of the Agent.

                  (d) RIGHT OF INSPECTION. Subject to Section 6.6 of the Credit
Agreement, the Agent and the Banks shall at all times have full and free access
during normal business hours to all the books, correspondence and records of the
Debtor, and the Agent and the Banks or their respective representatives may
examine the same, take extracts therefrom and make photocopies thereof, and the
Debtor agrees to render to the Agent and the Banks, at the Debtor's cost and
expense, such clerical and other assistance as may be reasonably requested with
regard thereto. The Agent and the Banks and their respective representatives
shall at any reasonable time also have the right to enter into and upon any
premises where any of the Inventory or Equipment is located for the purpose of
inspecting the same, observing its use or otherwise protecting its
interests-therein.

                  (e) COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, ETC. The Debtor will comply in all
material respects with all Requirements of Law applicable to the Collateral or
any part thereof or to the operation of the Debtor's business; provided,
however, that the Debtor may contest any Requirement of Law in any reasonable
manner which shall not, in the sole opinion of the Agent, adversely affect the
Agent's or the Banks' rights or the priority of its Liens on the Collateral.

                  (f) COMPLIANCE WITH TERMS OF CONTRACTS, ETC. The Debtor will
perform and comply in all material respects with all its obligations under the
Contracts and all its other Contractual Obligations relating to the Collateral
except where such nonperformance and noncompliance could not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (g) PAYMENT OF OBLIGATIONS. The Debtor will pay promptly when
due all taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon the
Collateral or in respect of its income or profits therefrom, as well as all
claims of any kind (including, without limitation, claims for labor, materials
and supplies) against or with respect to the Collateral, except that no such
charge need be paid if (i) the validity thereof is being contested in good faith
by appropriate proceedings, (ii) such proceedings do not involve any material
danger of the sale, forfeiture or loss of any of the Collateral or any interest
therein and (iii) such charge is adequately reserved against on the Debtor's
books in accordance with GAAP.

                  (h) LIMITATION ON LIENS ON COLLATERAL. The Debtor will not
create, incur or permit to exist, will defend the Collateral against, and will
take such other action as is necessary to remove, any Lien or claim on or to the
Collateral, other than the Liens created hereby and other than as permitted
pursuant to the Credit Agreement, and will defend the right, title and interest
of the Agent and the Banks in and to any of the Collateral against the claims
and demands of all Persons whomsoever.

                  (i) LIMITATIONS ON DISPOSITIONS OF COLLATERAL. Subject to the
provisions of the Credit Agreement, the Debtor will not sell, transfer, lease or
otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral, or attempt, offer or contract to do
so except for (x) sales of Inventory in the ordinary

<PAGE>   132
                                       9

course of its business and (y) so long as no Default or Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing, the disposition in the ordinary course of business
of property not material to the conduct of its business or as otherwise
permitted under the Credit Agreement.

                  (j) LIMITATIONS ON MODIFICATIONS, WAIVERS, EXTENSIONS OF
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS GIVING RISE TO ACCOUNTS. Except as otherwise set forth
in the Credit Agreement, the Debtor will not (i) amend, modify, terminate or
waive any provision of any Contract or any agreement giving rise to an account
in any manner which could reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect
the value of such Contracts or Accounts as Collateral when examined in the
aggregate, (ii) fail to exercise promptly and diligently each and every material
right which it may have under each Contract and each agreement giving rise to an
Account (other than any right of termination) where such failure could have a
material adverse effect on the value of such Contracts or Accounts when examined
in the aggregate or (iii) fail to deliver to the Agent a copy of each material
demand, notice or document received by it relating in any way to any Contract or
any material agreement giving rise to an Account.

                  (k) Intentionally Omitted.

                  (l) MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT. The Debtor will maintain each
item of Equipment in good operating condition, ordinary wear and tear and
immaterial impairments of value and damage by the elements excepted, and will
provide all maintenance, service and repairs necessary for such purpose except
where the failure to maintain such Equipment could not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (m) MAINTENANCE OF INSURANCE. Subject to the provisions of the
Credit Agreement, the Debtor will maintain, with financially sound and reputable
companies, insurance policies (i) insuring the Inventory, Equipment and Vehicles
against loss by fire, explosion, theft and such other casualties in amounts
comparable to amounts of insurance coverage obtained by similar businesses of
similar size acting prudently and (ii) insuring the Debtor, the Agent and the
Banks against liability for personal injury and property damage relating to such
Inventory, Equipment and Vehicles, such policies to be in such form and amounts
and having such coverage as shall be comparable to forms, amounts and coverage,
respectively, obtained by similar businesses of similar size acting prudently,
with losses payable to the Debtor, the Agent and the Banks as their respective
interests may appear. All such insurance shall (i) provide that no cancellation,
material reduction in amount or material change in coverage thereof shall be
effective until at least thirty (30) days after receipt by the Agent of written
notice thereof, (ii) name the Agent and the Banks as insured and (iii) be
reasonably satisfactory in all other respects to the Agent. If required by the
Agent, the Debtor shall deliver to the Agent a report of a reputable insurance
broker with respect to such insurance as set forth in the Credit Agreement.

                  (n) FURTHER IDENTIFICATION OF COLLATERAL. The Debtor will
furnish to the Agent from time to time statements and schedules further
identifying and describing the Collateral and such other reports in connection
with the Collateral as the Agent may reasonably request, all in reasonable
detail.

<PAGE>   133
                                       10

                  (o) NOTICES. The Debtor will advise the Agent promptly, in
reasonable detail, at its address set forth in the Credit Agreement, (i) of any
Lien (other than Liens created hereby or permitted under the Credit Agreement)
on, or claim asserted against, any of the Collateral and (ii) of the occurrence
of any other event which could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse
effect on the aggregate value of the Collateral or on the Liens created
hereunder.

                  (p) CHANGES IN LOCATIONS, NAME, ETC. The Debtor will not (i)
change the location of its chief executive office/chief place of business from
that specified in Section 4 (f) or remove its books and records from the
location specified in Section 4(c), (ii) permit any of the Inventory or
Equipment to be kept at a location other than those listed in the Collateral
Disclosure List or (iii) change its name, identity or corporate structure to
such an extent that any financing statement filed by the Agent in connection
with this Security Agreement would become seriously misleading, unless it shall
have given the Agent at least thirty (30) days prior written notice thereof.

                  (q) PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS.

                  (i) The Debtor (either itself or through licensees) will,
except with respect to any Trademark that the Debtor shall reasonably determine
is of negligible economic value to it, (i) continue to use each Trademark on
each and every trademark class of goods applicable to its current line as
reflected in its current catalogs, brochures and price lists in order to
maintain such Trademark in full force free from any claim of abandonment for
non-use, (ii) maintain as in the past the quality of products and services
offered under such Trademark, (iii) with respect to a registered Trademark,
employ such Trademark with the appropriate notice of registration, (iv) not
adopt or use any mark which is confusingly similar or a colorable imitation of
such Trademark unless the Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Banks, shall
obtain a perfected security interest in such mark pursuant to this Security
Agreement, and (v) not (and not permit any licensee or sublicensee thereof to)
do any act or knowingly omit to do any act whereby any Trademark may become
invalidated.

                  (ii) The Debtor will not, except with respect to any Patent
that the Debtor shall reasonably determine is of negligible economic value to
it, do any act, or omit to do any act, whereby any Patent may become abandoned
or dedicated.

                  (iii) The Debtor will notify the Agent immediately if it
knows, or has reason to know, that any application or registration relating to
any Patent or Trademark may become abandoned or dedicated, or of any adverse
determination or development (including, without limitation, the institution of,
or any such determination or development in, any proceeding in the United States
Patent and Trademark Office or any court or tribunal in any country) regarding
the Debtor's ownership of any Patent or Trademark or its right to register the
same or to keep and maintain the same.

                  (iv) Whenever the Debtor, either by itself or through any
Agent, employee, licensee or designee, shall file an application for the
registration of any Patent or Trademark with the United States Patent and
Trademark Office or any similar office or agency in any other

<PAGE>   134
                                       11

country or any political subdivision thereof, the Debtor shall report such
filing to the Agent within five (5) Business Days after the last day of the
fiscal quarter in which such filing occurs.

                  (v) The Debtor shall execute and deliver any and all
agreements, instruments, documents, and papers as the Agent may request
(including, without limitation, the Collateral Disclosure List, the Mortgage,
Assignment and Security Agreement - Patents and the Mortgage, Assignment and
Security Agreement - Trademarks attached hereto as Annex A-1 and A-2) to
evidence the Agent's security interest for the ratable benefit of the Banks in
any Patent or Trademark and the goodwill and general intangibles of the Debtor
relating thereto or represented thereby, and the Debtor hereby constitutes the
Agent its attorney-in-fact to execute and file all such writings for the
foregoing purposes, all acts of such attorney being hereby ratified and
confirmed; such power being coupled with an interest is irrevocable until the
Obligations are paid in full and the commitment is terminated.

                  (vi) The Debtor will take all reasonable and necessary steps,
including, without limitation, in any proceeding before the United States Patent
and Trademark Office, or any similar office or agency in any other country or
any political subdivision thereof, to maintain and pursue each application (and
to obtain the relevant registration) and to maintain each registration of any
registered Patents and Trademarks, including, without limitation, filing of
applications for renewal, affidavits of use and affidavits of incontestability.

                  (vii) In the event that any material Patent or Trademark
included in the Collateral is infringed, misappropriated or diluted by a third
party, the Debtor shall promptly notify the Agent after it learns thereof and
shall, unless the Debtor shall reasonably determine that such Patent or
Trademark is of negligible economic value to the Debtor, promptly sue for
infringement, misappropriation or dilution, to seek injunctive relief where
appropriate and to recover any and all damages for such infringement,
misappropriation or dilution, or take such other actions as the Debtor shall
reasonably deem appropriate under the circumstances to protect such Patent or
Trademark.

                  (r) VEHICLES. The Debtor will maintain each Vehicle in good
operating condition, ordinary wear and tear and immaterial impairments of value
and damage by the elements excepted, and will provide all maintenance, service
and repairs necessary for such purpose. The Debtor will notify the Agent of each
acquisition or sale of a vehicle, promptly following the acquisition or sale
thereof. If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, at the request of
the Agent the Debtor shall, within five (5) Business Days after such request,
file applications for certificates of title indicating the Agent's first
priority Lien for the ratable benefit of the Banks on the Vehicles covered by
such certificates, together with any other necessary documentation, in each
office in each jurisdiction which the Agent shall deem advisable to perfect its
Liens on the Vehicles.

                  (s) INVENTORY. None of the Inventory of the Debtor shall be
evidenced by a warehouse receipt.

<PAGE>   135
                                       12

         6. AGENT'S APPOINTMENT AS ATTORNEY-IN-FACT.

                  (a) POWERS. The Debtor hereby irrevocably constitutes and
appoints the Agent and any of officer or Agent thereof with full power of
substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable
power and authority in the place and stead of the Debtor and in the name of the
Debtor or in its own name, from time to time in the Agent's discretion, for the
purpose of carrying out the terms of this Security Agreement, to take any and
all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments
which may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Security
Agreement, and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Debtor
hereby gives the Agent the power and right, on behalf of the Debtor, without
notice to or assent by the Debtor, to do the following:

                  (i) in the case of any Account, at any time when the authority
of the Debtor to collect the Accounts has been curtailed or terminated pursuant
to the first sentence of Section 3(d) hereof, or in the case of any other
Collateral, at any time when any Event of Default shall have occurred and is
continuing, in the name of the Debtor or its own name, or otherwise, to take
possession of and endorse and collect any checks, drafts, notes, acceptances or
other instruments for the payment of moneys due under any Account, Instrument,
General Intangible or Contract or with respect to any other Collateral and to
file any claim or to take any other action or proceeding in any court of law or
equity or otherwise deemed appropriate by the Agent for the purpose of
collecting any and all such moneys due under any Account, Instrument, General
Intangible or Contract or with respect to any other Collateral whenever payable;
and

                  (ii) to pay or discharge taxes and Liens levied or placed on
the Collateral, to effect any repairs or any insurance called for by the terms
of this Security Agreement and to pay all or any part of the premiums therefor
and the costs thereof; and upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any
Event of Default, (A) to direct any party liable for any payment under any of
the Collateral to make payment of any and all moneys due or to become due
thereunder directly to the Agent or as the Agent shall direct; (B) to ask or
demand for, collect, receive payment of and receipt for, any and all moneys,
claims and other amounts due or to become due at any time in respect of or
arising out of any Collateral; (C) to sign and endorse any invoices, freight or
express bills, bills of lading, storage or warehouse receipts, drafts against
debtors, assignments, verifications, notices and other documents in connection
with any of the Collateral; (D) to commence and prosecute any suits, actions or
proceedings at law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction to
collect the Collateral or any thereof and to enforce any other right in respect
of any Collateral; (E) to defend any suit, action or proceeding brought against
the Debtor with respect to any Collateral; (F) to settle, compromise or adjust
any suit, action or proceeding described in clause (E) above and, in connection
therewith, to give such discharges or releases as the Agent may deem
appropriate; (G) to assign any Patent or Trademark (along with the goodwill of
the business to which any such Trademark pertains), throughout the world for
such term or terms, on such conditions, and in such manner, as the Agent shall
in its sole discretion determine; and (H) generally, to sell, transfer, pledge
and make any agreement with respect to or otherwise deal with any of the
Collateral as fully and completely as though the Agent were the absolute owner
thereof for all purposes, and to do, at the Agent's option and the Debtor's
expense, at any time, or from time to time, all acts and things which the Agent
deems necessary to protect, preserve or realize upon the Collateral and the

<PAGE>   136
                                       13

Agent's and the Banks' Liens thereon and to effect the intent of this Security
Agreement, all as fully and effectively as the Debtor might do. The Debtor
hereby ratifies all that said attorneys shall lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof . This power of attorney is a power coupled with an interest and
shall be irrevocable.

                  (b) OTHER POWERS. The Debtor also authorizes the Agent, at any
time and from time to time, to execute, in connection with the sale provided for
in Section 9 hereof, any endorsements, assignments or other instruments of
conveyance or transfer with respect to the Collateral.

                  (c) NO DUTY ON AGENT'S OR BANKS' PART. The powers conferred on
the Agent and the Banks hereunder are solely to protect the Agent's and the
Banks' interests in the Collateral and shall not impose any duty upon the Agent
or any Bank to exercise any such powers. The Agent and the Bank shall be
accountable only for amounts that they actually receives as a result of the
exercise of such powers, and neither they nor any of their officers, directors,
employees or agents shall be responsible to the Debtor for any act or failure to
act hereunder, except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct.

         7. PERFORMANCE BY AGENT OF DEBTOR'S OBLIGATIONS. If the Debtor fails to
perform or comply with any of its agreements contained herein and the Agent, as
provided for by the terms of this Security Agreement, shall itself perform or
comply, or otherwise cause performance or compliance, with such agreement, the
expenses of the Agent incurred in connection with such performance or
compliance, together with interest thereon at a rate per annum equal to the rate
set forth in 2.3 of the Credit Agreement, shall be payable by the Debtor to the
Agent on demand and shall constitute Obligations secured hereby.

         8. PROCEEDS. In addition to the rights of the Agent and the Banks
specified in Section 3(d) with respect to payments of Accounts, it is agreed
that if an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing (a) all Proceeds
received by the Debtor consisting of cash, checks and other near-cash items
shall be held by the Debtor in trust for the Agent and the Banks, segregated
from other funds of the Debtor, and shall, forthwith upon receipt by the Debtor,
be turned over to the Agent in the exact form received by the Debtor (duly
endorsed by the Debtor to the Agent, if required), and (b) any and all such
Proceeds received by the Agent (whether from the Debtor or otherwise) may, in
the sole discretion of the Agent, be held by the Agent for the ratable benefit
of the Banks as collateral security for, and/or then or at any time thereafter
may be applied by the Agent against, the Obligations (whether matured or
unmatured), such application to be made in accordance with the provisions of the
Credit Agreement. Any balance of such Proceeds remaining after the Obligations
shall have been paid in full and the Commitment shall have been terminated shall
be paid over to the Debtor or to whomsoever may be lawfully entitled to receive
the same.

         9. REMEDIES. If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing the
Agent, on behalf of the Banks may exercise, in addition to all other rights and
remedies granted to it in this Security Agreement and in any other instrument or
agreement securing, evidencing or relating to the Obligations, all rights and
remedies of a secured party under the Code. Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, except as otherwise set forth in the Credit Agreement, the Agent,

<PAGE>   137
                                       14

without demand of performance or other demand, presentment, protest,
advertisement or notice of any kind (except any notice required by law referred
to below) to or upon the Debtor or any other Person (all and each of which
demands, defenses, advertisements and notices are hereby waived), may in such
circumstances forthwith collect, receive, appropriate and realize upon the
Collateral, or any part thereof, and/or may forthwith sell, lease, assign, give
option or options to purchase, or otherwise dispose of and deliver the
Collateral or any part thereof (or contract to do any of the foregoing), in one
or more parcels at public or private sale or sales, at any exchange, broker's
board or office of the Agent or elsewhere upon such terms and conditions as it
may deem advisable and at such prices as it may deem best, for cash or on,
credit or for future delivery without assumption of any credit risk. The Agent
or any Bank shall have the right upon any such public sale or sales, and, to the
extent permitted by law, upon any such private sale or sales, to purchase the
whole or any part of the Collateral so sold, free of any right or equity of
redemption in the Debtor, which right or equity is hereby waived or released.
The Debtor further agrees, at the Agent's request, to assemble the Collateral
and make it available to the Agent at places which the Agent shall reasonably
select, whether at the Debtor's premises or elsewhere. The Agent shall apply the
net proceeds of any such collection, recovery, receipt, appropriation,
realization or sale, after deducting all reasonable costs and expenses of every
kind incurred therein or incidental to the care or safekeeping of any of the
Collateral or in any way relating to the Collateral or the rights of the Agent
and the Banks hereunder, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys'
fees and disbursements, to the payment in whole or in part of the Obligations,
in such order as the Agent may elect, and only after such application and after
the payment by the Agent of any other amount required by any provision of law,
including, without limitation, Section 9-504(l)(c) of the Code, need the Agent
account for the surplus, if any, to the Debtor. To the extent permitted by
applicable law, the Debtor waives all claims, damages and demands it may acquire
against the Agent or any Bank arising out of the exercise by the Agent or any
Bank of any of its rights hereunder. If any notice of a proposed sale or other
disposition of Collateral shall be required by law, such notice shall be deemed
reasonable and proper if given at least ten (10) days before such sale or other
disposition. The Debtor shall remain liable for any deficiency if the proceeds
of any sale or other disposition of the Collateral are insufficient to pay the
obligations and the fees and disbursements of any attorneys employed by the
Agent or any Bank to collect such deficiency.

         10. LIMITATION ON DUTIES REGARDING PRESERVATION OF COLLATERAL. The
Agent's sole duty with respect to the custody, safekeeping and physical
preservation of the Collateral in its possession, under Section 9-207 of the
Code or otherwise, shall be to deal with it in the same manner as the Agent
deals with similar property for its own account. Neither the Agent, any Bank,
nor any of their respective directors, officers, employees or agents shall be
liable for failure to demand, collect or realize upon all or any part of the
Collateral or for any delay in doing so or shall be under any obligation to sell
or otherwise dispose of any Collateral upon the request of the Debtor or
otherwise.

         11. POWERS COUPLED WITH AN INTEREST. All authorizations and agencies
herein contained with respect to the Collateral are irrevocable and powers
coupled with an interest.

         12. SEVERABILITY. Any provision of this Security Agreement which is
prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction,
be ineffective to the extent of such

<PAGE>   138
                                       15

prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions
hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall
not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

         13. PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The paragraph headings used in this Security
Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to affect the
construction hereof or be taken into consideration in the interpretation hereof.

         14. NO WAIVER; CUMULATIVE REMEDIES. Neither the Agent nor any Bank
shall by any act (except by a written instrument pursuant to Section 15 hereof),
delay, indulgence, omission or otherwise be deemed to have waived any right or
remedy hereunder or to have acquiesced in any Default or Event of Default or in
any breach of any of the terms and conditions hereof. No failure to exercise,
nor any delay in exercising, on the part of the Agent or any Bank, any right,
power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof. No single or
partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder shall preclude any
other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or
privilege. A waiver by the Agent or any Bank of any right or remedy hereunder on
any one occasion shall not be construed as a bar to any right or remedy which
the Agent or such Bank would otherwise have on any future occasion. The rights
and remedies herein provided are cumulative, may be exercised singly or
concurrently and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

         15. WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS; SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, GOVERNING LAW. None
of the terms or provisions of this Security Agreement may be waived, amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified except as provided by the Credit Agreement.
This Security Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the
Debtor and shall inure to the benefit of the Agent and the Banks and their
respective successors and assigns. This Security Agreement shall be governed by,
and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of
Connecticut.

         16. NOTICES. Notices hereunder shall be given to the Debtor in care of
the Debtor in the manner set forth in the Credit Agreement.

         17. TERMINATION. Upon the payment and the performance of the
Obligations in full and the termination of the Commitments, this Security
Agreement shall terminate and the Agent shall deliver any release of the Liens
created under this Security Agreement that the Debtor may reasonably request.

         18. SPECIFIC RELEASES. So long as no Default or Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing, if the Debtor shall sell, transfer, lease or
otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral permitted by the terms of this
Security Agreement, including, without limitation, Section 5(i) hereof, and the
Credit Agreement, then the Agent shall deliver a release in respect of any Lien
created under this Security Agreement in such disposed Collateral that the
Debtor may reasonably request.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Debtor has caused this Security Agreement to be
duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

<PAGE>   139
                                       16

                                         DAIRY MART CONVENIENCE STORES, INC.

                                         By:
                                            ----------------------------------
                                            Name:
                                            Title:

                                         CITIZENS BANK OF CONNECTICUT
                                         AS AGENT

                                         By:
                                            ----------------------------------
                                            Name:
                                            Title:

<PAGE>   140
                                       17

                             ANNEX A-1 TO EXHIBIT H
                             ----------------------

<PAGE>   141
                                       18

                             ANNEX A-2 TO EXHIBIT H
                             ----------------------

<PAGE>   142

                                                                       EXHIBIT H
                                                                       ---------

                                                                         FORM OF
                                                   SUBSIDIARY SECURITY AGREEMENT

<PAGE>   143

                          SUBSIDIARY SECURITY AGREEMENT
                          -----------------------------

         This SUBSIDIARY SECURITY AGREEMENT is made as of this __ day of
December, 1999 by and between _____________________________________, a ________
corporation, with its chief executive office located at
_________________________(the "Debtor"), in favor of CITIZENS BANK OF
CONNECTICUT, a Connecticut stock savings bank, with an office located 63 Eugene
O'Neill Drive, New London, Connecticut 06320 as agent (in such capacity, the
"Agent") for the banks, financial institutions and other lenders (the "Banks")
which are or become parties to the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined).

                                    RECITALS
                                    --------

         Dairy Mart Convenience Stores, Inc. (the "Borrower"), the Agent and the
Banks are parties to a certain Credit Agreement of even date herewith (as
amended and in effect from time to time, the "Credit Agreement") pursuant to
which the Banks agreed severally to make loans, advances and other extensions of
credit to Borrower.

         Debtor is a direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Borrower and,
as such, will receive a direct pecuniary benefit from the making of such loans,
advances and extension of credit to Borrower. In connection with the execution
and delivery of the Credit Agreement, Debtor agreed to guarantee the payment and
performance of the obligations of Borrower under the Credit Agreement pursuant
to a certain Guarantee Agreement of even date herewith (the "Guarantee").

         It is a condition precedent to the obligation of the Banks to make
their respective loans, advances and other extensions of credit to the Borrower
under the Credit Agreement that the Debtor shall have amended and restated the
terms and conditions of the Original Subsidiary Security Agreement.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the
Agent and the Banks to enter into the Credit Agreement and to induce the Banks
to make and continue their respective loans, advances and other extensions of
credit to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement, the Debtor hereby agrees with
the Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Banks, as follows:

         1. DEFINED TERMS. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms which are
defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein are so used as so defined; the
following terms which are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in
the State of Connecticut on the date hereof are used herein as so defined:
Accounts, Chattel Paper, Documents, Equipment, Farm Products, General
Intangibles, Instruments, Inventory, Investment Property and Proceeds; and the
following terms shall have the following meanings:

<PAGE>   144
                                       2

         "BANK ACCOUNT" means (i) a deposit, custody or other account (whether,
in any case, time or demand or interest or non-interest bearing) maintained by
the Debtor with the Agent or any Bank, (ii) all cash and securities from time to
time held within such accounts and (iii) all dividends and other distributions
payable on or with respect to, such account or such cash or securities.

         "CODE" means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect
in the State of Connecticut.

         "COLLATERAL" shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 2 of this
Security Agreement.

         "CONTRACTS" means the separate contracts between the Debtor and its
customers, as the same may from time to time be amended, supplemented or
otherwise modified, including, without limitation, (a) all rights of the Debtor
to receive moneys due and to become due to it thereunder or in connection
therewith, (b) all rights of the Debtor to damages arising out of, or for,
breach or default in respect thereof and (c) all rights of the Debtor to perform
and to exercise all remedies thereunder; but excluding any contracts, the
assignment or hypothecation of which, for collateral purposes, would result in a
default or require, or cause, a forfeiture or permit a revocation of material
rights under such contract.

         "GUARANTEE" shall have the meaning assigned to it in the Preamble
hereof.

         "OBLIGATIONS" has the meaning set forth in the Guarantee.

         "PATENTS" means (a) all letters patent of the United States and all
reissues and extensions thereof, (b) all applications for letters patent of the
United States and all divisions, continuations and continuations-in-part thereof
or any other country, including, without limitation, any thereof referred to in
the Collateral Disclosure List and (c) all proceeds thereof, including the
goodwill of the business connected with the use of and symbolized by the
Patents.

         "PATENT LICENSE" means all agreements, whether written or oral,
providing for the grant by the Debtor of any right to manufacture, use or sell
any invention covered by a Patent, including, without limitation, any thereof
referred to in the Collateral Disclosure List.

         "SECURITY AGREEMENT" means this Amended and Restated Subsidiary
Security Agreement, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified
from time to time.

         "TRADEMARKS" means (a) all trademarks, trade names, corporate names,
company names, business names, fictitious business names, trade styles, service
marks, logos and other source or business identifiers and the goodwill
associated therewith, now existing or hereafter adopted or acquired, all
registrations and recordings thereof, and all applications in connection
therewith, whether registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office
or in any similar office or agency of the United States, any State thereof or
any other country or any political subdivision thereof or otherwise, including,
without limitation, any thereof referred to in the Collateral

<PAGE>   145
                                       3

Disclosure List; (b) all renewals thereof; and (c) all proceeds thereof,
including the goodwill of the business connected with the use of and symbolized
by the Trademarks.

         "TRADEMARK LICENSE" means any agreement, written or oral, providing for
the grant by the Debtor of any right to use any Trademark, including, without
limitation, any thereof referred to in the Collateral Disclosure List.

         "VEHICLES" means all cars, trucks, trailers, construction and earth
moving equipment and other vehicles covered by a certificate of title law of any
state and, in any event, shall include, without limitation, the vehicles listed
in the Collateral Disclosure List and all tires and other appurtenances to any
of the foregoing.

         2. GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST. As collateral security for the prompt
and complete payment and performance when due (whether at the stated maturity,
by acceleration or otherwise) of the Obligations, the Debtor hereby grants to
the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks a security interest in all of the
following property now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by the Debtor or
in which the Debtor now has or at any time in the future may acquire any right,
title or interest (collectively, the "Collateral"):

                  (i)      all Accounts;

                  (ii)     all Bank Accounts;

                  (iii)    all Chattel Paper;

                  (iv)     all Contracts;

                  (v)      all Documents;

                  (vi)     all Equipment;

                  (vii)    all General Intangibles;

                  (viii)   all Instruments;

                  (ix)     all Inventory;

                  (x)      all Investment Property;

                  (xi)     all Patents;

                  (xii)    all Patent Licenses;

                  (xiii)   all Trademarks;

                  (xiv)    all Trademark Licenses;

<PAGE>   146
                                       4

                  (xv)     all Vehicles; and

                  (xvi) to the extent not otherwise included, all Proceeds and
products of any and all of the foregoing, all accessions and additions thereto
and all substitutions and replacements therefore.

         3. RIGHTS OF AGENT AND BANKS; LIMITATIONS ON AGENT'S AND BANKS'
OBLIGATIONS.

                  (a) DEBTOR REMAINS LIABLE UNDER ACCOUNTS AND CONTRACTS.
Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Debtor shall remain liable
under each of the Accounts and Contracts to observe and perform all the
conditions and obligations to be observed and performed by it thereunder, all in
accordance with the terms of any agreement giving rise to each such Account and
in accordance with and pursuant to the terms and provisions of each such
Contract. Neither the Agent nor any Bank shall have any obligation or liability
under any Account (or any agreement giving rise thereto) or under any Contract
by reason of or arising out of this Security Agreement or the receipt by the
Agent or any such Bank of any payment relating to such Account or Contract
pursuant hereto, nor shall the Agent or any Bank be obligated in any manner to
perform any of the obligations of the Debtor under or pursuant to any Account
(or any agreement giving rise thereto) or under or pursuant to any Contract, to
make any payment, to make any inquiry as to the nature or the sufficiency of any
payment received by it or as to the sufficiency of any performance by any party
under any Account (or any agreement giving rise thereto) or under any Contract,
to present or file any claim, to take any action to enforce any performance or
to collect the payment of any amounts which may have been assigned to it or to
which it may be entitled at any time or times.

                  (b) NOTICE TO ACCOUNT DEBTORS AND CONTRACTING PARTIES. Upon
the request of the Agent at any time after the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default, the Debtor shall notify account debtors on
the Accounts and parties to the Contracts that the Accounts and the Contracts
have been assigned to the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks and that
payments in respect thereof shall be made directly to the Agent. The Agent may
in its own name or in the name of others communicate with account debtors on the
Accounts and parties to the Contracts to verify with them to its satisfaction
the existence, amount and terms of any Accounts or Contracts.

                  (c) ANALYSIS OF ACCOUNTS. Subject to the provisions of the
Credit Agreement, the Agent shall have the right, at its own expense to make
test verifications of the Accounts in any manner and through any medium that it
reasonably considers advisable, and the Debtor shall furnish all such assistance
and information as the Agent may reasonably require in connection therewith,
provided that the making of the foregoing test verifications shall be at the
expense of the Debtor if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing. Subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement, at any time upon
the Agent's request and after the occurrence and during the continuance of an
Event of Default, or in connection with the Debtor's annual audit, the Debtor,
at its sole expense, shall cause its independent public accountants or others
selected by the Debtor and satisfactory to the Agent to furnish to the Bank
reports showing reconciliations, aging and test verifications of, and trial
balances for, the Accounts.

<PAGE>   147
                                       5

                  (d) COLLECTIONS ON ACCOUNTS. The Agent hereby authorizes the
Debtor to collect the Accounts subject to the Agent's direction and control as
set forth in the Credit Agreement, and the Agent may curtail or terminate said
authority upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default.
If required by the Agent upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an
Event of Default, any payments of Accounts, when collected by the Debtor, shall
be forthwith (and, in any event, within two Business Days) deposited by the
Debtor in the exact form received, duly endorsed by the Debtor to the Agent if
required, in a special collateral account maintained by the Agent, subject to
withdrawal by the Agent only, as hereinafter provided, and, until so turned
over, shall be held by the Debtor in trust for the Agent and the Banks,
segregated from other funds of the Debtor. Each deposit of any such Proceeds
shall be accompanied by a report identifying in reasonable detail the nature and
source of the payments included in the deposit. All Proceeds constituting
collections of Accounts while held by the Agent (or by the Debtor in trust for
the Agent and the Banks) shall continue to be collateral security for all of the
Obligations and shall not constitute payment thereof until applied as
hereinafter provided. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, at any time at the Agent's election, the Agent shall apply all or
any part of the funds on deposit in said special collateral account on account
of the Obligations in accordance with the Credit Agreement, and any part of such
funds which the Agent elects not so to apply and deems not required as
collateral security for the Obligations shall be paid over from time to time by
the Agent to the Debtor or to whomsoever may be lawfully entitled to receive the
same. At the Agent's request during the continuance of an Event of Default, the
Debtor shall deliver to the Agent all original and other documents evidencing,
and relating to, the agreements and transactions which gave rise to the
Accounts, including, without limitation, all original orders, invoices and
shipping receipts.

         4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Debtor hereby represents and
warrants that:

                  (a) TITLE; NO OTHER LIENS. Except for the Lien granted to the
Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks pursuant to this Security Agreement,
and the other Liens permitted to exist on the Collateral pursuant to the Credit
Agreement, the Debtor owns each item of the Collateral free and clear of any and
all Liens or claims of others. No security agreement, financing statement or
other public notice with respect to all or any part of the Collateral is on file
or of record in any public office, except such as may have been filed in favor
of the Agent or any other Person holding a permitted Lien, for the ratable
benefit of the Banks, pursuant to this Security Agreement or as may be permitted
pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

                  (b) PERFECTED FIRST PRIORITY LIENS. Except with respect to
Vehicles referred to in Section 5(r), the Liens granted pursuant to this
Security Agreement constitute perfected Liens on the Collateral (not
constituting real property) in favor of the Agent, for the ratable benefit of
the Banks, which are prior to all other Liens on the Collateral created by the
Debtor and in existence on the date hereof, except as otherwise permitted in the
Credit Agreement, based upon a search and review of the public files and records
referenced in Section 4(a) hereof and which are enforceable as such against all
creditors of and purchasers from the Debtor and against any owner or purchaser
of the real property where any of the Equipment is located and any present or
future creditor obtaining a Lien on such real property.

<PAGE>   148
                                       6

                  (c) ACCOUNTS. The amount represented by the Debtor to the
Agent from time to time as owing by each account debtor or by all account
debtors in respect of the Accounts will at such time be the correct amount
actually owing by such account debtor or debtors thereunder in all material
respects. No amount payable to the Debtor under or in connection with any
Account is evidenced by any Instrument or Chattel Paper (other than Customer
Contracts constituting Chattel Paper) which has not been delivered to the Agent.
The place where the Debtor keeps its records concerning the Accounts is set
forth in the Collateral Disclosure List.

                  (d) CONTRACTS. No consent of any party (other than the Debtor)
to any Contract is required, or purports to be required, in connection with the
execution, delivery and performance of this Security Agreement. Each Contract is
in full force and effect and constitutes a valid and legally enforceable
obligation of the parties thereto, except as enforceability may be limited by
Bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the
enforcement of creditor's rights generally. No consent or authorization of,
filing with or other act by or in respect of any Governmental Authority is
required in connection with the execution, delivery, performance, validity or
enforceability of any of the Contracts by any party thereto other than those
which have been duly obtained, made or performed, are in full force and effect
and do not subject the scope of any such Contract to any material adverse
limitation, either specific or general in nature. Neither the Debtor nor (to the
best of the Debtor's knowledge) any other party to any Contract is in default in
a manner which could reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the
value of all such Contracts as Collateral or is reasonably likely to become in
default in the performance or observance of any of the terms thereof in any
material respect. The Debtor has fully performed all its current obligations
under each Contract. The right, title and interest of the Debtor in, to and
under each Contract are not subject to any defense, offset, counterclaim or
claim which in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to have a Materially
Adverse Effect. No amount payable to the Debtor under or in connection with any
Contract is evidenced by any Instrument or Chattel Paper (other than Customer
Contracts constituting Chattel Paper) which has not been delivered to the Agent.

                  (e) INVENTORY AND EQUIPMENT. The Inventory and the Equipment
are kept at the locations listed in the Collateral Disclosure List.

                  (f ) CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The Debtor's chief executive
office and chief place of business is set forth in the Collateral Disclosure
List.

                  (g) FARM PRODUCTS. None of the Collateral constitutes, or is
the Proceeds of, Farm Products.

                  (h) PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS. All Patents and Patent Licenses
owned by the Debtor in its own name as of the date hereof are listed on the
Collateral Disclosure List, which listing includes all Trademarks and Trademark
Licenses owned by the Debtor in its own name as of the date hereof. To the best
of the Debtor's knowledge, each Patent and Trademark is valid, subsisting,
unexpired, enforceable and has not been abandoned. Except as set forth in the
Collateral Disclosure List, none of such Patents and Trademarks is the subject
of any licensing or franchise agreement. No holding, decision or judgment has
been rendered by any Governmental

<PAGE>   149
                                       7

Authority which would limit, cancel or question the validity of any Patent or
Trademark. Except as disclosed in the Credit Agreement, no action or proceeding
is pending (i) seeking to limit, cancel or question the validity of any Patent
or Trademark, or (ii) which, if adversely determined, could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (i) VEHICLES. A complete and correct list of all Vehicles
owned by the Debtor is set forth in the Collateral Disclosure List.

                  (j) GOVERNMENTAL OBLIGORS. None of the obligors on any
Accounts, and none of the parties to any Contracts, is a Governmental Authority
with respect to which the Federal Assignment of Claims Act is applicable.

                  (k) BANK ACCOUNTS. All deposit, custody, money-market or other
accounts (whether, in any case, time or demand or interest or non-interest
bearing) maintained by the Debtor with any bank or any other financial
institution are Bank Accounts and are listed on the Collateral Disclosure List.

         5. COVENANTS. The Debtor covenants and agrees with the Agent and the
Banks that, from and after the date of this Security Agreement until the
obligations are paid in full and the commitment terminated:

                  (a) FURTHER DOCUMENTATION; PLEDGE OF INSTRUMENTS AND CHATTEL
PAPER. At any time and from time to time, upon the written request of the Agent,
and at the sole expense of the Debtor, the Debtor will promptly and duly execute
and deliver such further instruments and documents and take such further action
as the Agent may reasonably request for the purpose of obtaining or preserving
the full benefits of this Security Agreement and of the rights and powers herein
granted, including, without limitation, the filing of any financing or
continuation statements under the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in any
jurisdiction with respect to the Liens created hereby. The Debtor also hereby
authorizes the Agent to file any such financing or continuation statement
without the signature of the Debtor to the extent permitted by applicable law. A
carbon, photographic or other reproduction of this Security Agreement shall be
sufficient as a financing statement for filing in any jurisdiction. If any
amount payable under or in connection with any of the Collateral shall be or
become evidenced by any Instrument or Chattel Paper (other than Customer
Contracts constituting Chattel Paper), such instrument or Chattel Paper shall be
immediately delivered to the Agent, duly endorsed in a manner satisfactory to
the Agent to be held as Collateral pursuant to this Security Agreement.

                  (b) INDEMNIFICATION. The Debtor agrees to pay, and to save the
Agent and the Banks harmless from, any and all liabilities, reasonable costs and
expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees and expenses) (i)
with respect to, or resulting from, any delay in paying, any and all excise,
sales or other taxes which may be payable or determined to be payable with
respect to any of the Collateral, (ii) with respect to, or resulting from, any
delay not caused by the Agent or the Banks in complying with any Requirement of
Law applicable to any of the Collateral or (iii) subject to Section 10.5of the
Credit Agreement in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this
Security Agreement. In any suit, proceeding or action brought by the Agent or
any Bank under any Account or Contract for any sum owing thereunder,

<PAGE>   150
                                       8

or to enforce any provisions of any Account or Contract, the Debtor will save,
indemnify and keep the Agent and such Bank harmless from and against all
expense, loss or damage suffered by reason of any defense, setoff, counterclaim,
recoupment or reduction or liability whatsoever of the account debtor or obligor
thereunder, arising out of a breach by the Debtor of any obligation thereunder
or arising out of any other agreement, indebtedness or liability at any time
owing to or in favor of such account debtor or obligor or its successors from
the Debtor.

                  (c) MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS. The Debtor will keep and maintain
at its own cost and expense satisfactory and complete records of the Collateral,
including, without limitation, a record of all payments received and all credits
granted with respect to the Accounts. The Debtor will mark its books and records
pertaining to the Collateral to evidence this Security Agreement and the
security interests granted hereby. For the Agent's and the Banks' further
security, the Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Banks, shall have a security
interest in all of the Debtor's books and records pertaining to the Collateral,
and the Debtor shall turn over any such books and records to the Agent or to its
representatives during normal business hours at the request of the Agent.

                  (d) RIGHT OF INSPECTION. Subject to Section 6.6. of the Credit
Agreement, the Agent and the Banks shall at all times have full and free access
during normal business hours to all the books, correspondence and records of the
Debtor, and the Agent and the Banks or their respective representatives may
examine the same, take extracts therefrom and make photocopies thereof, and the
Debtor agrees to render to the Agent and the Banks, at the Debtor's cost and
expense, such clerical and other assistance as may be reasonably requested with
regard thereto. The Agent and the Banks and their respective representatives
shall at any reasonable time also have the right to enter into and upon any
premises where any of the Inventory or Equipment is located for the purpose of
inspecting the same, observing its use or otherwise protecting its
interests-therein.

                  (e) COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, ETC. The Debtor will comply in all
material respects with all Requirements of Law applicable to the Collateral or
any part thereof or to the operation of the Debtor's business; provided,
however, that the Debtor may contest any Requirement of Law in any reasonable
manner which shall not, in the sole opinion of the Agent, adversely affect the
Agent's or the Banks' rights or the priority of its Liens on the Collateral.

                  (f) COMPLIANCE WITH TERMS OF CONTRACTS, ETC. The Debtor will
perform and comply in all material respects with all its obligations under the
Contracts and all its other Contractual Obligations relating to the Collateral
except where such nonperformance and noncompliance could not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (g) PAYMENT OF OBLIGATIONS. The Debtor will pay promptly when
due all taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon the
Collateral or in respect of its income or profits therefrom, as well as all
claims of any kind (including, without limitation, claims for labor, materials
and supplies) against or with respect to the Collateral, except that no such
charge need be paid if (i) the validity thereof is being contested in good faith
by appropriate proceedings, (ii) such proceedings do not involve any material
danger of the sale, forfeiture or

<PAGE>   151
                                       9

loss of any of the Collateral or any interest therein and (iii) such charge is
adequately reserved against on the Debtor's books in accordance with GAAP.

                  (h) LIMITATION ON LIENS ON COLLATERAL. The Debtor will not
create, incur or permit to exist, will defend the Collateral against, and will
take such other action as is necessary to remove, any Lien or claim on or to the
Collateral, other than the Liens created hereby and other than as permitted
pursuant to the Credit Agreement, and will defend the right, title and interest
of the Agent and the Banks in and to any of the Collateral against the claims
and demands of all Persons whomsoever.

                  (i) LIMITATIONS ON DISPOSITIONS OF COLLATERAL. Subject to the
provisions of the Credit Agreement, the Debtor will not sell, transfer, lease or
otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral, or attempt, offer or contract to do
so except for (x) sales of Inventory in the ordinary course of its business and
(y) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing,
the disposition in the ordinary course of business of property not material to
the conduct of its business or as otherwise permitted under the Credit
Agreement.

                  (j) LIMITATIONS ON MODIFICATIONS, WAIVERS, EXTENSIONS OF
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS GIVING RISE TO ACCOUNTS. Except as otherwise set forth
in the Credit Agreement, the Debtor will not (i) amend, modify, terminate or
waive any provision of any Contract or any agreement giving rise to an account
in any manner which could reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect
the value of such Contracts or Accounts as Collateral when examined in the
aggregate, (ii) fail to exercise promptly and diligently each and every material
right which it may have under each Contract and each agreement giving rise to an
Account (other than any right of termination) where such failure could have a
material adverse effect on the value of such Contracts or Accounts when examined
in the aggregate or (iii) fail to deliver to the Agent a copy of each material
demand, notice or document received by it relating in any way to any Contract or
any material agreement giving rise to an Account.

                  (k) Intentionally Omitted.

                  (l) MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT. The Debtor will maintain each
item of Equipment in good operating condition, ordinary wear and tear and
immaterial impairments of value and damage by the elements excepted, and will
provide all maintenance, service and repairs necessary for such purpose except
where the failure to maintain such Equipment could not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (m) MAINTENANCE OF INSURANCE. Subject to the provisions of the
Credit Agreement, the Debtor will maintain, with financially sound and reputable
companies, insurance policies (i) insuring the Inventory, Equipment and Vehicles
against loss by fire, explosion, theft and such other casualties in amounts
comparable to amounts of insurance coverage obtained by similar businesses of
similar size acting prudently and (ii) insuring the Debtor, the Agent and the
Banks against liability for personal injury and property damage relating to such
Inventory, Equipment and Vehicles, such policies to be in such form and amounts
and having such coverage as shall be comparable to forms, amounts and coverage,
respectively, obtained by similar businesses of similar size acting prudently,
with losses payable to the Debtor, the Agent and the

<PAGE>   152
                                       10

Banks as their respective interests may appear. All such insurance shall (i)
provide that no cancellation, material reduction in amount or material change in
coverage thereof shall be effective until at least thirty (30) days after
receipt by the Agent of written notice thereof, (ii) name the Agent and the
Banks as insured and (iii) be reasonably satisfactory in all other respects to
the Agent. If required by the Agent, the Debtor shall deliver to the Agent a
report of a reputable insurance broker with respect to such insurance as set
forth in the Credit Agreement.

                  (n) FURTHER IDENTIFICATION OF COLLATERAL. The Debtor will
furnish to the Agent from time to time statements and schedules further
identifying and describing the Collateral and such other reports in connection
with the Collateral as the Agent may reasonably request, all in reasonable
detail.

                  (o) NOTICES. The Debtor will advise the Agent promptly, in
reasonable detail, at its address set forth in the Credit Agreement, (i) of any
Lien (other than Liens created hereby or permitted under the Credit Agreement)
on, or claim asserted against, any of the Collateral and (ii) of the occurrence
of any other event which could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse
effect on the aggregate value of the Collateral or on the Liens created
hereunder.

                  (p) CHANGES IN LOCATIONS, NAME, ETC. The Debtor will not (i)
change the location of its chief executive office/chief place of business from
that specified in Section 4 (f) or remove its books and records from the
location specified in Section 4(c), (ii) permit any of the Inventory or
Equipment to be kept at a location other than those listed in the Collateral
Disclosure List or (iii) change its name, identity or corporate structure to
such an extent that any financing statement filed by the Agent in connection
with this Security Agreement would become seriously misleading, unless it shall
have given the Agent at least thirty (30) days prior written notice thereof.

                  (q) PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS.

                  (i) The Debtor (either itself or through licensees) will,
except with respect to any Trademark that the Debtor shall reasonably determine
is of negligible economic value to it, (i) continue to use each Trademark on
each and every trademark class of goods applicable to its current line as
reflected in its current catalogs, brochures and price lists in order to
maintain such Trademark in full force free from any claim of abandonment for
non-use, (ii) maintain as in the past the quality of products and services
offered under such Trademark, (iii) with respect to a registered Trademark,
employ such Trademark with the appropriate notice of registration, (iv) not
adopt or use any mark which is confusingly similar or a colorable imitation of
such Trademark unless the Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Banks, shall
obtain a perfected security interest in such mark pursuant to this Security
Agreement, and (v) not (and not permit any licensee or sublicensee thereof to)
do any act or knowingly omit to do any act whereby any Trademark may become
invalidated.

                  (ii) The Debtor will not, except with respect to any Patent
that the Debtor shall reasonably determine is of negligible economic value to
it, do any act, or omit to do any act, whereby any Patent may become abandoned
or dedicated.

<PAGE>   153
                                       11

                  (iii) The Debtor will notify the Agent immediately if it
knows, or has reason to know, that any application or registration relating to
any Patent or Trademark may become abandoned or dedicated, or of any adverse
determination or development (including, without limitation, the institution of,
or any such determination or development in, any proceeding in the United States
Patent and Trademark Office or any court or tribunal in any country) regarding
the Debtor's ownership of any Patent or Trademark or its right to register the
same or to keep and maintain the same.

                  (iv) Whenever the Debtor, either by itself or through any
Agent, employee, licensee or designee, shall file an application for the
registration of any Patent or Trademark with the United States Patent and
Trademark Office or any similar office or agency in any other country or any
political subdivision thereof, the Debtor shall report such filing to the Agent
within five (5) Business Days after the last day of the fiscal quarter in which
such filing occurs.

                  (v) The Debtor shall execute and deliver any and all
agreements, instruments, documents, and papers as the Agent may request
(including, without limitation, the Collateral Disclosure List, the Mortgage,
Assignment and Security Agreement - Patents and the Mortgage, Assignment and
Security Agreement - Trademarks attached hereto as Annex A-1 and A-2) to
evidence the Agent's security interest for the ratable benefit of the Banks in
any Patent or Trademark and the goodwill and general intangibles of the Debtor
relating thereto or represented thereby, and the Debtor hereby constitutes the
Agent its attorney-in-fact to execute and file all such writings for the
foregoing purposes, all acts of such attorney being hereby ratified and
confirmed; such power being coupled with an interest is irrevocable until the
Obligations are paid in full and the commitment is terminated.

                  (vi) The Debtor will take all reasonable and necessary steps,
including, without limitation, in any proceeding before the United States Patent
and Trademark Office, or any similar office or agency in any other country or
any political subdivision thereof, to maintain and pursue each application (and
to obtain the relevant registration) and to maintain each registration of any
registered Patents and Trademarks, including, without limitation, filing of
applications for renewal, affidavits of use and affidavits of incontestability.

                  (vii) In the event that any material Patent or Trademark
included in the Collateral is infringed, misappropriated or diluted by a third
party, the Debtor shall promptly notify the Agent after it learns thereof and
shall, unless the Debtor shall reasonably determine that such Patent or
Trademark is of negligible economic value to the Debtor, promptly sue for
infringement, misappropriation or dilution, to seek injunctive relief where
appropriate and to recover any and all damages for such infringement,
misappropriation or dilution, or take such other actions as the Debtor shall
reasonably deem appropriate under the circumstances to protect such Patent or
Trademark.

                  (r) VEHICLES. The Debtor will maintain each Vehicle in good
operating condition, ordinary wear and tear and immaterial impairments of value
and damage by the elements excepted, and will provide all maintenance, service
and repairs necessary for such purpose. The Debtor will notify the Agent of each
acquisition or sale of a vehicle, promptly following the acquisition or sale
thereof. If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, at

<PAGE>   154
                                       12

the request of the Agent the Debtor shall, within five (5) Business Days after
such request, file applications for certificates of title indicating the Agent's
first priority Lien for the ratable benefit of the Banks on the Vehicles covered
by such certificates, together with any other necessary documentation, in each
office in each jurisdiction which the Agent shall deem advisable to perfect its
Liens on the Vehicles.

                  (s) INVENTORY. None of the Inventory of the Debtor shall be
evidenced by a warehouse receipt.

         6. AGENT'S APPOINTMENT AS ATTORNEY-IN-FACT.

                  (a) POWERS. The Debtor hereby irrevocably constitutes and
appoints the Agent and any of officer or Agent thereof with full power of
substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable
power and authority in the place and stead of the Debtor and in the name of the
Debtor or in its own name, from time to time in the Agent's discretion, for the
purpose of carrying out the terms of this Security Agreement, to take any and
all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments
which may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Security
Agreement, and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Debtor
hereby gives the Agent the power and right, on behalf of the Debtor, without
notice to or assent by the Debtor, to do the following:

                  (i) in the case of any Account, at any time when the authority
of the Debtor to collect the Accounts has been curtailed or terminated pursuant
to the first sentence of Section 3(d) hereof, or in the case of any other
Collateral, at any time when any Event of Default shall have occurred and is
continuing, in the name of the Debtor or its own name, or otherwise, to take
possession of and endorse and collect any checks, drafts, notes, acceptances or
other instruments for the payment of moneys due under any Account, Instrument,
General Intangible or Contract or with respect to any other Collateral and to
file any claim or to take any other action or proceeding in any court of law or
equity or otherwise deemed appropriate by the Agent for the purpose of
collecting any and all such moneys due under any Account, Instrument, General
Intangible or Contract or with respect to any other Collateral whenever payable;
and

                  (ii) to pay or discharge taxes and Liens levied or placed on
the Collateral, to effect any repairs or any insurance called for by the terms
of this Security Agreement and to pay all or any part of the premiums therefor
and the costs thereof; and upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any
Event of Default, (A) to direct any party liable for any payment under any of
the Collateral to make payment of any and all moneys due or to become due
thereunder directly to the Agent or as the Agent shall direct; (B) to ask or
demand for, collect, receive payment of and receipt for, any and all moneys,
claims and other amounts due or to become due at any time in respect of or
arising out of any Collateral; (C) to sign and endorse any invoices, freight or
express bills, bills of lading, storage or warehouse receipts, drafts against
debtors, assignments, verifications, notices and other documents in connection
with any of the Collateral; (D) to commence and prosecute any suits, actions or
proceedings at law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction to
collect the Collateral or any thereof and to enforce any other right in respect
of any Collateral; (E) to defend any suit, action or proceeding brought against
the Debtor with respect to any Collateral; (F) to settle, compromise or adjust
any suit,

<PAGE>   155
                                       13

action or proceeding described in clause (E) above and, in connection therewith,
to give such discharges or releases as the Agent may deem appropriate; (G) to
assign any Patent or Trademark (along with the goodwill of the business to which
any such Trademark pertains), throughout the world for such term or terms, on
such conditions, and in such manner, as the Agent shall in its sole discretion
determine; and (H) generally, to sell, transfer, pledge and make any agreement
with respect to or otherwise deal with any of the Collateral as fully and
completely as though the Agent were the absolute owner thereof for all purposes,
and to do, at the Agent's option and the Debtor's expense, at any time, or from
time to time, all acts and things which the Agent deems necessary to protect,
preserve or realize upon the Collateral and the Agent's and the Banks' Liens
thereon and to effect the intent of this Security Agreement, all as fully and
effectively as the Debtor might do. The Debtor hereby ratifies all that said
attorneys shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof . This power of
attorney is a power coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable.

                  (b) OTHER POWERS. The Debtor also authorizes the Agent, at any
time and from time to time, to execute, in connection with the sale provided for
in Section 9 hereof, any endorsements, assignments or other instruments of
conveyance or transfer with respect to the Collateral.

                  (c) NO DUTY ON AGENT'S OR BANKS' PART. The powers conferred on
the Agent and the Banks hereunder are solely to protect the Agent's and the
Banks' interests in the Collateral and shall not impose any duty upon the Agent
or any Bank to exercise any such powers. The Agent and the Bank shall be
accountable only for amounts that they actually receives as a result of the
exercise of such powers, and neither they nor any of their officers, directors,
employees or agents shall be responsible to the Debtor for any act or failure to
act hereunder, except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct.

         7. PERFORMANCE BY AGENT OF DEBTOR'S OBLIGATIONS. If the Debtor fails to
perform or comply with any of its agreements contained herein and the Agent, as
provided for by the terms of this Security Agreement, shall itself perform or
comply, or otherwise cause performance or compliance, with such agreement, the
expenses of the Agent incurred in connection with such performance or
compliance, together with interest thereon at a rate per annum equal to the rate
set forth in 2.3(c) of the Credit Agreement, shall be payable by the Debtor to
the Agent on demand and shall constitute Obligations secured hereby.

         8. PROCEEDS. In addition to the rights of the Agent and the Banks
specified in Section 3(d) with respect to payments of Accounts, it is agreed
that if an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing (a) all Proceeds
received by the Debtor consisting of cash, checks and other near-cash items
shall be held by the Debtor in trust for the Agent and the Banks, segregated
from other funds of the Debtor, and shall, forthwith upon receipt by the Debtor,
be turned over to the Agent in the exact form received by the Debtor (duly
endorsed by the Debtor to the Agent, if required), and (b) any and all such
Proceeds received by the Agent (whether from the Debtor or otherwise) may, in
the sole discretion of the Agent, be held by the Agent for the ratable benefit
of the Banks as collateral security for, and/or then or at any time thereafter
may be applied by the Agent against, the Obligations (whether matured or
unmatured), such application to be made in accordance with the provisions of the
Credit Agreement. Any balance of such Proceeds

<PAGE>   156
                                       14

remaining after the Obligations shall have been paid in full and the Commitment
shall have been terminated shall be paid over to the Debtor or to whomsoever may
be lawfully entitled to receive the same.

         9. REMEDIES. If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing the
Agent, on behalf of the Banks may exercise, in addition to all other rights and
remedies granted to it in this Security Agreement and in any other instrument or
agreement securing, evidencing or relating to the Obligations, all rights and
remedies of a secured party under the Code. Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, except as otherwise set forth in the Credit Agreement, the Agent,
without demand of performance or other demand, presentment, protest,
advertisement or notice of any kind (except any notice required by law referred
to below) to or upon the Debtor or any other Person (all and each of which
demands, defenses, advertisements and notices are hereby waived), may in such
circumstances forthwith collect, receive, appropriate and realize upon the
Collateral, or any part thereof, and/or may forthwith sell, lease, assign, give
option or options to purchase, or otherwise dispose of and deliver the
Collateral or any part thereof (or contract to do any of the foregoing), in one
or more parcels at public or private sale or sales, at any exchange, broker's
board or office of the Agent or elsewhere upon such terms and conditions as it
may deem advisable and at such prices as it may deem best, for cash or on,
credit or for future delivery without assumption of any credit risk. The Agent
or any Bank shall have the right upon any such public sale or sales, and, to the
extent permitted by law, upon any such private sale or sales, to purchase the
whole or any part of the Collateral so sold, free of any right or equity of
redemption in the Debtor, which right or equity is hereby waived or released.
The Debtor further agrees, at the Agent's request, to assemble the Collateral
and make it available to the Agent at places which the Agent shall reasonably
select, whether at the Debtor's premises or elsewhere. The Agent shall apply the
net proceeds of any such collection, recovery, receipt, appropriation,
realization or sale, after deducting all reasonable costs and expenses of every
kind incurred therein or incidental to the care or safekeeping of any of the
Collateral or in any way relating to the Collateral or the rights of the Agent
and the Banks hereunder, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys'
fees and disbursements, to the payment in whole or in part of the Obligations,
in such order as the Agent may elect, and only after such application and after
the payment by the Agent of any other amount required by any provision of law,
including, without limitation, Section 9-504(l)(c) of the Code, need the Agent
account for the surplus, if any, to the Debtor. To the extent permitted by
applicable law, the Debtor waives all claims, damages and demands it may acquire
against the Agent or any Bank arising out of the exercise by the Agent or any
Bank of any of its rights hereunder. If any notice of a proposed sale or other
disposition of Collateral shall be required by law, such notice shall be deemed
reasonable and proper if given at least ten (10) days before such sale or other
disposition. The Debtor shall remain liable for any deficiency if the proceeds
of any sale or other disposition of the Collateral are insufficient to pay the
obligations and the fees and disbursements of any attorneys employed by the
Agent or any Bank to collect such deficiency.

         10. LIMITATION ON DUTIES REGARDING PRESERVATION OF COLLATERAL. The
Agent's sole duty with respect to the custody, safekeeping and physical
preservation of the Collateral in its possession, under Section 9-207 of the
Code or otherwise, shall be to deal with it in the same manner as the Agent
deals with similar property for its own account. Neither the Agent, any Bank,
nor any of their respective directors, officers, employees or agents shall be
liable for

<PAGE>   157
                                       15

failure to demand, collect or realize upon all or any part of the Collateral or
for any delay in doing so or shall be under any obligation to sell or otherwise
dispose of any Collateral upon the request of the Debtor or otherwise.

         11. POWERS COUPLED WITH AN INTEREST. All authorizations and agencies
herein contained with respect to the Collateral are irrevocable and powers
coupled with an interest.

         12. SEVERABILITY. Any provision of this Security Agreement which is
prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction,
be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without
invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or
unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render
unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

         13. PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The paragraph headings used in this Security
Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to affect the
construction hereof or be taken into consideration in the interpretation hereof.

         14. NO WAIVER; CUMULATIVE REMEDIES. Neither the Agent nor any Bank
shall by any act (except by a written instrument pursuant to Section 15 hereof),
delay, indulgence, omission or otherwise be deemed to have waived any right or
remedy hereunder or to have acquiesced in any Default or Event of Default or in
any breach of any of the terms and conditions hereof. No failure to exercise,
nor any delay in exercising, on the part of the Agent or any Bank, any right,
power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof. No single or
partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder shall preclude any
other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or
privilege. A waiver by the Agent or any Bank of any right or remedy hereunder on
any one occasion shall not be construed as a bar to any right or remedy which
the Agent or such Bank would otherwise have on any future occasion. The rights
and remedies herein provided are cumulative, may be exercised singly or
concurrently and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

         15. WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS; SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, GOVERNING LAW. None
of the terms or provisions of this Security Agreement may be waived, amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified except as provided by the Credit Agreement.
This Security Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the
Debtor and shall inure to the benefit of the Agent and the Banks and their
respective successors and assigns. This Security Agreement shall be governed by,
and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of
Connecticut.

         16. NOTICES. Notices hereunder shall be given to the Debtor in care of
the Borrower in the manner set forth in the Credit Agreement.

         17. TERMINATION. Upon the payment and the performance of the
Obligations in full and the termination of the Commitments, this Security
Agreement shall terminate and the Agent shall deliver any release of the Liens
created under this Security Agreement that the Debtor may reasonably request.

<PAGE>   158
                                       16

         18. SPECIFIC RELEASES. So long as no Default or Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing, if the Debtor shall sell, transfer, lease or
otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral permitted by the terms of this
Security Agreement, including, without limitation, Section 5(i) hereof, and the
Credit Agreement, then the Agent shall deliver a release in respect of any Lien
created under this Security Agreement in such disposed Collateral that the
Debtor may reasonably request.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Debtor has caused this Security Agreement to be
duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

                                  [_______________________________]

                                  By:
                                     -------------------------------------
                                     Name:
                                     Title:
                                     Duly Authorized

                                  CITIZENS BANK OF CONNECTICUT
                                  AS AGENT

                                  By:
                                     -------------------------------------
                                     Name:
                                     Title:
                                     Duly Authorized

<PAGE>   159
                                       17

                             ANNEX A-1 TO EXHIBIT I
                             ----------------------

<PAGE>   160
                                       18

                             ANNEX A-2 TO EXHIBIT I
                             ----------------------

<PAGE>   161

                       FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

         THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT (the "Amendment"), effective
as of January 28, 2000, is by and among DAIRY MART CONVENIENCE STORES, INC. (a
Delaware corporation) (the "Company"), the banks and other financial
institutions listed on Schedule I to the Credit Agreement (defined below)
(collectively, together with any banks or financial institutions from time to
time parties to the Credit Agreement, the "Banks") and CITIZENS BANK OF
CONNECTICUT, a Connecticut stock savings bank, as agent for the Banks (in such
capacity, the "Agent").

                             W I T N E S S E T H:
                             -------------------

         WHEREAS, the Company, the Banks, and the Agent have entered into a
Credit Agreement dated as of December 28, 1999 (the "Credit Agreement"),
establishing a revolving credit facility in favor of the Company; and

         WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the Credit Agreement as set forth
herein;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
covenants herein contained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

                  1. The following defined terms are hereby added to Section 1.1
         of the Credit Agreement in the appropriate alphabetical sequence:

                  "ALLOCATED G&A" means, with respect to any period, general and
         administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization expense
         allocated by the Company to the Discontinued Store Segment.

                  "DISCONTINUED BUSINESS SEGMENTS" means the certain Company
         operating segments consisting of (i) the Discontinued Store Segment,
         and (ii) the Company's financing subsidiary, Financial Opportunities,
         Inc., with respect to which the Company has determined to discontinue
         operations by sale or closure of such operating segments.

                  "DISCONTINUED STORE SEGMENT" means the certain Company
         operating segment consisting of older or under-performing stores more
         specifically identified on Schedule I to this Amendment; provided,
         however, that Schedule I may be modified from time to time by the
         Company by delivery to the Agent of a certificate from the Company
         attaching a revised list of older or under-performing stores to be sold
         or closed or revised Allocated G&A.

         2. The definition of "ADJUSTED CONSOLIDATED INDEBTEDNESS" is hereby
deleted in its entirety and substituted therefor is the following:

                           "ADJUSTED CONSOLIDATED INDEBTEDNESS" that amount that
         is equal to Consolidated Indebtedness reduced by an amount equal to the
         sum of (i) Cash and Cash

<PAGE>   162

         Equivalents, (ii) that portion of the Company's assets (as shown on its
         balance sheet) which represents real property owned by the Company and
         used for stores with respect to which the Company is party to a fully
         binding commitment to enter into a sale-leaseback arrangement within
         sixty days following the date of such calculation, and (iii) the book
         value of the real and personal property (including but not limited to,
         land, buildings, leasehold improvements, equipment, inventory, and
         notes receivable) owned by the Company and used in connection with the
         Discontinued Business Segments.

         3. The definition of "CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME" is hereby amended by
inserting the following after (ii):

                           "or (iii) net income (loss) (including, without
                           limitation, Allocated G&A) associated with the
                           Discontinued Business Segments, provided that the
                           exclusion of net loss, if any, shall not exceed
                           $6,700,000 for any four consecutive fiscal quarters
                           ending on an FQED."

         4. The definition of "Minimum Consolidated Net Worth" shall be amended
by inserting the following sentence at the end of the definition:

                  "For the purpose of calculating Minimum Consolidated Net
                  Worth, Consolidated Net Worth shall be increased by the amount
                  of net loss, or decreased by the amount of net income,
                  associated with the Discontinued Business Segments."

         5. The last line of the covenant grid in Section 7.1(b) of the Credit
Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following substituted
therefor:

The FQED ending on or about April 30, 2000                         2.00 to 1.00
The FQED ending on or about July 31, 2000                          2.15 to 1.00
The FQED ending on or about October 31, 2000 and thereafter        2.25 to 1.00

         6. In the event that a Discontinued Business Segment is not sold or
closed by the Company prior to February 4, 2001, the definitions and the
amendments to the Credit Agreement set forth in this Amendment shall
automatically be amended effective for the FQED to occur on April 29, 2001, to
reflect the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement in effect
immediately prior to the effectiveness of this Amendment.

         7. Except as expressly set forth in this Amendment, the Credit
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and unmodified hereby.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this
Amendment as of the day and year first above written.

                                                                          Page 2
<PAGE>   163

                                           DAIRY MART CONVENIENCE STORES, INC.

                                           By:  /s/ Susan Adams
                                              ----------------------------------
                                               Authorized Officer

                                           CITIZENS BANK OF CONNECTICUT, as
                                             Agent and as a Bank

                                           By:  /s/ Karen Booth
                                              ----------------------------------
                                               Authorized Officer

                                           NATIONAL CITY BANK

                                           By:  /s/ Michael Sweeney
                                              ----------------------------------
                                               Authorized Officer

                                            PROVIDENT BANK

                                            By: /s/ James M. Hojnacki
                                              ----------------------------------
                                                 Authorized Officer

                                                                          Page 3
<PAGE>   164

                                   SCHEDULE I

                     To First Amendment to Credit Agreement

        [Store List and Break-Down of General & Administrative Expenses]

                                                                         Page 4

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