UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 8-K
                                 Current Report

                       Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                       the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


        Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) : March 5, 2004

                             National Beverage Corp.
                     ---------------------------------------
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

       DELAWARE                      1-14170                     59-2605822
  ------------------            -----------------          --------------------
(State of incorporation)    (Commission File Number)           (IRS Employer
                                                             Identification No.)


                           One North University Drive
                         Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33324
                     ---------------------------------------
          (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

                                 (954) 581-0922
                                 ---------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)




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Item 5.  Other Events
       On March 5, 2004, National Beverage Corp. issued a press release
reporting that it has declared a special cash dividend. A copy of the press
release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein.


Information Item 7.  Financial Statements and Exhibits

       Exhibit 99.1      Press release issued by National Beverage Corp.
                         dated March 5, 2004.




SIGNATURE
- ---------

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.


                                                  National Beverage Corp.
                                                  -----------------------
                                                       (Registrant)


Date:  March 5, 2004                 By:     /s/ Dean A. McCoy
                                             ---------------------------------
                                             Senior Vice President -
                                             Chief Accounting Officer



EXHIBIT INDEX
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99.1     Press release issued March 5, 2004

                                                                    Exhibit 99.1

        National Beverage Corp. Declares Special Cash Dividend

    FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 5, 2004--National
Beverage Corp. (AMEX:FIZ) today announced that its Board of Directors
has declared a special "one-time" cash dividend of $1.00 per share on
approximately 36.6 million outstanding shares (subsequent to the
Company's payment of a 100% stock dividend on March 22, 2004). The
dividend will be paid on or before April 30, 2004 to shareholders of
record at the close of business on March 26, 2004.
    "Shareholder allegiance and the exemplary performance of the
Company since becoming public in 1991, were the compelling
circumstances affecting the Board's decision to make this
distribution," stated Nick A. Caporella, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer. "Our astute investors and devoted employee-shareholders (most
who have held steadfast from the Company's formation) rightly deserve
to be commended for their loyalty," Mr. Caporella continued.
    "National Beverage Corp. has maintained shareholder focus by not
risking its shareholders' equity...through diligent operating
philosophy, debt repayment and balance sheet integrity. Accordingly,
our shareholders are now rewarded with their accumulation of
cash...with this special payment," continued Mr. Caporella.
    "Our recent 100% stock dividend and this cash distribution reflect
the determination of the Board and management to improve liquidity for
our shareholders in the marketplace, while the Corporation continues
with a strong capital position for its future endeavors," concluded
Mr. Caporella.
    National Beverage produces soft drinks, bottled waters, juices and
juice products and is highly recognized for a line of refreshing
flavors through its popular brands: Shasta(R), Faygo(R), Ritz(R),
Everfresh(R), Mr. Pure(R) and LaCroix(R).

    Fun & Flavor . . . the National Beverage Way

    Note: This press release includes forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results,
performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different
from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors are described
in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and the
Company disclaims an obligation to update any such factors or to
publicly announce the results of any revisions to any forward-looking
statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

    CONTACT: National Beverage Corp., Fort Lauderdale
             Grace A. Keene, 954/581-0922