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): May 6, 2003

                            THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

                           Commission File No. 1-9973


                Delaware                                   36-3352497
     (State or Other Jurisdiction of        (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     Incorporation or Organization)

 1400 Toastmaster Drive, Elgin, Illinois                      60120
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                   (Zip Code)


    Registrant's Telephone No., including Area Code       (847) 741-3300


Item 5. Other Events

On May 6, 2003, The Middleby Corporation issued its quarterly press release
announcing its first quarter results. The press release is attached hereto as
Exhibit 99.1.

Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits


      (c)  Exhibits.


           99.1 Press release dated May 6, 2003 of The Middleby Corporation.



                                       -1-





                                    SIGNATURE

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


                              THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION
                              ----------------------------
                                    (Registrant)
Date May 7, 2003

                              By:  /s/ David B. Baker
                                     ----------------------------
                                     David B. Baker
                                     Vice President,
                                     Chief Financial Officer
                                     and Secretary



                                       -2-