Author:

Amelia Daniels

Healthy Options Highlighted on New Ruby Tuesday Menu

Posted by Amelia Daniels – August 26, 2010

Maryville, Tenn.  — Ruby Tuesday is making it easier to eat healthy while dining out, with the addition of lunch salads, more seafood, and new choices on the Fresh Garden Bar.  In addition, a new “Fit & Trim” symbol appears next to items on the menu that have 700 or fewer calories.   

Ruby Tuesday founder and CEO, Sandy Beall, says, “We’re giving our guests more options and making it easier for them to identify healthier choices with the inclusion of the Fit & Trim symbol.  We’ve added new selections while keeping our focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

“These are great tasting dishes,” says Peter Glander, Ruby Tuesday’s Executive Chef, “with absolutely no compromise on flavor.”  He cites the Herb-Crusted Tilapia, one of the restaurants’ most popular seafood dishes, as an example.  The tender, mild fish is crusted with panko garlic bread crumbs and topped with lemon-butter sauce.  It is served with fresh, steamed broccoli and white cheddar mashed potatoe, and has less than 700 calories.  A total of 16 entrees on the new menu are designated Fit & Trim.

“The new menu offers even more variety,” says Kimberly Grant, Ruby Tuesday’s Executive Vice President.   “For example, our guests are free to choose which two side items they would like with any entrée selection.”  And the number of side dishes is growing, with healthy additions that include fresh grilled green beans and fresh grilled asparagus. To make the selection process even easier, the choices are divided into three categories. “We have our Classics, our new Fit & Trim sides, and our Premium sides – a group that includes a new baked macaroni-and-cheese,” says Grant.

For the lunch crowd, Ruby Tuesday has added a Petite Lunch Salad offering.  Smaller portions of the Grilled Salmon Salad, the Carolina Chicken Salad, and others are available until 4:00 p.m.  “The Petite Lunch Salad is perfect if you’re on the go or looking for something lighter,” says Glander.  Ruby Tuesday’s signature Fresh Garden Bar also now has more variety with the addition of pepperoncini, banana peppers, sun dried tomatoes, cauliflower, apples, and green olives.

Ruby Tuesday recently began serving complimentary fresh-baked Garlic Cheese Biscuits to all guests. “Our delicious biscuits are a savory, yet sweet accompaniment to the meal.  They are made from scratch and baked fresh throughout the day so they’re delivered to the table piping hot,” says Glander.  One final addition to the menu is the growing list of premium wines that includes Cellar No. 8, Gnarly Head, Bonterra, Coppola, and Rodney Strong, among others.

“Ruby Tuesday guests now have the freedom to choose, and not just their sides.  They can create their own Baby-Back Rib Platter with Louisiana fried shrimp or chicken wings, or they can add lobster tails or Lobster Mac-n-Cheese to their steak entrée for just $5 more,” says Beall.  The CEO says he is confident guests are going to like the new menu, based on feedback from the test markets.  “It’s clearly a departure from the not-always-fresh food that is still common at typical bar-and-grill restaurants,” says Beall. 

All of the new menu changes are a continuation of Ruby Tuesday’s “Fresh Taste, Fresh Place” brand transformation.  In 2005, the company began a reimaging initiative that included a focus on fresher food and gracious hospitality and concluded with the creation of a contemporary new look for its restaurants. The updated look, feel, and menu offerings are all important components of Ruby Tuesday’s mission to consistently provide a high-quality, casual dining experience with compelling value that guests will enjoy and remember.

For more information about Ruby Tuesday, please visit the company website at www.rubytuesday.com or on Facebook at www.facebook/rubytuesday.

 

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About Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday, Inc. has company-owned and/or franchised Ruby Tuesday brand restaurants in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and 14 foreign countries. As of June 1, 2010, the company owned and operated 656 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, while domestic and international franchisees (including Hawaii and Guam) operated 165 and 58 restaurants, respectively. Ruby Tuesday, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol: RT).

No. 22 Ruby Tuesday Dodge Finishes 7th at Darlington Raceway

Posted by Amelia Daniels – May 10, 2010

Darlington, SC  – Brad Keselowski, driver of the Penske Racing No. 22 Ruby Tuesday Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, finished seventh in the Royal Purple 200 presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts at Darlington Raceway on Friday night. The result ends an eight-race streak of top-five finishes for the team.

Keselowski now leads the Nationwide Series driver point standings by 55 points over second-place contender Kyle Busch.

Keselowski began the day with a 2.5-hour practice session, in which he posted the fourth-fastest time as he lapped the 1.366-mile, egg-shaped oval in 28.437 seconds, or 172.930 miles per hour. He improved upon that time in the afternoon qualifying session, despite the increase in track temperatures from practice, as he lapped the oval in 28.049 seconds, or 175.322 miles per hour. The effort secured the third starting position for the Ruby Tuesday team.

The 147-lap race featured nine caution flags for a total of 42 laps. The first yellow flag fell early on lap two. Having a bigger picture in mind, Keselowski took it easy and let the race come to him in the early going. As a result he dropped back in the field by ten spots within the first 20 laps, but he settled into a nice rhythm and posted laps as fast as the race leader.

When the second caution flag of the race was displayed, Keselowski radioed that he was tight coming off the corners. Crew chief Paul Wolfe called his driver down pit road for two tires with air pressure adjustments on lap 26. As a result, the No. 22 Ruby Tuesday Dodge picked up six positions and Keselowski restarted the race on lap 31 in the fourth position.

By lap 50, Keselowski had raced his way into the second position. Despite a handling condition that had moved to loose, he was able to make large gains in time on the leader. However, another caution flag flew on lap 57, which kept Keselowski from assuming the lead. He remained inside the top-five in the running order for the next 70 laps, but was unable to mount another charge for the lead.

When the seventh caution flag of the evening flew on lap 121, Wolfe had to decide whether to leave Keselowski on the track in order to keep his third-place running position, or bring him down pit road for four fresh Goodyear radials and adjustments. The team opted to pit, in the hopes of giving Keselowski what he needed to pick up his third Nationwide Series victory in a row. However, many of the other competitors elected to take on two tires and, as a result, Keselowski restarted the race in the 12th position.

When the race resumed under the green flag on lap 129, it was evident that Keselowski had a car that could contend for a top-five finish as he was able to quickly pass several of the cars in front of him. However, the team ran out of laps as two more caution flags fell before the race came to a conclusion.

Keselowski was able to keep his Nationwide Series record of 77 consecutive races without a DNF (Did Not Finish) alive by taking the checkered flag. 

Penske Racing teammate Justin Allgaier finished 17th after a late-race incident.

“This is a place that I’ve run and never got a top 10, so I’m pretty pumped right now,” stated Keselowski. “The guys that we’re racing in points, the 18 and 33, were in front and behind us, so the points didn’t change much tonight. I’ll just chalk it up to a decent night. We probably could have gotten a third-place finish out of the race if we didn’t pit and take four tires. We made the move that we thought was our best shot to win the race and in the end, all those cautions just killed us.”

The No.22 Ruby Tuesday Dodge Charger team will move to the state of Delaware for the Helluva! Good 200 at Dover International Speedway. The race can be seen live on Saturday afternoon, May 15 on the ABC television network beginning at 2:00 p.m. EDT.  The event can also be heard live on MRN Radio, as well as Sirius Satellite Radio Channel 128.

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About Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday, Inc. has company-owned and/or franchise Ruby Tuesday brand restaurants in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and 13 foreign countries.  As of December 1, 2009, the company owned and operated 670 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, while domestic and international franchisees (including Hawaii) operated 171 and 55 restaurants, respectively. Ruby Tuesday, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol: RT).

 For information about Ruby Tuesday, please visit the company website at www.rubytuesday.com or on Facebook at www.facebook/rubytuesday.

About Penske Racing
In 2010, Penske Racing will compete in the NASCAR Cup Series with former Cup Series champion Kurt Busch and the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge, former three-time IndyCar Series champion Sam Hornish Jr. in the No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge and Brad Keselowski in the No. 12 Penske Dodge. The team will also race in the Nationwide Series with Justin Allgaier, the 2009 series Rookie of the Year, in the No. 12 Verizon Wireless Dodge and multiple race-winner Keselowski driving the No. 22 Discount Tire and Ruby Tuesday Dodge. Competing in a variety of disciplines, cars owned and prepared by Penske Racing have produced more than 310 major race wins, over 370 pole positions and 22 national championships.

For more information about Penske Racing, please visit www.penskeracing.com.

$1,000,000 up for Grabs in Ruby Tuesday’s Million Dollar Bracket Challenge

Posted by Amelia Daniels – March 10, 2010

Maryville, Tenn. – Ruby Tuesday – with more than 800 casual dining restaurants across the U.S. – is giving guests and NCAA basketball fans alike a chance to win $1 million cash in its 2010 Million Dollar Bracket Challenge Sweepstakes. Guests can enter to win by completing their brackets on Ruby Tuesday’s Facebook page through a custom-built application created especially for its guests.

“Ruby Tuesday is the place to be for March Madness,” says Kimberly Grant, Ruby Tuesday’s Executive Vice-President. “Not only do you have the chance to win a million dollars, but you can meet up with friends at your local Ruby Tuesday to watch your favorite teams play in high-definition.” Ruby Tuesday recently installed new high-definition televisions in all its restaurants and, where DirecTV is available, restaurants will show all of the games with the NCAA Mega March Madness Package. During game days, all guests seated in the bar area can take advantage of $2 off any appetizer, one-of-a-kind $5 premium well cocktails, and an adventurous craft beer line-up.

Registration for the $1 million prize will begin on Sunday, March 14 at 10 p.m. and end at 9 a.m. EST on Thursday, March 18.  “If you miss out on the perfect bracket, not to worry,” says Grant, “this is not a single elimination contest, so you can still win great prizes.” As the tournament progresses, guests have several ways to win: the traditional overall million dollar bracket, round-by-round play and by inviting Facebook friends to enter. Participants who fill out their brackets before the start of each round are registered to win high-end consumer electronics including 46” Sony LCD TVs, Sony Home Theater Systems, digital cameras and much more.

There is a social media component to this sweepstakes as well.  “The more Facebook friends you recruit to enter, the more chances you have to win great prizes,” says Grant.  More information about the Million Dollar Bracket Challenge, including the official sweepstakes rules, can be found at Facebook.com/RubyTuesday.

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Media Contact
Amelia Daniels
Ackermann PR
(865) 584-0550

About Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday, Inc. has company-owned and/or franchise Ruby Tuesday brand restaurants in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and 14 foreign countries. As of March 2, 2010, the Company owned and operated 659 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, while domestic and international franchisees (including Hawaii) operated 168 and 57 restaurants, respectively. For more information on Ruby Tuesday, please visit the company website at www.RubyTuesday.com.  Ruby Tuesday, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol:  RT).
Source: Ruby Tuesday, Inc.

Harmony Adoptions Hosts 3rd Annual Chillin’ for Children

Posted by Amelia Daniels – February 19, 2010

 

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Maryville, Tenn.  -  More than 50 adoption advocates will brave the chilly waters of the Little River in Blount County as they bring awareness to the hundreds of children waiting to be adopted in Tennessee.  This is the third year that Harmony Adoptions, one of the state’s leading adoption agencies, is hosting Chillin’ for Children to be held Friday, Feb. 19 at 3 p.m.

Dressed up in themed costumes, groups of people who are all connected to adoption in some way will jump into freezing cold water while being judged on creativity and style.  Pam Wolf, CEO of Harmony Adoptions, says, “By raising some eyebrows, we’re raising awareness for adoption as we take the plunge together.”  Blount County Mayor Jerry Cunningham and City of Knoxville Mayor will be on hand.  Mayor Haslam will deliver the pre-plunge address.

As much as Chillin’ for Children raises awareness for the 400+ children currently in state custody, this event also strengthens the partnerships of the agencies that work together to find permanent homes for these foster children.  Harmony Adoptions Community Development Director, Jim Norwood says, “As adoption advocates, we come together as colleagues sharing our success stories and challenges, but after this event, we leave as friends.”  Norwood says that spirit of togetherness makes a difference when a child’s future is in their collective hands. 

Brian Buuck of Oak Ridge is jumping for the first time. “Depending on how bad the frost bite is, it may be my last,” kids Buuck.  Adoption is close to Buuck’s heart, as someone who worked in a foster care program and whose sister adopted her son, Alex.  Buuck is now the COO of Ridgeview Mental Health.  “The discomfort of a few seconds in the ice cold water fails in comparison to what children without a home experience.”

The following agencies are joining Harmony Adoptions for Chillin’ for Children this year:  The Department of Children’s Services (DCS), Camelot Care Centers, Health Connect, Helen Ross McNabb Center, Holston Homes for Children, Omni Visions, Ridgeview Mental Health, Tennessee Alliance for Children and Families and Youth Villages.

The Blount County Rescue Squad will be on hand to assist if needed.  Starbucks in Maryville will provide hot chocolate and coffee and Anderson Rental will supply a generator and heaters.  The community is invited to attend Chillin’ for Children.  For participant information, contact Jim Norwood at jnorwood@harmony.cc.

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MEDIA CONTACT:       
Amelia Daniels                                 
adaniels@ackermannpr.com     
Ackermann PR                                           
(865) 365-5847

Special Valentine’s Menu at Ruby Tuesday Offers Three Chances at Love

Posted by Amelia Daniels – February 3, 2010

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Maryville, TN  – Although Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year, Ruby Tuesday will be “sharing the love” all weekend long. On February 12th, 13th and 14th, guests at Ruby’s can enjoy a special Valentine’s Dinner for Two that begins with a shared appetizer, includes two entrées, and ends with a romantic shareable dessert – all for only $19.99 per person.

After beginning with a craveable, generous-enough-for-two appetizer of Thai Phoon Shrimp, Spinach Artichoke Dip, Beef Queso Dip, or Southwestern Spring Rolls, guests can choose their main course from 18 premium entrées. Featured choices include any seared-to-perfection steak, a full rack of Ruby’s famous fork-tender ribs, the ever popular Chesapeake Catch and New Orleans Seafood, Asian Glazed Salmon, Salmon Florentine, or any premium lobster entrée. Lobster dinners include Lobster Tails, Lobster Carbonara, Steak & Lobster Tail, Lobster New Orleans and the amazing Steak & Lobster Mac and Cheese.

“This Valentine’s-weekend offer includes so many of our premium specialty dishes, couples can enjoy the ones they love along with the great value of the dinner-for-two special,” says Kimberly Grant, Ruby Tuesday’s Executive Vice President. “Why not treat your sweetheart to lobster this year in addition to flowers and chocolates?” she suggests.

Grant says of the bountiful seafood selection: “We unveiled some fabulous new dishes on our new menu a few months ago, and we can assure our guests they won’t find a higher-quality lobster or seafood dish for a better value than at Ruby Tuesday.” 

By ordering the Valentine’s Dinner for Two for $19.99 per person, couples can enjoy a bottle of their favorite wine or a Ruby Relaxer or Cosmopolitan cocktail with their savings. Ruby Tuesday recently introduced a premium cocktail menu that offers countless choices of $5 margaritas, martinis, mojitos, and classic cocktails, all prepared with premium brands such as Bacardi, Beefeater, Smirnoff, and Sauza.

And just in time for this lover’s holiday, Ruby Tuesday will be adding an authentic Italian Tiramisu to its already luscious line-up of dessert offerings. It’s made with mascarpone cheese and lady fingers soaked in rum and coffee liqueur. Other shareable dessert choices for Valentine’s Day are a moist Italian Cream Cake, rich and creamy New York Cheesecake, or a warm Double Chocolate Cake. “What better way to end a romantic meal than by sharing a slice of heaven with the one you love?” asks Grant. 

Ruby Tuesday is one of the few casual dining restaurants to offer online reservations. As an added convenience and a great way to avoid the wait, especially on the popular holiday weekend, make your reservation in advance by visiting www.RubyTuesday.com.

More information about the Valentine’s Dinner for Two special can also be found on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RubyTuesday.

Media Contact
Amelia Daniels
Ackermann PR
(865) 584-0550 

About Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday, Inc. has company-owned and/or franchise Ruby Tuesday brand restaurants in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and 14 foreign countries.  As of December 1, 2009, the Company owned and operated 670 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, while domestic and international franchisees (including Hawaii) operated 171 and 55 restaurants, respectively.  For more information on Ruby Tuesday, please visit the company website at www.RubyTuesday.com.  Ruby Tuesday, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol:  RT). 

Source: Ruby Tuesday, Inc.

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Ruby Tuesday Recognized on Cover of Cheers Magazine

Posted by Amelia Daniels – January 14, 2010

Cheers CoverMaryville, TN – Ruby Tuesday has been recognized by Cheers magazine for something its customers have known for a while: it has the best overall beverage program.

Cheers, the leading beverage publication devoted to full-service restaurants, bars, and hotels, is awarding Ruby Tuesday its top honor for “Best Chain Overall Beverage Program.” “We are honored that Ruby Tuesday has been recognized by Cheers as the best overall among chain operators across the nation, and are proud of our team’s never-ending commitment to quality, freshness, variety, and value,” says Andy Scoggins, Vice President of Culinary and Beverage for Ruby Tuesday, Inc. 

The Cheers industry award program is open to all full-service chain restaurants nationwide, and beverage programs are evaluated based on creativity, originality, staff training, and overall impact on profitability. Scoggins adds, “Ruby Tuesday is dedicated to serving premium, high-quality beverages made with the freshest ingredients and providing them to our guests at a compelling value.”

At a time when most companies are cutting corners, Ruby Tuesday has made it a priority to enhance the quality of its drinks by using fresh ingredients, all-natural fruit juices, and premium brands such as Bacardi and Beefeater for well liquors. “And that’s not even the best part,” says Scoggins. “Recent upgrades to quality were made without reducing portions or raising prices. For example, we are proud to offer a variety of specialty, hard-to-find craft beers that are not common in other casual dining restaurants and feature a true 16-ounce pint glass, not a smaller look-alike version.”

Ruby Tuesday recently revolutionized bar business by actually reducing the price of many premium cocktails with the introduction of the ‘all day, every day, $5 premium cocktail’ program. There are hundreds of cocktails from which to choose, from premium well and specialty cocktails to signature sangrias, all for only $5.00.

Ruby Tuesday’s award-winning beverage program compliments the company’s marketing approach and in-restaurant promotions which include happy hour specials at the bar, seasonal and limited-time menu offerings, in addition to a new weekend brunch program. Moreover, all beverage upgrades have been supported with an aggressive retraining program for every bartender in the company. Program enhancements have resulted in an overall increase in sales of beer, wine, spirits and alcohol-free drinks. Ruby Tuesday will accept the award at the 2010 Cheers Beverage Excellence Awards Conference to be held January 25-26 in Miami, Florida.

For more information about Ruby Tuesday and our premium beverage program, please visit us at www.rubytuesday.com or on Facebook at www.facebook/rubytuesday.

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Media Contact
Amelia Daniels
Ackermann PR
(865) 584-0550

About Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday, Inc. has company-owned and/or franchise Ruby Tuesday brand restaurants in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and 13 foreign countries. As of September 1, 2009, the company owned and operated 670 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, while domestic and international franchisees (including Hawaii) operated 171 and 55 restaurants, respectively.

 

Ruby Tuesday, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RT).  

 

Source: Ruby Tuesday, Inc.

International Franchisees Have Appetite for Ruby Tuesday

Posted by Amelia Daniels – November 16, 2009

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MARYVILLE, TN – Casual-dining restaurant leader Ruby Tuesday, Inc. has announced new international franchise agreements for the development of its flagship brand in the Middle East and the United Kingdom. The company has also granted franchise rights for Wok Hay, an Asian-focused casual dining concept, in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Chile.

“Ruby Tuesday’s international growth continues at a steady and reliable pace,” said Mark Ingram, President of Global PartnerShips, the company that manages Ruby Tuesday’s international and domestic franchise development. “We are excited to add new development territories to an existing franchise, sign an agreement for the first Ruby Tuesday in the U.K., and launch international franchising for Wok Hay. This growth proves there continues to be a high level of confidence in the brand and its performance,” he added.

Development rights for three new Ruby Tuesdays in the eastern territories of Saudi Arabia have been granted to an affiliate of Daliya Al-Wataniya for General Trading and Contracting W.L.L., the current franchisee for the countries of Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, and Lebanon, and six additional restaurants will be developed in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi by Bin Hendi Hospitality, the franchisee that now has the rights to open 18 Ruby Tuesday restaurants in all seven Emirate nations over the next five years.

And for the first time in the company’s 37-year history, a Ruby Tuesday will open in the United Kingdom when development begins on the first phase of a franchise for Wales and Southwest England that will allow for five restaurant openings in four-and-a-half years.

This year also marks the beginning of international franchise development of Wok Hay, the company’s pan-Asian concept. There are two Wok Hays currently open, both in the Knoxville, Tennessee area where Ruby Tuesday was founded and has its headquarters.  

“Wok Hay offers fresh and affordable menu choices with plenty of flavor.  We are excited to be working with these franchisees to demonstrate the potential of the concept,” said Ingram.

Wok Hays will be opened in Trinidad and Tobago by Derek and Roger Chin, current Ruby Tuesday franchisees in those countries, and in Chile by Carlos Musiet, who is also a franchisee of Ruby Tuesday restaurants in South America.

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About Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday, Inc. has company-owned and/or franchise Ruby Tuesday brand restaurants in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and 13 foreign countries. As of September 1, 2009, the Company owned and operated 670 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, while domestic and international franchisees (including Hawaii) operated 171 and 55 restaurants, respectively.

Ruby Tuesday, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RT).

For more information regarding franchise opportunities, please visit www.rubytuesday.com or call (865) 379-5739.

Ruby Tuesday Unveils Fresh Tastes on New Menu

Posted by Amelia Daniels – November 9, 2009

RT_Unstacked_Red&Black.187CMaryville, TN  – When it comes to offering new choices and tantalizing flavors, Ruby Tuesday is once again emerging as a trendsetter. This month, the popular casual dining restaurant chain debuts a new menu, with more than 27 brand new items, including an expanded selection of quesadillas, entrée salads, and lobster entrées, as well as classic favorites like Ruby Minis, handcrafted burgers and fork-tender ribs. The company says its new menu is a reflection of the changing preferences of Ruby Tuesday’s customers and clearly displays its commitment to quality, freshness, variety, and value. Sandy Beall, the founder and CEO of Ruby Tuesday, says “We’re excited about the new bold flavors on this menu and believe our guests will love them as much as they love their old favorites.”

One of the biggest changes to Ruby Tuesday’s menu is the wide variety of seafood entrees. Among the more than 14 premium seafood selections, one of the most popular items has been the New Orleans Seafood. “We are proud to offer flavorful dishes, prepared to the highest standards,” says Peter Glander, Ruby Tuesday’s executive chef. Glander says he expects guests will be drawn to new additions to the menu, like Salmon Florentine and Lobster Carbonara, as well as the value-priced Steak and Lobster entrée. “What sets Ruby Tuesday apart is the quality of our seafood,” says Glander. “For example, we only use North Atlantic lobster tails and premium jumbo lump crab meat.”

New Orleans Lobster Cutout“Ruby Tuesday has made it a priority to use fresh ingredients in a variety of dishes, like our fresh, never-frozen burgers and all-natural fresh chicken, all offered at great value,” says Kimberly Grant, Ruby Tuesday’s Executive Vice President. She points out that Ruby Tuesday is also one of the world’s largest buyers of jumbo lump crab meat. “Our guests are able to enjoy a premium crab cake entrée at an affordable price.”

One of the longest running values at Ruby Tuesday has been its Fresh Garden Bar, a signature since the founding of the brand. It remains on the new menu, but for people who want a salad as their entrée, there are now more choices. The fresh, new offerings include the Asian Salmon Spinach Salad, Sante Fe Chicken Salad, Avocado Shrimp Salad, and the Southwestern Beef Salad.

Beall says the company has been passionate about great food and gracious hospitality since he founded Ruby Tuesday in 1972. “Our commitment to freshness and quality has remained constant. The new menu has evolved through the years and is clearly a departure from the not-always-fresh food still common at typical bar and grill restaurants.”

All of the new menu changes are a continuation of Ruby Tuesday’s “Fresh Taste, Fresh Place” brand transformation. In 2007, the company rolled out a remodeling program nationwide that transformed the interior and exterior of the restaurant buildings. “Our updated look, feel, and menu offerings are all important parts of our determination to consistently provide a high-quality, casual dining experience that our guests will enjoy and remember,” says Beall.

The new menu is now available in all of the restaurants across the U.S., and a complete list of items is available online at www.RubyTuesday.com.

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Media Contact
Amelia Daniels
Ackermann PR
(865) 584-0550
adaniels@ackermannpr.com

About Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday, Inc. has company-owned and/or franchise Ruby Tuesday brand restaurants in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and 13 foreign countries.  As of September 1, 2009, the company owned and operated 670 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, while domestic and international franchisees (including Hawaii) operated 171 and 55 restaurants, respectively.  For more information on Ruby Tuesday, please visit the company website at www.RubyTuesday.com.  Ruby Tuesday, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:  RT). 

Source: Ruby Tuesday, Inc.

85 Riders Will Ride 433 Miles Across Tennessee To Raise Awareness for Adoption

Posted by Amelia Daniels – September 24, 2009

a journey home 09Maryville, Tenn. – More than 400 children in Tennessee are in state custody right now, waiting to be adopted; more than half of those are teenagers.  That is the reason 85 riders, each one connected to adoption in some way, are traveling 433.7 miles across the state of Tennessee over a five-day period to raise awareness of adoption.  In its 5th year, the Adoption Tour is a collaboration of adoption organizations, including The Department of Children Services, Harmony Adoptions, Youth Villages and others.

The Adoption Tour officially begins in Johnson City on Monday, October 5th at 7:00 a.m.  As riders and support crew make their way from Johnson City to Nashville, they will be stopping along the way for celebrations in Alcoa, Cleveland, Chattanooga and Columbia to honor adoptive families, pledge their support to those who have adopted and commit themselves to helping those children who still need a permanent home.  “That’s the theme for this year’s tour – A Journey Home,” says tour director, Jesse O’Hatnick, who rode in 2007.  “These riders know first-hand what adoption truly means and they’re looking for a way to show their commitment and share their stories.”  In all, there are nine celebrations through out the tour route, with the largest crowd expected in Nashville as the cyclists hit mile marker 433.  

The Galewski family of Dyersburg, Tenn. has four riders in this year’s Adoption Tour.  The family’s patriarch, Greg, with two of his sons, James and Paul, and daughter, Jordon will be pedaling together and sharing their inspirational story.  Greg and his wife, Cindy have four biological children and four adopted children.  “I rode for the first time in 2005 to celebrate our fourth adoption.  Each year it gets bigger and bigger,” says Galewski.  “I’m just amazed by the reception we receive in each city.”  The Galewsi’s story is one of many.

The tour itself is physically challenging, with more than half of the ride completed in the first two days.  “In triathlons, you have what’s called a century ride. The bicyclists in the Adoption Tour will complete one of those on Monday and another one on Tuesday,” says O’Hatnick.  “Fortunately, we help our riders train for this in the months leading up to the tour.”

As much as the ride is about the children awaiting their “forever families” and the awareness of adoption in general, the Adoption Tour promotes cooperation between the multiple agencies who work to find homes for displaced children in Tennessee year round.  There are 18 riders from the Department of Children Services and 27 from the various adoption providers.  Pam Wolf, the CEO of Harmony Adoptions says, “Anyone who is considering adoption should know about the incredible resources that are available to them.  It’s not something you will have to do alone – support is available to Tennessee families after the adoption is finalized.” 

With all of the hills and valleys, twists and turns, and seemingly endless days of the Adoption Tour, organizers say the parallel to an adopted child’s journey is intentional.  “When we ride into Nashville’s Bicentennial Park on that last day, we will be thinking about those children who are still waiting, still hoping.  It will be bittersweet,” says rider Zan Schriver, one of the tour’s founders who has ridden every year.

Together with the tour’s sponsors, the Tennessee Department of Children Services in partnership with Harmony Adoptions, Youth Villages, Agape, Catholic Charities, Camelot Care Centers, Inc., Helen Ross McNabb, Cumberland Hall, OMNI Visions, TVA, TN Alliance for Children & Families, and Health Connect of America, the first celebration for the Adoption Tour will begin on the eve of the tour, Sunday, October 4th, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Winged Deer Park in Johnson City.  The public is invited to attend.

“We have more riders than ever before, and a completely new route.  I think all of this will make for the best Adoption Tour yet,” says O’Hatnick.  “What we need now is the public to know about us and the sacrifice these riders are making in the name of adoption.”  For more information on the Adoption Tour, go to www.adoptiontour.org or follow the riders on Twitter @adoptiontour.  

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Media Contact
Amelia Daniels
(865) 584-0550
adaniels@ackermannpr.com

Harmony Adoptions Selects Ackermann PR as Agency of Record

Posted by Amelia Daniels – September 16, 2009

a journey home 09Knoxville, Tenn. -  In advance of the Adoption Tour, a 433.7 mile bike ride across the state of Tennessee, Harmony Adoptions has hired Ackermann PR for media relations and marketing communications support.  Based in Maryville, Harmony Adoptions is an adoption agency that provides support and education for families.  Their mission is to share life, love and joy through adoption. 

Nearly 400 children in Tennessee are in state custody right now, waiting to be adopted.  Harmony Adoptions sponsors a variety of programs, from those concerning recruitment of adoptive parents to ones supporting families who have already adopted. 

The Adoption Tour, scheduled for the second week in October, is by far the largest event sponsored by Harmony Adoptions.  Eighty-five riders, each one connected to adoption in some way, will ride 433.7  miles, from Johnson City to Nashville to promote adoption awareness. 

In its 5th year, the Adoption Tour is a collaboration of organizations including Harmony Adoptions, Tennessee Department of Children Services, Youth Villages, and many others.  The tour officially begins on Monday, October 5th at 7:00 a.m. in Johnson City.  As riders and support crew make their way from Johnson City to Nashville, they will be stopping along the way for celebrations in Blount County, Cleveland, Chattanooga, and Columbia to honor adoptive families, pledge their support to those who have adopted and commit themselves to helping those children who still need a permanent home.

In all, there are nine celebrations throughout the tour route , with the largest crowd expected in Nashville as the cyclists hit mile marker 433 in Bicentennial Park.  For more information on the Adoption Tour, visit www.adoptiontour.com or follow the riders on Twitter @adoptiontour.

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