Tag: Ruby Tuesday

$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.

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 to partner with Penske Racing as sponsor of the No. 22 Nationwide Series Dodge in 2010

Posted by Shane Rhyne – January 20, 2010

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MARYVILLE, TN (January 19, 2010) – Ruby Tuesday has established a new partnership with Penske Racing for the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series season. Ruby Tuesday will serve as primary sponsor for six races on the No. 22 Dodge driven by series standout Brad Keselowski.

“Ruby Tuesday provides the finest in casual dining and we are excited to welcome them as a Penske Racing partner in 2010,” said Roger Penske. “Our organization shares Ruby Tuesday’s core values of quality, passion and pride, and with Brad behind the wheel, we believe this will be a winning combination in 2010.”

2010 Nascar Media Tour Day 1The specific races where Ruby Tuesday will serve as primary sponsor of the car have yet to be determined, but the No. 22 Ruby Tuesday Dodge is expected to make its debut as primary sponsor at the Richmond International Raceway race on April 30. Ruby Tuesday will be an associate sponsor of the team for the remaining 2010 Nationwide Series races.

“Both Penske Racing and Brad Keselowski have a proven track record of winning and we look forward to being a big part of their continued success this season,” said Mark Young, Ruby Tuesday Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. The partnership with Penske Racing marks Ruby Tuesday’s first entry into NASCAR competition.

After finishing third in the Nationwide Series championship standings in each of the last two seasons, Keselowski is expected to be a top contender for the 2010 title in his first season with Penske Racing. A winner of six series races from 2008-09, Keselowski will compete for the full Nationwide Series season in the No. 22 Dodge for Penske Racing.

“I’m really excited to race in the Ruby Tuesday Dodge and I’m proud to represent their brand, their associates and their restaurants,” said Keselowski. “They are a terrific company with great food and a fun atmosphere. I know our team and I will be visiting their restaurants a lot this season as we travel the NASCAR circuit.”

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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.

Media Contacts

Sandi Stablein
Ruby Tuesday, Inc.
(865) 379-5700
Jonathan Gibson
Penske Racing
(704) 799-8301

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.

Ackermann PR closes 2009 with impressive roster of new client acquisitions

Posted by Shane Rhyne – December 30, 2009

ackermann aKnoxville, TN (December 30, 2009) – Ackermann PR, one of the nation’s premier boutique marketing and public relations firms, has bucked industry trends with what company CEO and President Cathy Ackermann describes as a “banner quarter.”

New client acquisitions for Ackermann include Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), AC Entertainment, HGTV, Cellular Sales, EDP Biotech Corporation, Titanic Pigeon Forge, Baseball LLC, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, Moving Picture Books (Rivr Media), Pimento’s Café & Market, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, Welty Building Company, and several other non-profit foundations and professional services providers.

In addition to these new partnerships, Ackermann has recently expanded its existing relationships with clients such as Ruby Tuesday, Berkshire Hathaway-owned Clayton Homes, CMSS, Wilderness at the Smokies and Radio Systems to include enhanced media relations and strategic digital consulting.

“While we’ve certainly been impacted by the challenging economy, we’re pleased to be finishing up 2009 with what has been a truly exceptional quarter for us,” said Cathy Ackermann. “We’ve added clients in every area of our operations, and we are especially happy with the growth of our digital and social media division, which has really taken off for us this year. We’ve made several great new hires in recent months, and we are enthusiastic about the potential for an even stronger 2010.”

Ackermann PR is a full-service, integrated firm providing strategic public relations, comprehensive marketing capabilities and digital consulting services. The company is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, and serves clients across the United States.

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Media Contact
Cathy Ackermann or Katie Granju
(865) 584-0550

Ruby Tuesday to give away Ruby Minis at the bar in 2010

Posted by Shane Rhyne – December 28, 2009

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Maryville, TN (December 28, 2009) – Ruby Tuesday will kick off the new year by giving bar guests a free Ruby Mini, a little burger masterpiece, and fresh, hot fries with their first $3 drink. The “Gimme a Mini” program, as it has been named, will officially begin as an all-day promotion on January 1st. Guests will have their choice of a Ruby Mini, Turkey Mini or Buffalo Chicken Mini served with a side of fries.

“This free mini offer will run all day on New Year’s Day, so join us at the bar any time from open to close for your free Ruby Mini and fries,” says Kimberly Grant, Ruby Tuesday’s Executive Vice President. “We’re inviting our guests to come to our house and see all that we’ve done to make this your bar. We think it’s a great way to kick off 2010!”

After the January 1 celebration, the restaurants will offer the free mini burgers when guests at the bar order their first drink of $3 or more after 9 p.m. Ruby Tuesday also offers happy hour bar specials that include $2 off appetizers and, in some locations, $2 off draft beer and $1 off wine.

0709 BarMenu inside ImageCheers, the leading beverage publication devoted to full-service restaurants, bars, and hotels, recently awarded Ruby Tuesday its top honor for “Best Chain Overall Beverage Program.” From the installation of high-definition televisions in all of its restaurants to the sports trivia at the bar, Ruby Tuesday is taking a fresh, new approach to creating a relaxing, comfortable gathering place.

Specialty drinks and a fun atmosphere are not the only elements that make Ruby Tuesday’s bar the place to be. “We have sought out the friendliest and best bartenders in town and invited them to be a part of our team,” says Grant. “Our priority is to make great drinks and even better 5 Dollar Cocktails_Selectfriendships.”

Ruby Tuesday revolutionized bar business last month by reducing the price of many 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 serves only premium well liquors to include brands such as Bacardi, Cutty Sark, Jim Beam and Beefeater. “And that’s not even the best part. Recent upgrades to quality were made without reducing portions or raising prices,” says Vice President of Culinary & Beverage, Andy Scoggins.

The recently introduced cocktail menu, with new choices and old favorites, too, is now available in restaurants nationwide, and a complete list of items is available online at www.RubyTuesday.com. More information about the Gimme a Mini program can also be found on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RubyTuesday.

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Media Contact
Mike Cohen
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.  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.

Ruby Tuesday Wins Top Honor in the 2010 Cheers Beverage Excellence Award

Posted by Shane Rhyne – December 15, 2009

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5 Dollar Cocktails_SelectMaryville, TN (December 15, 2009) – 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 revolutionized bar business last month 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 $5.00.0709 BarMenu inside Image

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

Mike Cohen, Ackermann PR
mcohen@ackermannpr.com
(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.

Ruby Tuesday launches Sunday brunch nationwide

Posted by Shane Rhyne – December 9, 2009

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Maryville, TN (December 9, 2009) – With its nationwide launch of Sunday brunch, Ruby Tuesday is reintroducing its guests to a nearly forgotten classic: unhurried get-togethers and conversation with family and friends around the dining table. The new brunch menu offers a four-course meal from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to allow plenty of additional time to reconnect at the end of a busy week or the start of a new one.

Sandy Beall, the founder and CEO of Ruby Tuesday, says “We are reviving this once-common meal occasion in our restaurants because we believe our guests appreciate and value their time with family and friends. This is a way to give them something special during slower-paced Sundays, with classic and contemporary brunch dishes served with gracious hospitality.” Research supports Beall’s belief that brunch is growing in popularity. According to a recent study conducted by market-research firm NPD Group, brunch traffic was up 8% during the first eight months of this year compared to the same period in 2008.

The four-course brunch at Ruby’s begins with made-from-scratch biscuits, served warm, followedRubys Mini Benedicts by the guest’s choice of a fresh yogurt parfait with blackberry topping and crunchy granola or the signature Fresh Garden Bar. “Ruby Tuesday is all about variety, so we’ve made sure our guests have plenty of choices for their third-course entrée,” says Kimberly Grant, Ruby Tuesday’s Executive Vice President. Selections include Ruby’s Mini Benedicts with steak (pictured at right), salmon, Southern fried chicken or crab cakes, breakfast quesadillas, steak and eggs, specialty omelets, and fruit-filled crepes. To complete the delicious meal, each guest receives two freshly baked gourmet mini chocolate chip cookies. “Our executive chef, Peter Glander, and his team have spent countless hours working to perfect this menu. We are pleased with the positive response from our guests and will continue to explore new ways to incorporate bold flavors and create family favorites,” adds Grant.

During the month of November, Ruby Tuesday offered Sunday brunch until noon at participating locations. “The positive response was overwhelming – so much so that we chose to extend our brunch hours until three o’clock in the afternoon to allow more guests to take advantage of this great menu,” says Beall.

A leading brand in the casual dining segment, Ruby Tuesday owns, operates and franchises nearly 900 restaurants in the United States and around the world. Beall says the company has always been passionate about great food and gracious hospitality. “Our commitment to quality has stayed constant. The brunch menu is an extension of that and widens the gap between us and the rest of the ‘frozen bar & grill’ pack.”

Sunday brunch at Ruby Tuesday is reflected in the brand’s positioning, “Fresh Taste, Fresh Place”. In 2007, the company rolled out a remodeling program nationwide that transformed the interior and exterior of the restaurant buildings. “Our updated look and feel is an important part of our determination to consistently provide a high-quality casual dining experience that our guests will remember,” says Beall.

Sunday brunch is now available in most Ruby Tuesday restaurants nationwide, while select locations are offering brunch on Saturday as well. As a special offering, all locations that currently serve brunch will be open for holiday brunch service on New Years Day.

For more information about Ruby Tuesday’s new brunch menu, please visit us at www.rubytuesday.com or on Facebook at www.facebook/rubytuesday.

Media contact

Amelia Daniels
(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.

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

Source: Ruby Tuesday, Inc.