Businessweek

Ruby Tuesday, Inc. owns, operates, and franchises the Ruby Tuesday casual dining restaurant chain. As of June 5, 2012, the company had 29 Ruby Tuesday concept franchisees, consisted of 11 traditional domestic and 18 traditional international franchisees. Of these franchisees, it has signed agreements for the development of new franchised Ruby Tuesday restaurants with three traditional domestic and seven traditional international franchisees. The 7 international franchisees held rights to develop Ruby Tuesday restaurants in 27 countries. As of June 5, 2012, the company owned and operated 714 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, and franchised 79 Ruby Tuesday restaurants. Its traditional franchisees operated 36 domestic and 43 international Ruby Tuesday restaurants. Ruby Tuesday restaurants could be found in 45 states, the District of Columbia, 12 foreign countries, and Guam. The company-owned and operated restaurants are concentrated primarily in the southeast, northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest of the United States, which it considers to be its core markets. The company also owns, operates, and in some cases, franchises the Lime Fresh Mexican Grill (Lime Fresh) fast casual restaurant chain, and Marlin & Ray’s and Wok-Hay casual dining restaurant concepts. It also operates Truffles restaurants pursuant to a license agreement. As of June 5, 2012, there were 13 company-owned and operated Lime Fresh restaurants; 11 company-owned and operated Marlin & Ray’s restaurants; 2 company-owned and operated Truffles restaurants; and 1 company-owned and operated Wok-Hay restaurant. In addition, there were four Lime Fresh restaurants operated by domestic franchisees. Ruby Tuesday restaurants serve American food with various steaks, fresh chicken, crab cakes, lobster, salmon, tilapia, fork-tender ribs, appetizers, and handcrafted burgers, in addition to a garden bar, which offers approximately 35 items. Burger choices include such items as beef, turkey, and chicken. It also offers RubyTueGo curbside service and a delivered-meals catering program for businesses, organizations, and group events at both company-owned and franchised restaurants. Strategies The company’s business strategy includes uncompromising freshness and quality; gracious hospitality; and compelling value. Agreements The company has a licensing agreement with LFMG International, LLC, which allows the company to operate multiple restaurants under the Lime Fresh name. Trade and Service Marks The company and its affiliates have registered certain trade and service marks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, including the name ‘Ruby Tuesday’. Seasonality The company’s business is moderately seasonal. Average restaurant sales of its mall-based restaurants are slightly higher during the winter holiday season. Freestanding restaurant sales are generally higher in the spring and summer months. History Ruby Tuesday, Inc. was founded in 1920.