Ruby Tuesday Announces Plans for Aggressive International Expansion

Since Ruby Tuesday’s doors first opened in 1972, the brand has been driven by an uncompromising commitment to freshness, quality and friendly hospitality. That dedication has made the brand a strong force in the competitive casual segment—not just domestically, but internationally, too.

Today, Ruby Tuesday boasts more than 600 units and counting. And whether throughout the West Coast or East Coast, in the United States or abroad, Ruby Tuesday’s family-friendly dining, nostalgic brand recognition, and amazing flavors served at an affordable price has become a universal experience. The proof is in the numbers—to date, the brand boasts 42 international and 22 domestic franchisees. And Ruby Tuesday currently has a presence in 15 countries and Guam, including the U.S.

Now, as Ruby Tuesday announces an aggressive effort to further expand its footprint throughout the world, it’s clear that the brand’s dedication to serving communities on a global scale is paying off in a big way—worldwide, the brand’s network of passionate franchisees help to generate more than $103 million in annual sales.

“Ruby Tuesday’s international growth continues at a steady and reliable pace—and there’s tremendous opportunity for more,” said James Vitrano, General Counsel and Vice President Global Franchise DevOp for Ruby Tuesday. “We are excited to continue adding new development to both new and existing territories. This growth proves that there continues to be a high level of confidence in the brand and its performance on an international level, and we’re excited to bring this beloved American brand to more customers than ever before.”

With restaurants throughout Canada, Chile, Iceland, Kuwait, Panama, Egypt, Romania, Saudi Arabia, El Salvador, UAE, Oman, Trinidad, Guam, Honduras and Hong Kong, Ruby Tuesday’s time-tested model is already seeing strong growth on an international scale. This is due, in large part, to Ruby Tuesday’s long-standing heritage as a casual, affordable, energetic and approachable brand. This positioning has made the brand more broadly appealing and appropriate for a wider variety of dining occasions and guests—whether they’re in the U.S., Hawaii, Kuwait or beyond.

As Ruby Tuesday continues to explore new international franchise opportunities, it does so by utilizing a unique Global Growth Strategy. Designed to make its international franchisees as successful as possible, the brand leverages its existing presence throughout the world by tapping into experienced restaurant operators to help lead a more streamlined and supported approach to operations. This gives incoming franchisees a designated leadership team that’s always local and always available.

Nowhere is the success of this strategy more evident than in Ruby Tuesday’s growth throughout the Middle East. The brand recently decided to tap into some of the key players of International F+B business to become even more successful on an international scale. In early 2017, Ruby Tuesday announced that its Middle Eastern presence will be operating under the umbrella of Gourmania International. With its vast and lengthy experience in operating some of Kuwait’s most successful and well-loved restaurants, Gourmania has become one of the largest and most accomplished restaurant operations in the Middle East. Now, it will serve as a key ambassador and localized support system for Ruby Tuesday restaurants throughout the region.

As Ruby Tuesday continues to heavily target areas like South America and Hong Kong for growth, this new development in the Middle East is just the first of many important franchise deals in the pipeline for the brand. 

“We are thrilled about these new opportunities and the international expansion of the Ruby Tuesday brand,” said Vitrano. “Our international franchising program offers us the opportunity to add significant value to our shareholders as we establish new international locations in broad geographic territories throughout the world. And we believe that by implementing this important Global Growth Strategy, we can ensure that each of the franchisees who choose to grow with us internationally will have the same unparalleled support and service found at our headquarters in the U.S. Our growing network of international franchisees is a testament to that.”