Experienced Restaurateur Finds Success Running His Own Business as a Ruby Tuesday Franchisee

Johnnie Giovengo has always played an active role in his New Mexico community. Even after moving from his hometown of Loving to Las Cruces for college, he made an effort to dive into the town and wound up falling in love with the area. That’s why he decided to break into the restaurant industry—it allowed him to give back to the people around him.

From his early 20s on, Giovengo knew that he wanted to run his own business. So after working at a popular local shop called Red Mountain Café as a caterer and then manager, he eventually took on the role of handling the restaurant’s day-to-day operations. After growing the café into a local empire, Giovengo decided to sell Red Mountain in order to embark out on his own as an entrepreneur. Not wanting to be completely alone throughout the entire process, Giovengo decided to franchise with a proven brand that he knew and trusted: Ruby Tuesday.

 “Operating under the Ruby Tuesday umbrella gave me the opportunity to have the support and backing of a strong corporate team. While I definitely brought restaurant experience to the table, it’s nice to know that there’s a support system behind me,” said Giovengo. “Today, 10 years later, I couldn’t be happier with my decision. Business is booming, and Ruby Tuesday has become an integral part of the Las Cruces community.” 

To say that Giovengo’s restaurant is performing well would be an understatement. In fact, his Las Cruces location has become a successful Ruby Tuesday’s restaurant. Giovengo says that’s because of the brand’s close relationship with the people and customers in its community.

“It’s an amazing accomplishment to become a successful single-unit franchisee for Ruby Tuesday’s, and it’s all because of this community that’s opened their arms to us,” said Giovengo. “I’ve made it a point to ensure that this restaurant gives back to the people of Las Cruces. And that’s made all the difference. The community here has a special relationship with the Ruby Tuesday brand. Customers know that when they dine at with us, they’re going to receive top quality food at an affordable price that’s served with a smile.”

 Since first opening its doors back in 1972, Ruby Tuesday has positioned itself as an innovator driving the restaurant industry forward. And now, with 20 years of franchising under its belt and more than 600 units nationwide, the brand is positioned for continued growth in communities across the country.

 Through its “Fresh Start Initiative,” Ruby Tuesday is on a mission to capitalize on its strong history while also creating more streamlined operations for its franchisees and a more modern dining experience for its guests. By enhancing fan favorites like the famous Build Your Own Garden Bar and adding new items to its menu, there’s no doubt that 2017 will be a record breaking year for the brand.

 “Over the past 45 years, Ruby Tuesday has created a highly recognizable brand name that’s respected by American consumers. As we continue to enhance our franchise model, our goal is to build on that strong foundation and take our development efforts to the next level,” said James Vitrano, Ruby Tuesday’s vice president of franchise development and operations. “Franchisees like Johnnie are fueling our growth, and ultimately proving that we’re headed in the right direction. We’re looking forward to welcoming even more local owners into our system this year in order to bring Ruby Tuesday’s unrivaled concept to new communities at a rapid rate.”