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Mebane’s Ruby Tuesday location remains open after the restaurant chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this week.
Ruby Tuesday in Mebane, NC
Times-News
MapQuest, Times-News
Despite some closures, the company hopes to use debt-cutting to improve its financial position and stay in business.
CEO Shawn Lederman said in a court filing the company has permanently closed 185 restaurants that had shut their doors during the coronavirus pandemic. That leaves the chain with 236 company-owned and operated locations, including the location in Mebane, as well as an undisclosed number of locations run by 10 franchisee groups.
"We do not anticipate any additional restaurant closures at this time," Ruby Tuesday Chief Marketing Officer Jenifer Boyd Harmon said in an emailed statement. "We remain committed to providing our guests with safe, quality experiences at all our current locations."
“This announcement does not mean ‘Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday,'" Lederman said in a statement Wednesday. "Today’s actions will allow us an opportunity to reposition the company for long-term stability as we recover from the unprecedented impact of COVID-19."
Alongside other food retailers, Ruby Tuesday has been affected by the COVID-19 crisis, during which sit-down dining restaurants in North Carolina were closed for roughly two months and have had limited seating capacity since.
The company, which relied on sit-down dining for more than 90% of its sales, was not able to adapt quickly enough to the pandemic despite moves to expand delivery and takeout, launch "virtual kitchens," and sell raw food through its website.
Ruby Tuesday traces its roots back to its founding in Knoxville, Tenn., in 1972 near the University of Tennessee. The company specializes in ribs, steaks, seafood, chicken, appetizers and a garden bar. Based in Maryville, Tenn., the company has about 7,300 employees, including 7,000 who have been temporarily furloughed.
USA TODAY reporter Nathan Bomey contributed to this story.
