The company has established franchises in 14 countries outside the US since inception of its international franchising programme less than 10 years ago, and it currently has 36 units in operation in those countries. Europeans have already been introduced to Ruby Tuesday's casual and fun atmosphere, which is created with artefacts and antiques, polished brass, tiffany-style lamps and warm inviting colours, in several locations in Greece, Romania, and Iceland. Guests are also enjoying this rapidly growing casual dining concept in India, Kuwait, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mexico, Chile, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Honduras, Canada, and soon to open in South Korea. Expansion plans now focus on other countries in Europe.

"Ruby Tuesday strives to enhance its brand by focusing on its guests and the options they want in casual dining," reveals Lynn Black, Director of Franchise Sales and Relations. "Whether it is the signature salad bar, shareable appetisers, Colossal burgersTM and gourmet sandwiches, premium baby back ribs, or even the 'To Go' programme, Ruby Tuesday is always on the cutting edge to meet the changing lifestyles and desires of its guests. These guests are the driving force behind the Ruby Tuesday mission: 'To Be The Best Where It Counts.'"

Ruby Tuesday is expanding its international presence by offering franchise opportunities to companies and individuals with the right combination of high standards, dedication to quality and service, operational expertise and the financial resources necessary to fulfill development obligations.

"Our international expansion is a top priority and we are now focusing on European franchising as one of the means to attain our goals," adds Black. "We are interested in developing new franchises in the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany and the Scandinavian countries through one large, well established franchisee in each country, or possibly through several geographically defined developers with the means necessary to establish our presence. Similarly, we are also looking for franchisees to develop our concept in Eastern Europe, the Baltic countries, Spain and France."

In order to continue a firm grounding in the operations of the Ruby Tuesday concept, which was founded in 1972 in Knoxville, Tennessee, the company provides a comprehensive management training programme to the franchisee and his management team, including eight to 10 weeks of on-the-job training in a Ruby Tuesday restaurant, plus training seminars and classes held at its Support Services Headquarters in Maryville, Tennessee.

With more than 700 Ruby Tuesday restaurants in operation in the US, the company has major resources to draw upon to support its international growth. Adds Black: "Ruby Tuesday has proven its appeal, with a broad customer base and successful sites that range from the smallest towns to major metropolitan areas. We have developed a high quality and branded restaurant store concept and are now replicating this in European markets through ambitious franchisees."