Ruby Tuesdays--What a Disappointment!

OK--so my expectations were not terribly high to begin with. I was never a huge fan of Ruby Tuesday's. I'd say it has been at least a year (maybe more)since I have been to one. We just returned from our dining experience at RT. It seems the atmosphere (and quality) are nothing like I remember.

My husband ordered the triple prime burger. It looked nothing at all like the picture and didn't taste any different from my son's regular burger. It was dry and shrivelled up. We both doubted if it was the right burger. I had the ribs which were dry and only about half the rack had bbq sauce on them. I would have asked for more sauce, but our server was nowhere to be found.

We are the type of people who don't complain about what is served to us, which is why we didn't make a big deal about it. We usually chalk a rare bad dining experience up to an off-night. But I stewed about how many things were bad during our visit.

But the one thing that *really* bothered me was that the table next to us hadn't been bussed from the time we sat down until we were done with our entrees. In fact, when our server cleared our appetizer plates and first round of drinks, he simply added them to the pile of dirty dishes on that table! It was appaling to have to sit and look at that mess while eating.

The real shocker came at dessert. The reason for our visit was my daughter's 8th birthday (she is the one who chose RT). We ordered dessert and my husband slipped away to request Happy Birthday to be sung. he was told by the manager, "we don't do that anymore." Has RT become so sophisticated that they cannot help their guests celebrate a birthday? I have never been to a restaurant--chain or not--that didn't make a fuss over a guest's birthday.

We were disappointed with the food, overall service, and pretentious atmosphere. Once a restaurant does away with serving ketchup in bottles and instead give you a little ceramic ramekin with a Tbsp of ketchup in it, you know they are trying to take things to the next level.

Unfortunately, RT has a long way to go...

WOW, what a diaster, sorry to hear that your experience was so bad.

MikeS.

I am no fan of Ruby Tuesday's, but I have always thought it was a step up from Applebee's and Friday's. Sorry to hear you had such a disappointing meal. Hopefully, it didn't ruin your daughter's birthday!

I feel the same way about Ruby Tuesday's. I feel it all started when they went to the burger menu. They had 30 different burgers and got rid of the menu items we really enjoyed. But it seem's they are getting away from that now too.

Now they are trying to set themselves apart from the Applebee's, Chili's and TGIF's. This is an article on their new store.

http://www.thedailytimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070219/NEWS/702190303&SearchID=73274729963643

I remember trying Ruby Tuesday's in the early 90's in Augusta GA when I lived there and it is nothing like it was then.

We're not Ruby Tues fans here either. I saw ants on the salad bar at the one on Princess Anne Rd here in Va Beach...yuck!!

My experience with Ruby Tuesday is similar to those with Fridays, Chili's, Bennigans, Outback, Applebee's, Red Lobster and other chains--it's all a matter of management. I've had good and bad experiences at all the non fast food chains. I seem to have the best luck with Fridays, and even joined their "club," but I've been to a few that were too noisy for my taste.
Sorry to hear about your experience, and it's sad that in some towns in the country, all they have to choose from are the chains.

I have to hold up for RT's. They definately have one of the best salad bars and I have not experienced what is described above.

I personally enjoy their menu and I have never experienced what has been described. Their first class burgers are a bit expensive but the taste is there.

Their blue cheese dressing is outstanding.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

I usually enjoy my dining experiences at RT. I like the white chicken chili with the salad bar.

However, I did prefer the old menu to the new one. And I regretted when they tried to get so healthy on us that they stopped serving the broccoli, bacon, cheese salad on the bar. It has since returned.

quote:

My experience with Ruby Tuesday is similar to those with Fridays, Chili's, Bennigans, Outback, Applebee's, Red Lobster and other chains--it's all a matter of management.

Spot on here. Chain restaurants start with a standard concept, menu and atmosphere. Whether it works or not is all due to the management. Good management = good experience. Bad management = Hell.

I used to be a big fan of Outback, but my business travels have taken me into an area where the local Outback is quite mismanaged, with employees that have no idea about customer service and the quality control on the food is awful.

This seems to happen more frequently as chains overexpand, which is why chains meet with such disdain on this website.

Not to beat a dead horse, but here my photo of the triple prime when it first came out.......
Scroll and ye shall see.

http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14497#271268

However, I do enjoy their baby back ribs.
And my Benjy did also, until his passing back in November.

The Ruby Tuesday's in my little town is superb........always! Of course I live in the town that RT's is headquartered. It's always a step above any other RT's I've been in.

I don't care so much for the changes that they're making, but time will tell.

Lots of places won't sing Happy Birthday anymore. Cracker Barrel, Olive Garden, RT's.....I don't get it, but that never stopped us from singing and usually getting lots of other customers to join in.

Thanks for the article, JaJarino 68! That explains the differences I experienced. I knew it was not the same place I had been to before.

That's my point--if I want to enjoy a casual dining spot, that's when I will turn to a chain. If I want upscale, I don't go to a chain. Central NJ has many wonderful upscale independent restaurants that we visit. That's not what we were looking for that particular night with my 8 year old.

When you visit a chain, you have certain expectations.

Thanks for everyone's replies--I enjoyed reading!

quote:

Originally posted by CookinKat
I don't care so much for the changes that they're making, but time will tell.

Was in RT's Dayton (OH) Mall location Monday. They were seating everyone in the bar area. Staff was spending most of their time taking the old "art" off the restaurant walls. Bartender/server was so embarrassed that he apologized. "We're not closing," he said. "Just getting ready to remodel." Seems they don't have a start date for the remodel. Yet the manager was letting the staff strip whatever they wanted off the walls now. Never a good sign. Reminds me of the whole Bill Knapp's "This is WOW!" reimage.

The original post seems familar as I believe I have seem same on planetfeedback.com. I think so...

When someone suggests that by switching from bottles of catsup on the table to small containers of the stuff a place is becomning pretentious, well, I stop paying attention to what is is they have to say.

I believe you are mistaken--this was the only place I posted my story. It was shortly after we returned from RT. Maybe someone else had a similar experience you read about.

Michael--I am sorry my comment made you tune me out. I thought this was a place where people discuss things like this. The ketchup comment was just a side observation. Had you read my whole post, you would have realized my major concern was the table next to me not being bussed, the quality of the food, thier refusal to celebrate my little girl's birthday, etc. It just struck me as odd that a chain restaurant would think removing ketchup bottles could make them more upscale.

I thought this posting site was fairly friendly and supportive. I guess I will think twice now before I post something. Maybe I am more sensitive than I thought, because your post really hurt.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Hoffman

When someone suggests that by switching from bottles of catsup on the table to small containers of the stuff a place is becomning pretentious, well, I stop paying attention to what is is they have to say.

quote:

Originally posted by AngelaNJ

I thought this posting site was fairly friendly and supportive. I guess I will think twice now before I post something. Maybe I am more sensitive than I thought, because your post really hurt.

Angela, we have had a recent history of some clown posting odd comments about ketchup and ketchup bottles, so some folks may be a bit suspicious when the "k" word is used. Don't give up on us just yet.

The catsup kid had nothing to do with my post. Claims of pretentiousness did.

Hello All,
Angela, welcome to the family and community. Believe it or not, everyone's words
and feelings are welcomed here. We just banter about and try not to be mean or hold grudges.
When we are mean or are perceived to be mean, we explain or apologize. And we often delete.
This is a place to witness how human we all are. We are all trying to give, but when we give
our voices can be lost in the plain written word.
Now, as far as Ruby Tuesdays, I've always had good times at the ones I've visited.
But, I usually consume mass amounts of beer when I am there.
Honestly, they could lower their prices, but they seem to be catering toward a more
upper-class people. The ketchup or catsup in little bowls is an example of giving common condiments
to "special people" in a delicate, unique way, which also probably cost them more money.
They and we believe in illusions. Ketchup in a bottle or a small bowl is ketchup, but it and we are
more special when it is served in a small bowl. There are some of us who think this is silly.
I just want the condiment, not worrying how it is served. If I use up their serving, I ask for more.
Ah Well,
Take Care,
Fieldthistle

Ketchup comes in a big servicepak can for the food industry. Maybe some bean counter thought that even with the added cost of washing another dish, they'd still be ahead if they ditched the bottle.
AngelaNJ welcome to Roadfood.

A nasty post and two others whose only offense was quoting the nasty one, have been deleted. Some people need to learn when it is time to turn off the computer.

Dear Tony (and others who have responded),

Thanks for the nice note and for restoring my faith. I really have enjoyed reading the boards the past few months and having made a few posts myself, as a newbie.

I'd have to say for the most part, this is a great group of people and I so enjoy reading all the topics. I will definitely stick around for awhile

Angela

quote:

Originally posted by Fieldthistle

Hello All,
Angela, welcome to the family and community. Believe it or not, everyone's words
and feelings are welcomed here. We just banter about and try not to be mean or hold grudges.
When we are mean or are perceived to be mean, we explain or apologize. And we often delete.
This is a place to witness how human we all are. We are all trying to give, but when we give
our voices can be lost in the plain written word.
Now, as far as Ruby Tuesdays, I've always had good times at the ones I've visited.
But, I usually consume mass amounts of beer when I am there.
Honestly, they could lower their prices, but they seem to be catering toward a more
upper-class people. The ketchup or catsup in little bowls is an example of giving common condiments
to "special people" in a delicate, unique way, which also probably cost them more money.
They and we believe in illusions. Ketchup in a bottle or a small bowl is ketchup, but it and we are
more special when it is served in a small bowl. There are some of us who think this is silly.
I just want the condiment, not worrying how it is served. If I use up their serving, I ask for more.
Ah Well,
Take Care,
Fieldthistle

Mr. Fieldthistle,

How wise you are. Thank you for your kind and insightful words.

Angela, hope you will take heart, keep it all with a grain of salt, as all of our perceptions are subjective. Come back and post more often.

It appears that the nearest RT's is in Woodland, CA, about 15 miles west of Sacramento, so, living east of SAC, I have not been.

I could go on and on, about my mixed feelings, about eating at chains and fast food, but this has been discussed, ad nauseum. it has it's ups and downs.

Anyway, Angela, keep posting and I hope the Nor'easter coming up your way is not too bad, and that you and your family are safe and sound.

From a girl (?) raised near Flemington, and now living in CA, due to the USAF!

Cheers, Jersey, "garden state" girl!

It appears Ruby T may not be long for this world. They could declare bankruptcy next month if they are unable to reschedule payments on their loans it was reported this week.

quote:

Originally posted by Earl of Sandwich

It appears Ruby T may not be long for this world. They could declare bankruptcy next month if they are unable to reschedule payments on their loans it was reported this week.

You are correct as they have issues. They believe they can work through them but then agaion, that is what they all say. I wish them luck.

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/mar/06/more-time-for-ruby-tuesdays/

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Dang, I love their triple prime burger, and salad bar, nice atmosphere too!

Bob and I used to love to go the RT back in the 80s-they had french onion soup on the menu, and awesome nachos.They closed here in the Milw.area shortly thereafter.Bob then found them elsewhere in the country and really enjoyed the burgers.Recently, one opened near our home and we were elated.While I enjoyed the salad bar( nothing out of the ordinary, but fresh nonetheless) and the peppercorn steak I had, I was disappointed that they no longer had my favorite french onion soup.Also, at a previous meal, I had their ribs and they were horrible.We go there on occasion because my cousin thinks its a great place-and we enjoy breaking bread with him.But I miss the Ruby Tuesdays of old...

It is so upsetting to see great independent operators competing with the likes of Ruby Tuesdays and Applebee's (one of the absolute worst chains ever crated) How Tyler Florence is associated with them, even for a buck, is beyond me.

Have we all become sheep, who just follow each other out of convenience. They benefit from name recognition, but why? Even if you happen to find one who uses good quality materials, their corporate baggage still ruins the dining expereince. Try getting Chili's to make you a medium rare burger.

There are still great indy places in all of our towns. We all need to support them. There should be no real surprises when you have a lousy meal at a place like Ruby Tuesdays. It's to be expected. Ditto Applebee's and most others. The few exceptions including Houstons's and JP Alexander's.