Ruby Tuesday Closes Its Doors

Cartersville lost one of its few national-chain eateries with the close of business Sunday. Considered under-performing, the corporate-owned "prepped" and served its last endless salad bar.

Spokesman Meridith Hammond said it was one of about 25 restaurants slated to close as the company shifts focus to new brands, advertising and cost savings amid declining sales.

"The promotional environment continues to be very competitive and over the past several quarters, we have not competed well with the heavy television advertising levels of our peers," founder, chairman and CEO Sandy Beall said in a press release.

Hammond said "almost all" of the 35 to 45 people the Cartersville restaurant employed—both full- and part-time workers—were transferred to neighboring Ruby Tuesday's. 

In 2003, the local eatery opened near in a new building sandwiched between existing businesses, accessible only from parking lot and not visible from major traffic corridors.

Now, the nearest Ruby Tuesday restaurants are in Calhoun, Woodstock and at Town Center Mall, according to the company's website.

As key sales across all company-owned restaurants continue to drop, the Tennessee corporation is looking to new brands that "align well with the Ruby Tuesday focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients," such as Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, which it recently acquired, and Marlin & Ray's seafood.

What did you think of the Cartersville Ruby Tuesday? Why do you think it failed to perform well? Tell us in the comments.

Last week, downtown's shuttered and in January due to poor performance.

"Wall Street Cafe closed it's doors at 3 p.m. today for the last time," owner Jeff Chisolm posted April 28 on the the cafe's Facebook page. "Yes it's a shock to many, including myself, as I saw so much potential in the place. But, you cannot hold a gun to people's heads and force them to eat with you. We had our great days, good days, then many just down right horrible days that killed us.

"I will miss all the regulars that came in to see us and support us. I will miss playing with all that food and handing out samples to those willing to try. What I won't miss are those sleepless nights wondering why we only had 20 people with us on any given day. Thank you Cartersville and all you regulars for your generous support. I will greatly miss you guys."