Another Ruby Tuesday's Closing Breaks My Heart

I originally posted this piece in June 2011 when the Acworth Ruby Tuesday's unexpectedly closed. So then my family and I, even though we live in Acworth, found the Cartersville one - which we've gone to almost every other week since then. 

Imagine my shock when last weekend we attempted another dinner at Ruby's in Cartersville... and it was closed. Here are my honest thoughts about how Corporate America plays fast and loose with consumer's hearts:

Shocking, unexpected closure of Acworth Ruby Tuesdays

I’ve been an Acworthian for the past ten years. Shortly after marrying my husband, Steve, we decided to institute a weekly date night. Before too long we landed at Ruby Tuesdays for our Friday night getaway from the kids (we have 7 boys between us) and our daily, overwhelming responsibilities.

Ruby Tuesdays has provided us with a respite from the world. I’ve tried other restaurants and not come close to giving us the cheaper, yet wonderful, restful dining experience. In the past decade Ruby’s has become our family’s birthday celebrating, anniversary going, default restaurant. For us it was like Cheers, they always knew our name and normal order. Our wonderful waiter, Mark, would bring our wine to the table when he saw us walk through the door.

Imagine my extreme dismay when I drove into the parking lot, after anticipating all day long, the restful conversation and great meal I’d be having with my sweetheart, Steve.

IT WAS TOTALLY GONE. Everything was dismantled. Even the exterior was being stripped. The workers said that they were converting it to some type of seafood restaurant.

I don’t want a seafood restaurant. I want my regular Friday night. I want Ruby Tuesdays.

The workers said I could go to Town Center Mall and go to the other Ruby’s that’s there. IT’S NOT EVEN CLOSE PEOPLE. 

I hate to rant, but my feeling of grief and loss is so great. Here’s my message to the economy. QUIT MESSING WITH MY WORLD. First it was Blockbuster, then Borders, Hollywood Video, Goody’s, Circuit City, and Banana Republic. This week I read in the Wall Street Journal that in 2012 Sears, Penny’s and A & W are on the economic chopping block. I used to work as a carhop in a small town Wisconsin A & W and will never forget the taste of root beer from a frosty mug.

They have grief counseling for loss of job, loss of pets and loss of spouses. What about losing your favorite place to shop or have a date with your spouse? Do you know any retail grief counselors? Have them call me. Today would be good.