Marlin & Ray's Closes its Doors

The Marlin & Ray's chain, including its Bensalem location, has closed its doors as of Wednesday, Jan. 10, so the company can focus more on its Ruby Tuesday brand, according to a Ruby Tuesday, Inc. earnings call.

JJ Buettgen, the president and CEO of Ruby Tuesday Inc. reported a net loss of $15.1 million for the fiscal second quarter, which ended Dec. 4, 2012, and announced the plan to exit Marlin & Ray's, as well as Truffles Grill and Wok Hay concepts. The decision was made so that the company can focus on Ruby Tuesday's sales growth.

"Based on a significant amount of discussion and analysis, and a clear understanding that driving profitable same-restaurant sales at Ruby Tuesday is our first and most critical priority, we have decided to close our 13 Marlin & Ray’s restaurants immediately," said JJ Buettgen, Ruby Tuesday Inc.'s President and CEO. 

"While this was a difficult decision to make, we have determined the Marlin & Ray’s brand is not an optimal conversion vehicle for us going forward." 

Buettgen went on to say that the company appreciates the passion and commitment of the team members of the closed restaurants.

To show its appreciation, the Communications Manager for Ruby Tuesday, Inc. told Bensalem Patch that the company is trying to find other positions for team members of the closed restaurants.

"We are currently working to ensure that team members affected by these closings are given opportunities at Ruby Tuesday or Lime Fresh restaurants," said Meridith Hammond, the Communications Manager for Ruby Tuesday, Inc.

The Bensalem location of the sea-food centric  across from Neshaminy Mall. The building was formerly the home to a Ruby Tuesday, before it closed for business on March 18, to make the transition to Marlin & Ray's.

Though Marlin & Ray's will no longer be open, Hammond explained that if people have unused gift cards to the restaurant, they can be redeemed at any Ruby Tuesday location.