Ruby Tuesday, Inc. Reports Profitable Second Quarter and Third Consecutive Quarter of Positive Same-Restaurant Guest Traffic

This compares to a loss of $0.73 per diluted share on a net loss of $37.4 million for the second quarter of the prior year. Included in the second quarter fiscal 2009 loss were pretax charges of $56.1 million, or $0.71 per diluted share after tax for restructuring the Company's property portfolio and the write-off of its goodwill.

Same-restaurant sales at Company-operated restaurants declined 1.7% and those for domestic franchised restaurants decreased 4.7% in the second quarter compared to the same quarter of the prior year. Second quarter same-restaurant guest traffic at Company-owned restaurants increased year-over-year, continuing the positive momentum of the prior two quarters.

Sandy Beall, Founder and CEO, commented on the results, saying, 'In an environment that remains challenging, we are pleased that the momentum we established over the prior several quarters through our marketing strategies, cost savings initiatives, and store-level operations continued in the second quarter and is resulting in a stronger business, substantial free cash flow, and significant debt reduction. Highlights from our second quarter results include:

• Same-restaurant sales were down 1.7%;

• Same-restaurant guest traffic was up 1.8%, the third consecutive quarter of year-to-year increases;

• Debt was reduced another $21 million during the quarter, bringing the year-to-date total reduction to $128 million.

'As we enter the second half of our fiscal year, we continue to make solid progress on the goals that we outlined at the beginning of the year. Our first objective is to get guests in seats. We have increased restaurant traffic which ultimately should lead to increased sales. The focus on our second goal, maximizing cash flow and reducing debt, has resulted in a stronger balance sheet. We have paid down approximately $240 million of debt over the past 18 months, closed underperforming restaurants, and focused on reducing costs without affecting the guest experience. Our third goal is to further strengthen and differentiate our brand through quality and by remaining true to our core operating strategies: Uncompromising Freshness and Quality; Gracious Hospitality; a Fresh Taste, Fresh Place ; and Compelling Value. To meet these objectives, we debuted a new menu in November featuring a number of new items including several lobster offerings, a variety of premium salads that complement our Garden Bar, and a new quesadilla category. A special 4-course Sunday brunch menu was also introduced that, along with other actions, further differentiates the Ruby Tuesday brand. We are confident in these strategies and will continue to focus on them.'

Other highlights for the 13-week second quarter included:

• Total revenue decreased 5.6% from the same period of the prior year primarily because of 43 fewer restaurants in operation and the decrease in same-restaurant sales.

• The Company did not open or close any restaurants during the quarter.

• Domestic and international franchisees opened three and closed three restaurants.

• Sales at domestic and international franchise Ruby Tuesday restaurants (which is the basis for determining royalty fees included in franchise revenue on the Company's statement of operations) totaled $88.5 million and $90.7 million for the second quarters of fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively.

• Total capital expenditures were $6.0 million.

• The Company had approximately 64 million shares of common stock outstanding at the end of the quarter.

Fiscal Year 2010 Guidance

• New restaurant development - No new Company-owned Ruby Tuesday restaurants will be opened and 12-13 are projected to close in the second half of fiscal 2010 as part of our previously announced plan to close 30 restaurants over time when their leases expire. We project our franchisees will open 3 restaurants in the second half, 1 of which will be international.

• Same-restaurant sales - We estimate same-restaurant sales for the year for Company-owned restaurants will be in the range of down 1% to 3%.

• Restaurant operating margins are anticipated to be down primarily reflecting the impact of our marketing strategy of emphasizing Compelling Value on food costs as a percentage of sales and some loss of leverage from the anticipated decline in same-restaurant sales. The cost of comparable food products is expected to remain favorable compared with the prior year.

• Other expenses - Depreciation is projected in the $62-65 million range and selling, general, and administrative expenses are targeted to be down approximately 10% from a year earlier. Interest expense is projected to be $16-18 million and the tax rate is estimated to be 10-20%. Fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding are estimated to be approximately 62 million for the year.

• Diluted earnings per share for the year are projected to be in the $0.50-0.60 range.

• Debt pay down is estimated to total $178-188 million for the full year.

• Capital expenditures for the year are estimated to be $18-20 million.

In closing, Mr. Beall said, 'We are pleased with our second quarter results, given the uncertain economic and industry environment, and our ability to lower our cost structure and generate substantial free cash flow. Thanks to the hard work of our teams, we have more guests coming in to our restaurants and experiencing our fresh food, gracious hospitality, and fresh new look. We will continue to focus on operating great restaurants and executing on our mission: to consistently deliver a memorable, high quality casual dining experience with compelling value.'

Ruby Tuesday, Inc. has Company-owned and/or franchise Ruby Tuesday brand restaurants in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and 14 foreign countries.

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

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