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Ruby Tuesday determined to blow itself up
Unlike some of its casual-dining brethren, Ruby Tuesday figures it's better to burn out than fade away. With that in mind, the chain is planning to destroy one of its restaurants next Tuesday in a glorious, self-defeating explosion that will be broadcast live on its Web site. Technically, the stunt, coordinated by ad agency BooneOakley, is meant to usher in a new beginning for the chain, with an ad campaign tagged “It’s a brand new Tuesday.” But it feels more like a grand statement about the category generally. (Bennigan’s probably regrets closing its locations meekly in the middle of the night instead of sending them sky-high.) Teasers for the Ruby detonation include newspaper ads with copy shaped like a bomb. (With any luck, those ads will not be running anywhere near Boston.) There’s also a countdown clock on the Web site, but it’s only counting in days, hours and seconds—they forgot to include minutes. Our advice: stay away from this detonation site at all costs. —Posted by Tim Nudd |
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"Ruby Tuesdays or: How I Learned to Stop Eating and Love the Bomb"
I'm often surprised that chains like this still exist. They remind me of shopping malls and lunches with Grandma of my childhood. I guess that even though I've moved out, these things still exist, as do ad campaigns like this—to the delight of middle school boys everywhere.
Posted by: Postadvertina/sleeping in my party dress | Jul 30, 2008 2:48:03 PM
I'm torn between 2 comments:
Can't they blow up every location?
and
Why didn't they do this sooner.
Seriously, who eats at Ruby Tuesday?
Posted by: fifi | Jul 30, 2008 7:32:44 PM
I'm not a fan of the restaurant. But I don't think this is a bad idea. It reminds me of the Gap demolition ad but a little more genuine and without the over-the-top scene of the girl at the counter screaming as the camera pushes in. I hate that scene.
Posted by: thatguy | Jul 30, 2008 10:04:57 PM
before you judge go eat there. every time i have i have never been disapointed. I think they have some of the best food for your money. And latley its nice to go and have a dinner with friends and family and have a lot of space.(ya they have a problem fillin tables there,and I dotn know why) but I just think there trying to hard they just need to back off and let there customers decide.(and they could use all this money to pay for better staff and food)
Posted by: JImmy James | Aug 1, 2008 1:34:22 PM
The gf and I have eaten at RT 3 or 4 times this month.
Overall, I would say they have their crap together, and I'm fairly picky.
Posted by: baylink | Aug 3, 2008 10:16:47 AM
I hadn't been to Ruby in years. Some friends took me the other day and I was shocked ...in a good way. It's changed A LOT. People commenting here have obviously not been recently. I think TGIF is doing a good job too spiffing up their image and food. They know if they don't get beeter they will be extinct.
Posted by: quisp2000 | Aug 3, 2008 11:38:00 AM
This is funny...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiB37j_bo4w
Posted by: cinnamon ghost | Aug 3, 2008 11:39:26 AM
Ruby Tuesdays has changed more than it's appearance. They have redecorated each store, and revamped it's menu. With better decor, and better menu options it will be around for a while. This demolition is tearing down the last of the old style resturants. If you haven't been in a few years check them out you will be pleasently suprised.
Posted by: Yvonne | Aug 5, 2008 10:13:06 AM
It really has changed a lot - for the better. It amazes me those who pretend to be to cool to eat out at these types of restaurants. Ruby Tuesday is a nice place to eat even if their marketing sucks.
Posted by: Treadmill | Aug 5, 2008 1:14:34 PM
i watched them blow it up online and they blew up a cheekys next to it!!!!
Posted by: bob | Aug 5, 2008 6:04:15 PM
Had they really blown up their own restaurant it would have been something spectacular. The fact that this was a hokey stunt where they blew up the store next to them can only lead to one conclusion. They aren't changing a thing...
Posted by: jethro | Aug 7, 2008 4:00:01 PM
