Ruby Tuesday opens in Starkvile

Matthew Allen
The Reflector

Nearly 35 years after Mick Jagger said goodbye to "Ruby Tuesday," Ruby Tuesday came to Starkville. Ruby Tuesday, a popular restaurant chain named after the1967 Rolling Stones hit, will make its grand opening Wednesday on U.S. Highway 12.

"We're happy to be in Starkville," managing partner Scott Rodi said. "I think it's a great opportunity for everyone."

Construction began in March, with a site chosen on U.S. Highway 12, near Foodmax. According to Rodi, Starkville has a lot to offer the global corporation.

"They (Ruby Tuesday) think it's a good market," Rodi said. "Starkville is classified as a secondary market with a population of 40,000 or less."

Rodi also said that Starkville's reputation for being an emphatic college town further influenced the company's decision to break ground here.

With six months of construction behind, Ruby Tuesday can now focus on its main purpose‹feeding the Golden Triangle. While the international chain may not have a unique local appeal, Rodi insists that the menu will not leave anybody feeling empty.

"The main item is our awesome salad bar," Rodi said. "It's got eight types of prepared salads, fresh fruit, pastas and nuts. And everything is made fresh every day."

Of course, the menu is not strictly herbivorous.

"Our best seller is the smothered steak," Rodi said. "It's a 10-ounce sirloin with sauteed mushrooms and alfredo sauce."

But if more chuck for the buck is in demand, try the Colossal Burger. "It's two 8-ounce beef patties served with fries," Rodi said. "I've only seen two or three people actually finish the whole thing, and they were pretty big guys."

Among the more diverse entrees at Ruby Tuesday is the Ultimate Tuesday Platter, which includes ribs, fried shrimp, steak skewers and chicken tenders.

"Our most popular appetizer is the super sampler," Rodi said. "It has potato skins, fried cheese sticks and chicken tenders."

Another item on the appetizer menu is the spinach con queso, served with spicy cheese dip and tortilla chips. As for desserts, Ruby Tuesday has a few outlets for that insatiable British sweet tooth.

"Our staple dessert is the blondie," Rodi said. "It's like a chocolate chip caramel brownie, but I really can't describe it. You'd have to see it for yourself." The dessert menu also includes chocolate and strawberry tall cakes that are big enough for two people.

Ruby Tuesday in Starkville is operated by a staff of 88 employees and five managers. Although Ruby Tuesday has a full roster, Rodi said that he and his colleagues are "always looking for good people."