Seasoned industry leaders will expand best practices and help grow sales for the casual dining brand

Today, Ruby Tuesday will welcome two new members to the executive team with the promotion of George Evans to chief operating officer and the appointment of Kathy Buckley as chief financial officer. With a combined 55 years of retail and restaurant experience, Evans and Buckley will serve as instrumental leaders on the Ruby Tuesday team.

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Ruby Tuesday promotes George Evans to chief operating officer. (Photo: Business Wire)

“We are pleased to announce the addition of George and Kathy to the Ruby Tuesday team,” said Shawn Lederman, chief executive officer for Ruby Tuesday. “They both have tremendous experience in the restaurant industry and will be invaluable assets as we continue to strengthen our operations and drive the long-term profitability of Ruby Tuesday.”

Evans brings 30 years of restaurant operations experience to his new role as chief operating officer where he will tap into his prior experience successfully driving same store sales and developing strong teams. Evans started with Ruby Tuesday in 1991 as a training manager before he grew into a multi-unit operator role, and later a regional director. In 2000, Evans left Ruby Tuesday to become a partner and vice president of operations for Specialty Restaurant Group, followed by time at P.F. Chang’s. Evans rejoined the Ruby Tuesday family in 2007, moving up the ranks to divisional vice president in 2014 and vice president of operations excellence in 2016. His years of experience in the industry make him a great addition to the executive team. Evans is a graduate of James Madison University’s College of Business.

Buckley brings more than 35 years of finance experience to Ruby Tuesday with the majority of her career in retail and restaurant industries, including Bruegger’s Bagels, The Rug Doctor and RadioShack. In her new role as chief financial officer at Ruby Tuesday, Buckley will utilize her passion for driving EBITDA results and provide direction on financial planning, analysis and treasury, in addition to managing all aspects of accounting. Buckley received her undergraduate degree from Saint Bonaventure University in New York and obtained her master’s degree in business administration from Michigan State University’s Eli Broad Graduate School of Management.

“The addition of these two industry veterans will ensure well executed plans and the knowledge to help Ruby Tuesday elevate above the casual dining category,” added Lederman.

About Ruby Tuesday

Founded in 1972 in Knoxville, Tennessee, Ruby Tuesday, is dedicated to delighting guests with exceptional casual dining experiences that offer uncompromising quality paired with passionate service every time they visit. The company currently owns, operates and franchises casual dining restaurants in the United States, Guam, and five foreign countries under the Ruby Tuesday® brand. For more information, visit www.rubytuesday.com.

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