Ruby Tuesday inks international franchise agreements in Middle East, U.K.

Ruby Tuesday inks franchise contracts abroad

MARYVILLE, Tenn. — Casual dining chain Ruby Tuesday Inc. said Monday it had inked new international franchise agreements in the Middle East and the U.K. for its namesake brand.

The company said it also permitted franchise rights for Wok Hay, an Asian-focused casual dining concept, in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Chile.

Last month, Ruby Tuesday said fiscal first-quarter profit jumped, as cost saving measures kicked in to help offset slower sales.

Shares of the company rose 45 cents, or 7 percent, to $6.89.