Ruby Tuesday names Mike Ellis chief development officerRuby Tuesday names Mike Ellis chief development officer

Ruby Tuesday Inc. on Monday named Mike Ellis its new chief development officer, giving the longtime industry veteran oversight over the casual-dining chain’s growth.

Ellis has more than 30 years of restaurant industry experience, and most recently was the chief development officer at Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc. At Ruby Tuesday, he will oversee all aspects of development, including company and franchise growth.

“Mike’s significant development experience coupled with his deep knowledge of the restaurant industry makes him uniquely qualified to help lead the expansion of the brand in new and existing markets,” JJ Buettgen, Ruby Tuesday CEO, said in a statement. “He is a proven development leader who has successfully achieved significant growth for a wide range of national restaurant concepts and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Ruby Tuesday management team.”

Before Einstein, Ellis had been the chief development officer with O’Charley’s, and also has experience with BP Products North America, Carlson Restaurants, Burger King, Darden Restaurants Inc., and DF&R Restaurants.

He will oversee development at the Maryville, Tenn.-based Ruby Tuesday, which has 734 locations in 44 states and internationally.

“I am thrilled to join such a passionate management team that is wholeheartedly dedicated to creating a place where guests can truly enjoy high quality and fresh American dining offerings in a relaxed environment,” Ellis said in a statement. “I look forward to working with this talented team of individuals as well as existing and new franchisees to help achieve the development goals we set forth for Ruby Tuesday.”

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