Marlin & Ray's Seafood Restaurant Chain Fails to Float, Shutters
The Marlin & Rays on Sudley Road in Manassas was open just over a year.
The Marlin & Ray's seafood restaurant chain shuttered all 13 of its stores this week so the company can focus more on its Ruby Tuesday brand.
The Marlin & Ray's on Sudley Road, which was a converted Ruby Tuesday's location, closed after just one year of business.
Company officials said they are working to relocate Marlin & Ray's staff members, which they consider to be part of their family, to remaining restaurant's within the company.
The Ruby Tuesday's location on Liberia Avenue in Manassas will continue operations.
"Based on a significant amount of discussion and analysis, and a clear understanding that driving profitable same-restaurant sales at Ruby Tuesday is our first and most critical priority, we have decided to close our 13 Marlin & Ray’s restaurants immediately," said JJ Buettgen, Ruby Tuesday Inc.'s President and CEO. "While this was a difficult decision to make, we have determined the Marlin & Ray’s brand is not an optimal conversion vehicle for us going forward."
The newer brands had some difficulties and were not a "good fit" for the company, said a source familiar with the company who asked not to be identified.
Ruby Tuesday Inc. reported a net loss of $15.1 million for the fiscal second quarter which ended on Dec. 4, Buettgen said.
In addition to shuttering its Marlin & Ray's locations, the company announced it is doing away with its Truffles Grill and Wok Hay concepts, but will keep it's Lime Fresh Mexican Grill and Ruby Tuesday brands.
Mary Ann Jenkins
7:33 am on Saturday, January 12, 2013
It does not surprise me. We went one time when they first opened. Food was overpriced, not good and the wait staff did not seem too interested in providing good service. You get a much better deal at Red Lobster and the staff there are always great.
john martin
9:07 am on Saturday, January 12, 2013
I will miss Marlin's and Rays, I really liked their menu and found their staff to be both attentive and fun.
DebyWine
1:22 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013
Can't wait to try what might move into the spot. M&R's was horrible. Went one time and was not impressed by staff, food, or experience. LOUSY in cap letters.
Rachel
5:11 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013
I agree with you Deby - I was not impressed with them either. Ruby Tuesday's can't seem to float a seafood brand. Years ago, I worked at a restaurant in Pentagon City called L&N Seafood. It was one of two left, partially owned by RT, of another chain they tried to established and failed in doing so. I haven't been to Pentagon City in years and I have to imagine the place closed long ago.
Long time resident
10:58 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013
I seem to be in the minority here, but I thought their food was great and wait staff was very attentive and friendly.It was nice to have another seafod option in Manassas besides Red Lobster, which I can't stand. Too bad they're closing.
Jamie M. Rogers
12:38 am on Sunday, January 13, 2013
Hey guys, what if we got a Legal Seafood in Manassas? I ate at the one in Crystal City and I wasn't impressed, but those in my entourage loved it! I also think McComick and Smicks is overrated. I like Bone Fish myself which is affiliated with Outback Steakhouse.
Shawn
4:34 pm on Sunday, January 13, 2013
not going to happen. location is bad and manassas is bad. gainesville or Centreville are better options
mary
6:29 pm on Monday, January 14, 2013
what about joes crab shack great food & service