News

Diner goes fast casual to stay relevant

September 24, 2013

In an effort to compete with the increasing popularity of fast casual restaurants, Irvine, Calif.-based Ruby Restaurant Group is testing a new dinette concept this month at a shopping mall.

The chain, which operates 1940s-themed diners in six states, has created a 1960s-themed fast casual joint featuring higher-end fast food, including kale Caesar salad and peppadew and Portobello melts and burgers with Applewood bacon and Swiss cheese on artisan buns, according to UTSanDiego.com.

Marketing Director Jaime DeJong said in the story that the chain realizes consumers want gourmet food in a fast-paced setting but at an affordable price

"Families are going more to the lower price point fast casual so they can continue to go out, but their taste buds still want high-quality food," he said.

Ruby's Diner has 37 locations in California, New Jersey, Nevada, Hawaii, Texas and Pennsylvania.

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