National restaurant chain adds new program to feature craft beer
The Ruby Tuesday restaurant chain, with more than 900 locations in the US is taking on craft beer in a big way.
The chain will offer a diverse array of craft beer and will also feature a draft of the day and a draft flight with three of its most popular handcrafted beers (where local regulations allow).
“We are committed to serving our guests the highest quality food and beverages,” said Kimberly Grant, Ruby Tuesday Executive Vice President and head of restaurant operations. “Offering a broad selection of the best handcrafted beers is part of that commitment. The beers we serve are made by brewers who are as dedicated to freshness and quality as we are, and they bring guests to our restaurants for a taste and experience they can’t get anyplace else near where they live and work,” she added.
While selections may vary by location, current offerings include Samuel Adams and Samuel Adams Seasonal, Sierra Nevada and Rogue Ale handcrafted drafts. Craft bottle beers include Dogfish Head 60 Minutes IPA, Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Widmer Brothers Hefeweizen, Abita Turbo Dog, Flying Dog Amber Lager, and Magic Hat #9.
“The craft beers we offer are the perfect pairing with many of Ruby Tuesday’s signature dishes, including our justifiably famous burgers, our fork-tender baby-back ribs, and our great steaks,” said Grant.
Ruby Tuesday bartenders received extensive training at the company’s Center for Culinary Excellence from the experts of The Boston Beer Company on how to store, pour, and otherwise care for these special beers, and their pride – and certified training – shows every time they open a bottle or draw a draft.
“It’s great to see a national restaurant chain like Ruby Tuesday’s making this commitment to craft beer,” said Jim Koch, founder and brewer of Samuel Adams. “A recent survey of chefs by the National Restaurant Association showed that craft beer is one of the hottest restaurant trends in the country, and we are happy to support Ruby Tuesday’s in its noble effort to elevate the knowledge and appreciation of American craft beers. Ruby Tuesday’s is leading the charge which will benefit craft beer lovers all over the country.”
Koch’s sentiments are echoed by Sam Calagione, the owner and brewmaster of Dogfish Head Brewery. “Dogfish Head is very proud to be part of Ruby Tuesday’s national beer program,” he said. “It’s not often that you find a restaurant group as big as Ruby Tuesday that knows and cares so much about good beer. Craft beer is on the rise in the casual dining segment, and Ruby Tuesday remains well ahead of the curve,” he added.
