Ruby Tuesday moves into the UK

  American restaurant chain Ruby Tuesday is to open its first restaurant in Western Europe at St David’s Shopping Centre in Cardiff.   The casual dining chain, which has 900 restaurants across the globe, will open a 7,000 sq ft restaurant at Eastside, St David’s late-night dining quarter.    Other restaurants at St David’s include Jamies Italian, Yo Sushi, Wagamamas and Carluccio’s.   Another five deals are due to exchange in the next few weeks, three of which are new to Cardiff.   Joanne Skilton, of Capital Shopping Centres, on behalf of St David’s Partnership, the joint venture between CSC and Land Securities, said: “Ruby Tuesday choosing St David’s for its first restaurant in Western Europe signifies the shopping centre’s strength as a destination and its appeal to visitors to Cardiff.    “The exciting mix of new and traditional, international and local restaurants will ensure St David’s remains unique in its catchment.”   Gary Mayo, one of the two entrepreneurs who have bought the franchise that will bring Ruby Tuesday to the UK, said: “Ruby Tuesday is a strong restaurant concept that has successfully exported its brand and differentiates itself from other American chains in the marketplace.   “St David’s provides us with a great location for the UK launch of the restaurant as the new centre is attracting visitors from all over the UK.   “With Cardiff likely to become one of the top five shopping destinations in the UK, we will benefit from the footfall likely to be achieved on the back of it.”   E J Hales, Lunson Mitchenall and Cushman & Wakefield advised St David’s Partnership; E J Hales represented Ruby Tuesday.   annabel.dixon@estatesgazette.com