10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

______________

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended:  February 28, 2012

OR

o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the transition period from __________ to _________

Commission file number 1-12454

______________

RUBY TUESDAY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

GEORGIA	63-0475239
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer identification no.)

150 West Church Avenue, Maryville, Tennessee 37801

(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)

        Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (865) 379-5700

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer x    Accelerated filer o    Non-accelerated filer o    Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

63,791,178

(Number of shares of common stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding as of April 3, 2012)

RUBY TUESDAY, INC.

INDEX

	Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF
FEBRUARY 28, 2012 AND MAY 31, 2011	4
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE THIRTEEN AND THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED
FEBRUARY 28, 2012 AND MARCH 1, 2011	5
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH
FLOWS FOR THE THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED
FEBRUARY 28, 2012 MARCH 1, 2011	6
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS	7-24
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS	25-40
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT
MARKET RISK	40-41
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	41
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	41
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS	42
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS	42
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION	42
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS	43
SIGNATURES	44

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Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains various forward-looking statements, which represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including one or more of the following:  future financial performance and restaurant growth (both Company-owned and franchised), future capital expenditures, future borrowings and repayments of debt, availability of financing on terms attractive to the Company, payment of dividends, stock repurchases, restaurant acquisitions, and conversions of Company-owned restaurants to other dining concepts.  We caution the reader that a number of important factors and uncertainties could, individually or in the aggregate, cause our actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements (such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to cost savings that we estimate may result from any programs we implement, our estimates of future capital spending and free cash flow, and our targets for annual growth in same-restaurant sales and average annual sales per restaurant), including, without limitation, the following:

·   general economic conditions;

·   changes in promotional, couponing and advertising strategies;

·   changes in our guests’ disposable income;

·   consumer spending trends and habits;

·   increased competition in the restaurant market;

·   laws and regulations affecting labor and employee benefit costs, including further potential increases in state and federally mandated minimum wages, and healthcare reform;

·   guests’ acceptance of changes in menu items;

·   guests’ acceptance of our development prototypes, remodeled restaurants, and conversion strategy;

·   mall-traffic trends;

·   changes in the availability and cost of capital;

·   weather conditions in the regions in which Company-owned and franchised restaurants are operated;

·   costs and availability of food and beverage inventory;

·   our ability to attract and retain qualified managers, franchisees and team members;

·   impact of adoption of new accounting standards;

·   impact of food-borne illnesses resulting from an outbreak at either Ruby Tuesday or other restaurant concepts;

·   effects of actual or threatened future terrorist attacks in the United States; and

·   significant fluctuations in energy prices.

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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

RUBY TUESDAY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER-SHARE DATA)

(UNAUDITED)

	FEBRUARY 28,			MAY 31,
	2012			2011
Assets	(NOTE A)
Current assets:
Cash and short-term investments	$	8,862		$	9,722
Accounts receivable		6,942			7,531
Inventories:
Merchandise		23,804			25,627
China, silver and supplies		9,501			8,843
Income tax receivable		710			3,077
Deferred income taxes		12,739			14,429
Prepaid rent and other expenses		13,844			12,797
Assets held for sale		39,077			1,340
Total current assets		115,479			83,366
Property and equipment, net		956,152			1,031,151
Goodwill		16,919			15,571
Other assets		54,060			56,938
Total assets	$	1,142,610		$	1,187,026
Liabilities & shareholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	27,112		$	29,807
Accrued liabilities:
Taxes, other than income and payroll		11,132			13,695
Payroll and related costs		29,448			27,559
Insurance		7,069			6,581
Deferred revenue – gift cards		11,776			8,731
Rent and other		21,274			17,861
Current portion of long-term debt, including capital leases		14,620			15,090
Total current liabilities		122,431			119,324
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities		292,628			329,184
Deferred income taxes		37,805			42,923
Deferred escalating minimum rent		46,134			44,291
Other deferred liabilities		59,189			59,591
Total liabilities		558,187			595,313
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; (authorized: 100,000 shares;
issued: 63,791 shares at 2/28/12; 65,098 shares at 5/31/11)		638			651
Capital in excess of par value		91,113			104,941
Retained earnings		504,801			499,173
Deferred compensation liability payable in
Company stock		1,487			1,556
Company stock held by Deferred Compensation Plan		(1,487	)		(1,556	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(12,129	)		(13,052	)
Total shareholders’ equity		584,423			591,713
Total liabilities & shareholders’ equity	$	1,142,610		$	1,187,026

                   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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RUBY TUESDAY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER-SHARE DATA)

(UNAUDITED)

	THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED						THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED
	FEBRUARY 28,			MARCH 1,			FEBRUARY 28,			MARCH 1,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Revenue:	(NOTE A)						(NOTE A)
Restaurant sales and operating revenue	$	323,464		$	317,158		$	958,521		$	906,745
Franchise revenue		1,363			1,905			4,104			5,455
		324,827			319,063			962,625			912,200
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of merchandise		93,084			92,780			282,221			262,410
Payroll and related costs		111,881			106,205			332,645			306,170
Other restaurant operating costs		63,299			65,711			197,383			186,512
Depreciation		16,239			15,597			48,939			46,338
Selling, general and administrative, net		22,925			18,449			73,087			62,229
Closures and impairments		12,317			783			13,415			2,869
Equity in losses of unconsolidated
franchises					879						649
Interest expense, net		3,850			3,114			11,793			8,133
		323,595			303,518			959,483			875,310
Income before income taxes		1,232			15,545			3,142			36,890
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes		(3,304	)		(455	)		(2,486	)		3,928
Net income	$	4,536		$	16,000		$	5,628		$	32,962
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.07		$	0.25		$	0.09		$	0.52
Diluted	$	0.07		$	0.25		$	0.09		$	0.51
Weighted average shares:
Basic		62,643			64,177			62,999			63,956
Diluted		63,053			65,237			63,503			64,849
Cash dividends declared per share	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-

                 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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RUBY TUESDAY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(IN THOUSANDS)

(UNAUDITED)

	THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED
	FEBRUARY 28, 2012			MARCH 1, 2011
	(NOTE A)
Operating activities:
Net income	$	5,628		$	32,962
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation		48,939			46,338
Amortization of intangibles		1,550			777
Provision for bad debts		20			437
Deferred income taxes		(5,179	)		(1,902	)
Loss on impairments, including disposition of assets		12,144			2,786
Equity in losses of unconsolidated franchises					649
Share-based compensation expense		4,448			6,745
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		(31	)		(599	)
Gain on franchise partnership acquisitions, net of settlement losses		(420	)		(6,789	)
Other		462			724
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables		(946	)		317
Inventories		1,165			(7,043	)
Income taxes		2,367			(3,122	)
Prepaid and other assets		(922	)		(908	)
Accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities		6,807			5,118
Net cash provided by operating activities		76,032			76,490
Investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		(29,112	)		(18,319	)
Acquisition of franchise and other entities					(4,369	)
Proceeds from disposal of assets		5,330			4,721
Reductions in Deferred Compensation Plan assets		217			498
Insurance proceeds from property claims		1,548
Other, net		(429	)		(899	)
Net cash used by investing activities		(22,446	)		(18,368	)
Financing activities:
Net payments on revolving credit facility		(22,000	)		(43,700	)
Principal payments on other long-term debt		(14,220	)		(14,767	)
Stock repurchases		(18,441	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		184			1,903
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		31			599
Payments for debt issuance costs					(2,812	)
Net cash used by financing activities		(54,446	)		(58,777	)
Decrease in cash and short-term investments		(860	)		(655	)
Cash and short-term investments:
Beginning of year		9,722			9,569
End of year	$	8,862		$	8,914
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid/(received) for:
Interest, net of amount capitalized	$	12,195		$	7,874
Income taxes, net	$	1,571		$	6,911
Significant non-cash investing and financing activities:
Retirement of fully depreciated assets	$	14,606		$	13,393
Reclassification of properties to assets held for sale or receivables	$	40,808		$	3,851
Assumption of debt and capital leases related to franchise
partnership acquisitions				$	128,594
Liability for claim settlements and insurance receivables	$	(260	)	$	(2,189	)

                 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE A – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Ruby Tuesday, Inc., including its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“RTI,” “we” or the “Company”), owns and operates Ruby Tuesday®, Lime Fresh Mexican Grill®, Marlin & Ray’s™, Truffles®, and Wok Hay® casual dining restaurants.  We also franchise the Ruby Tuesday concept in select domestic and international markets.  The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring entries) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Operating results for the 13- and 39-week periods ended February 28, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the year ending June 5, 2012.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet at May 31, 2011 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.

For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in RTI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2011.

NOTE B – EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCK REPURCHASES

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period presented.  Diluted earnings per share gives effect to stock options and restricted stock outstanding during the applicable periods.  The following table shows the calculation of weighted average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding as presented in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):

	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011		February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011
Net income	$	4,536	$	16,000	$	5,628	$	32,962
Weighted average common
shares outstanding		62,643		64,177		62,999		63,956
Dilutive effect of stock
options and restricted stock		410		1,060		504		893
Weighted average common
and dilutive potential
common shares outstanding		63,053		65,237		63,503		64,849
Basic earnings per share	$	0.07	$	0.25	$	0.09	$	0.52
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.07	$	0.25	$	0.09	$	0.51

Stock options with an exercise price greater than the average market price of our common stock and certain options with unrecognized compensation expense do not impact the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive.  The following table summarizes stock options and restricted shares that did not impact the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect (in thousands):

	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011		February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011
Stock options		2,564		2,326		2,237		2,810
Restricted shares		917		388		905		439
Total		3,481		2,714		3,142		3,249

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During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we repurchased 2.0 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $18.4 million.  As of February 28, 2012, the total number of remaining shares authorized by our Board of Directors to be repurchased was 5.9 million.  No shares were repurchased during the quarter ended February 28, 2012.

NOTE C – FRANCHISE PROGRAMS

As of February 28, 2012, our traditional domestic and international franchisees collectively operated 85 Ruby Tuesday restaurants.  We do not own any equity interest in our traditional franchisees.  As discussed further in Note D to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, during fiscal 2011 we acquired the remaining membership interests of 11 franchise partnerships which operated 105 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, an additional Ruby Tuesday restaurant from a twelfth franchise partnership, and three Ruby Tuesday restaurants from a traditional domestic franchise.

Under the terms of the franchise operating agreements, we require all domestic franchisees to contribute a percentage, currently 0.5%, of monthly gross sales to a national advertising fund formed to cover their pro rata portion of the production and airing costs associated with our national advertising campaign.  Under the terms of those agreements, we have the right to charge up to 3.0% of monthly gross sales for this national advertising fund.

Advertising amounts received from domestic franchisees are considered by RTI to be reimbursements, recorded on an accrual basis as earned, and have been netted against selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

In addition to the advertising fee discussed above, our franchise agreements allow us to charge up to a 1.5% support service fee and a 1.5% marketing and purchasing fee.  For the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011, we recorded $0.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively in fiscal 2012, and $0.9 million and $2.7 million, respectively in fiscal 2011, in support service and marketing and purchasing fees, which were an offset to Selling, general and administrative, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

NOTE D – FISCAL 2011 BUSINESS AND LICENSE ACQUISITIONS

As part of our strategy to generate incremental revenue and EBITDA through new concept conversions and franchise partnership acquisitions, as discussed below, during fiscal 2011 we acquired 109 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, including 106 purchased from certain of our franchise partnerships and three purchased from a traditional domestic franchisee.  Of these 109 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, 96 restaurants were acquired as a result of the following acquisitions during the first three quarters of fiscal 2011.

On August 4, 2010, we acquired the remaining 99% and 50% of the membership interests of RT Long Island Franchise, LLC (“RT Long Island”) and RT New England Franchise, LLC (“RT New England”), respectively, thereby increasing our ownership to 100% of these companies.  RT Long Island and RT New England, previously franchise partnerships with 10 Ruby Tuesday restaurants each, were acquired for $0.2 million plus assumed debt.  As further consideration for the RT Long Island transaction, we surrendered collection of the note receivable and line of credit due from the franchise.  The note and line of credit, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and unearned revenue, totaled $0.4 million at the time of the transaction.RT Long Island and RT New England had total debt of $24.3 million at the time of acquisition, $1.9 million of which was payable to RTI.

On October 13, 2010, we acquired three Ruby Tuesday restaurants from a traditional domestic franchise in Kentucky for $1.6 million in cash.

On February 2, 2011, we acquired the remaining 50% of the membership interests of RT Western Missouri Franchise, LLC; RT Omaha Franchise, LLC; RT KCMO Franchise, LLC (“RT KCMO”); and RT St. Louis Franchise, LLC (“RT St. Louis”); and the remaining 99% of the membership interests of RT Indianapolis Franchise, LLC; RT Portland Franchise, LLC; and RT Denver Franchise, LP; thereby increasing our ownership to 100% of these seven companies.  These franchise partnerships collectively operated 72 restaurants at the time of acquisition, and were acquired for $0.5 million plus assumed debt.  As further consideration for these transactions, we surrendered collection of notes receivable and lines of credit due from certain of these franchisees.  The notes and lines of credit, net of allowances for doubtful accounts,

8

totaled $0.9 million at the time of the transactions.  At the time of acquisition, these franchise partnerships had total debt of $106.6 million, $3.8 million of which was payable to RTI.

On February 25, 2011, we acquired one Ruby Tuesday restaurant from RT Utah Franchise, LLC (“RT Utah”), a franchise partnership in which we had a 1% ownership interest, for $2.0 million.  Shortly before completion of this transaction, RT Utah closed its other five restaurants.

We acquired the remaining 13 restaurants during the final quarter of fiscal 2011, as follows.

On May 4, 2011, we acquired the remaining 50% of the membership interest of RT Minneapolis Franchise, LLC; and the remaining 99% of the membership interest of RT Las Vegas Franchise, LLC; thereby increasing our ownership to 100% of these two companies.  These franchise partnerships collectively operated 13 restaurants at the time of acquisition, and were acquired for assumed debt.  At the time of acquisition, these franchise partnerships had total debt of $18.7 million, $0.9 million of which was payable to RTI.

Our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the results of operations of these acquired restaurants subsequent to the dates of acquisition.

The purchase prices of acquisitions during fiscal 2011 have been allocated based on fair value estimates as follows (in thousands):

	As Previously Reported			Adjustments			As Adjusted
Property and equipment	$	137,075		$	–		$	137,075
Goodwill		15,571			1,348			16,919
Reacquired franchise rights		10,242			–			10,242
Other intangible assets, net of liabilities of $1,288		735			–			735
Deferred income taxes		380			(928	)		(548	)
Long-term debt and capital leases		(147,005	)		–			(147,005	)
Other net liabilities		(4,536	)		–			(4,536	)
Notes receivable		(1,529	)		–			(1,529	)
Net impact on Consolidated Balance Sheet		10,933			420			11,353
Gain on settlement of preexisting contracts, net		(4,906	)		–			(4,906	)
Gain on acquisitions		(1,770	)		(420	)		(2,190	)
Net impact on Consolidated Statements of Income		(6,676	)		(420	)		(7,096	)
Aggregate cash purchase prices	$	4,257		$	–		$	4,257

The RT Long Island, RT St. Louis, and RT KCMO acquisitions were considered bargain purchases as the purchase prices were less than the values assigned to the assets and liabilities acquired.  For the 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011, a preliminary bargain purchase gain of $1.9 million, as well as a $4.9 million gain on settlement of preexisting contracts, was included in Other restaurant operating costs in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  The preliminary estimate of the gain on acquisitions was adjusted in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 and again in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 as additional information was received.

We recorded $16.9 million of goodwill due to the purchase price exceeding the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired in certain of the acquisitions.  Of the goodwill recorded, we anticipate that approximately $4.4 million will be nondeductible for tax purposes.

We amortize the $10.2 million of reacquired franchise rights associated with these acquisitions on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the franchise operating agreements, which are approximately two to 12 years from the dates of acquisition.

Other intangible assets, net of liabilities consist of assets and liabilities resulting from the terms of acquired operating lease contracts being favorable or unfavorable relative to market terms of comparable leases on the acquisition date.  These assets and liabilities totaled $2.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively, at the

9

time of acquisition and will be amortized as a component of rent expense over the remaining lives of the leases, which are approximately one to 33 years.

The table below shows operating results attributable to the restaurants acquired from franchisees in fiscal 2011 that are included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the 13 and 39 weeks  ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011 (in thousands).  Amounts shown for the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 include results for all 109 restaurants acquired during fiscal 2011 while amounts shown for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011 include results for the 96 restaurants acquired during the first three quarters of fiscal 2011 (from the dates of acquisition as mentioned above through March 1, 2011).

	(Unaudited)
	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011		February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011
Total revenue	$	41,412	$	19,649	$	128,303	$	32,975
Cost of merchandise		11,908		5,804		37,545		9,629
Payroll and related costs		14,884		6,578		45,848		10,981
Other restaurant operating costs		8,950		4,580		27,725		7,684
Depreciation		2,089		848		6,356		1,665
Selling, general, and administrative, net		2,384		1,009		8,232		1,807
		40,215		18,819		125,706		31,766
Income before income taxes	$	1,197	$	830	$	2,597	$	1,209

The following table presents supplemental pro forma information for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011 as if the 106 restaurants acquired during fiscal 2011 from franchise partnerships had occurred on June 2, 2010 for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011 (in thousands except per-share data):

	(Unaudited)
	Thirteen weeks ended		Thirty-nine weeks ended
	March 1, 2011		March 1, 2011
Total revenue	$	345,061	$	1,017,833
Net income	$	15,171	$	31,992
Basic earnings per share	$	0.24	$	0.50
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.23	$	0.49

The unaudited pro forma consolidated results were prepared using the acquisition method of accounting and are based on the historical financial information of RTI and the franchises, reflected in fiscal 2011 RTI and franchise results of operations.  The historical financial information has been adjusted to give effect to the pro forma events that are: (1) directly attributable to the acquisitions, (2) factually supportable and (3) expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results.  The unaudited pro forma consolidated results are not necessarily indicative of what our consolidated results of operations actually would have been had we completed the acquisitions on June 2, 2010.  In addition, the unaudited pro forma consolidated results do not purport to project the future results of operations of the combined company nor do they reflect the expected realization of any cost savings or otherwise improved profits associated with the acquisitions.  The unaudited pro forma consolidated results for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011 reflect the following pro forma pre-tax adjustments:

·   Elimination of the franchises’ historical intangible asset amortization expense (approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively).

·   Elimination of RTI’s franchise revenue (approximately $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively).

·   Elimination of RTI’s support service fee income and marketing reimbursements (approximately $0.6 million and $1.9 million, respectively).

·   Elimination of RTI’s equity in losses of unconsolidated franchises (approximately $0.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively).

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·   Elimination of RTI’s bad debt charges relating to notes receivable and lines of credit due from the acquired franchises (approximately $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively).

·   Additional amortization expense (approximately $0.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively) related to reacquired franchise rights.

·   Additional depreciation expense (approximately $0.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively) related to the fair value adjustments to property and equipment acquired.

·   Reduced interest expense (approximately $0.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively) related to the fair value adjustments of acquired franchise debt.

·   Elimination of acquisition-related expenses (approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively).

All of the above adjustments were adjusted for the applicable tax impact, which for the above would be the statutory tax rate of 39.7%.  In addition, the pro forma net income and earnings per share amounts presented above reflect our estimates of the franchises’ FICA Tip and Work Opportunity Tax Credits for the portions of the fiscal year prior to the dates of acquisition.  These credits were $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively, for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011.

License Acquisitions

On September 13, 2010, we entered into a licensing agreement with LFMG International, LLC which allows us to operate multiple restaurants under the Lime Fresh Mexican Grill® (“Lime”) name.  Lime is a fast-casual Mexican concept that currently operates several restaurants primarily in the vicinity of Miami, Florida.  The Lime concept menu features items such as homemade tortilla chips, customizable nachos, flautas, salads, soups, fajitas, quesadillas, tacos, burritos, and salsa and guacamole.  Under the terms of the agreement, we paid an initial development fee of $1.0 million and agreed to pay a license agreement fee of $5,000 for each Lime restaurant we open, up to a maximum of 200 restaurants.  In addition, we agreed to pay a royalty fee of 2.0%, and an advertising fee of 1.0%, of gross sales of any Lime restaurant that we open.  As of February 28, 2012, we owned and operated three Lime restaurants.  As further discussed in Note Q to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, subsequent to February 28, 2012, we initiated the acquisition of certain assets of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, Inc. and certain of its affiliated companies for $24.0 million.  We expect this transaction to be completed during our fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.

Additionally, on July 22, 2010, following the approval of the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, we entered into a licensing agreement with Gourmet Market, Inc. which is owned by our Chief Executive Officer’s brother, Price Beall.  The licensing agreement allows us to operate multiple restaurants under the Truffles® name.  Truffles is an upscale café concept that currently operates several restaurants in the vicinity of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.  The Truffles concept offers a diverse menu featuring soups, salads, and sandwiches, a signature chicken pot pie, house-breaded fried shrimp, pasta, ribs, steaks, and a variety of desserts.

Under the terms of the agreement, we will pay a licensing fee to Gourmet Market, Inc. of 2.0% of gross sales of any Truffles we open.  Additionally, we will pay Gourmet Market, Inc. a monthly fee for up to two years for consulting services to be provided by Price Beall to assist us in developing and opening Truffles restaurants under the terms of the licensing agreement.  During the first 12 months of the agreement we will pay $20,833 per month for such services.  During the second 12 months of the agreement we will pay either $20,833 per month if we have a communicated plan to develop three or more Truffles restaurants or $10,417 per month if we have a communicated plan to develop two or fewer Truffles restaurants.  Gourmet Market, Inc. has the option to terminate future development rights if we do not operate 18 or more Truffles restaurants within five years or 40 or more Truffles within 10 years of the effective date of the agreement.  Management has yet to determine if it will open 18 or more Truffles restaurants within five years or 40 or more Truffles within 10 years.  We opened our first Truffles in Atlanta, Georgia in December 2010 and our second in Orlando, Florida in November 2011.  During the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011, we paid Gourmet Market, Inc. $49,108 and $147,205, and $70,912 and $154,246, respectively, under the terms of the agreement.

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NOTE E – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Accounts receivable – current consist of the following (in thousands):

	February 28, 2012		May 31, 2011
Rebates receivable	$	846	$	1,055
Amounts due from franchisees		2,625		2,506
Other receivables		3,471		3,970
	$	6,942	$	7,531

We negotiate purchase arrangements, including price terms, with designated and approved suppliers on behalf of us and our franchise system.  We receive various volume discounts and rebates based on purchases for our Company-owned restaurants from numerous suppliers.

Amounts due from franchisees consist of royalties, license and other miscellaneous fees, a substantial portion of which represents current and recently-invoiced billings.  Also included in this amount is the current portion of the straight-lined rent receivable from franchise sublessees.

We defer recognition of franchise fee revenue for any franchise with negative cash flows at times when the negative cash flows are deemed to be anything other than temporary and the franchise has borrowed directly from us.  We also do not recognize franchise fee revenue from franchises with fees in excess of 60 days past due.  Accordingly, we have deferred recognition of a portion of franchise revenue from certain franchisees.  Unearned income for franchise fees was $2.1 million and $1.2 million as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011, respectively, which is included in Other deferred liabilities and/or Accrued liabilities – rent and other in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011, other receivables consisted primarily of amounts due for third-party gift card sales ($1.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively), amounts due from our distributor for purchases of lobster ($1.0 million and $0.7 million, respectively), and amounts due relating to insurance claims ($0.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively).  See Note F to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of our lobster inventory.

NOTE F – INVENTORIES

Beginning in fiscal 2010, we have purchased lobster in advance of our needs and stored it in third-party facilities prior to our distributor taking possession of the inventory.  Once the lobster is moved to our distributor’s facilities, we transfer ownership to the distributor.  We later reacquire the inventory from our distributor upon its subsequent delivery to our restaurants.  Lobster purchases are included within merchandise inventory in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Our merchandise inventory was $23.8 million and $25.6 million as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011, respectively.

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NOTE G – PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, ASSETS HELD FOR SALE, OPERATING LEASES, AND SALE-LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS

Property and equipment, net, is comprised of the following (in thousands):

	February 28, 2012		May 31, 2011
Land	$	241,091	$	256,761
Buildings		478,283		512,177
Improvements		418,803		427,169
Restaurant equipment		273,853		279,319
Other equipment		94,230		93,944
Construction in progress and other*		24,061		28,077
		1,530,321		1,597,447
Less accumulated depreciation		574,169		566,296
	$	956,152	$	1,031,151

* Included in Construction in progress and other as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 are $19.1 million and $23.3 million, respectively, of assets held for sale that are not classified as such in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as we do not expect to sell these assets within the next 12 months.  These assets primarily consist of parcels of land upon which we have no intention to build restaurants.

Amounts included in assets held for sale at February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 totaled $39.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively, primarily consisting of operating restaurants expected to be sold in sale-leaseback transactions, parcels of land upon which we have no intention to build restaurants, land and buildings of closed restaurants, and various liquor licenses.  In addition to operating restaurants sold and leased back, as discussed below, during the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012, we sold surplus properties with carrying values of $1.5 million and $2.9 million, respectively, at net gains of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.  Cash proceeds, net of broker fees, from these sales during the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 totaled $1.5 million and $3.1 million, respectively.  During the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011, we sold surplus and other properties with carrying values of $3.9 million and $4.8 million, respectively, at net losses of $0.1 million for each period.  Cash proceeds, net of broker fees, from these sales during the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011 totaled $3.8 million and $4.7 million, respectively.

Approximately 51% of our 740 Ruby Tuesday restaurants are located on leased properties.  Of these, approximately 66% are land leases only; the other 34% are for both land and building.  The initial terms of these leases expire at various dates over the next 25 years.  These leases may also contain required increases in minimum rent at varying times during the lease term and have options to extend the terms of the leases at a rate that is included in the original lease agreement.  Most of our leases require the payment of additional (contingent) rent that is based upon a percentage of restaurant sales above agreed upon sales levels for the year.  These sales levels vary for each restaurant and are established in the lease agreements.  We recognize contingent rental expense (in annual as well as interim periods) prior to the achievement of the specified target that triggers the contingent rental expense, provided that achievement of that target is considered probable.

Sale-Leaseback Transactions

During the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2012, we completed the sale-leaseback of the land and building for a Company-owned Ruby Tuesday concept restaurant for gross cash proceeds of $2.3 million, exclusive of transaction costs of approximately $0.1 million.  Equipment was not included. The carrying value of the property sold was $1.5 million.  The lease has been classified as an operating lease and has an initial term of 15 years, with renewal options of up to 20 years.  Net proceeds from the sale-leaseback transaction were used to pay down certain of our mortgage loan obligations.

We realized a gain on this transaction of $0.7 million, which has been deferred and is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease.  The current and long-term portions of the deferred gain are included in Accrued liabilities- Rent and other and Other deferred liabilities, respectively, in our

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February 28, 2012 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.  Amortization of the deferred gains is included as a reduction to rent expense and is included within Other restaurant operating costs in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012.

As of February 28, 2012, 21 of our Ruby Tuesday concept restaurant properties have been classified within Assets held for sale in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet in anticipation of future sale-leaseback transactions.  These properties had carrying values of $35.1 million as of February 28, 2012.  See Note Q to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of sale-leaseback transactions which occurred subsequent to February 28, 2012 but prior to the date of the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

NOTE H – LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASES

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations consist of the following (in thousands):

	February 28, 2012		May 31, 2011
Revolving credit facility	$	155,000	$	177,000
Series B senior notes,
due April 2013		44,442		44,442
Mortgage loan obligations		107,568		122,546
Capital lease obligations		238		286
		307,248		344,274
Less current maturities		14,620		15,090
	$	292,628	$	329,184

On December 1, 2010, we entered into a five-year revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”).  Under the original terms of the Credit Facility, we were allowed to borrow up to $320.0 million with the option to increase our capacity by $50.0 million to $370.0 million.  On July 19, 2011, we entered into an amendment of the Credit Facility to increase the amount of the optional additional revolving commitments available from $50.0 million to $60.0 million, thereby increasing the maximum aggregate revolving commitment amount under the Credit Facility from $370.0 million to $380.0 million.   On the same date, we exercised our option to increase the revolving commitments from $320.0 million to $380.0 million pursuant to new lender commitment agreements with the existing lenders and an additional new lender.

The terms of the Credit Facility provide for a $40.0 million swingline subcommitment and a $50.0 million letter of credit subcommitment.  The Credit Facility also includes a $50.0 million franchise facility subcommitment, which covered our guarantees of debt of the franchise partners (the “Franchise Facility Subcommitment”).  All amounts guaranteed under the Franchise Facility Subcommitment were settled during fiscal 2011.

The interest rates charged on borrowings pursuant to the Credit Facility can vary depending on the interest rate option we choose to utilize.  Our Base Rate for borrowings is defined to be the higher of Bank of America’s prime rate, the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, or an adjusted LIBO Rate plus 1.00%, plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.25%.  The applicable margin for our Eurodollar Borrowings ranges from 1.25% to 2.25%.

Under the terms of the Credit Facility, we had borrowings of $155.0 million with an associated floating rate of interest of 2.50% at February 28, 2012.  As of May 31, 2011, we had $177.0 million outstanding with an associated floating rate of interest of 2.27%.  After consideration of letters of credit outstanding, we had $215.7 million available under the Credit Facility as of February 28, 2012.  The Credit Facility will mature on December 1, 2015.

The Credit Facility contains financial covenants relating to the maintenance of leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios and minimum net worth.  We were in compliance with our debt covenants as of February 28, 2012 and the date of this filing.

On April 3, 2003, we issued notes totaling $150.0 million through a private placement of debt (the “Private Placement”).  On December 1, 2010, we entered into an amendment of the notes issued in the Private Placement.  Among other changes, this amendment conformed the covenants in this agreement to the covenants contained in the Credit Facility discussed above.

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At February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011, the Private Placement consisted of $44.4 million in notes with an interest rate of 7.17% (the “Series B Notes”).  The Series B Notes mature on April 1, 2013, and thus have been classified as non-current in our February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Our $107.6 million in mortgage loan obligations as of February 28, 2012 consists of various loans acquired upon franchise acquisitions.  These loans, which mature between June 2012 and March 2024, have balances which range from negligible to $8.4 million and interest rates of 3.37% to 11.28%.  Many of the properties acquired from franchisees collateralize the loans outstanding.

NOTE I – CLOSURES AND IMPAIRMENTS EXPENSE

Closures and impairment expenses include the following for the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011 (in thousands):

	Thirteen weeks ended						Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012			March 1,  2011			February 28, 2012			March 1,  2011
Property impairments	$	11,534		$	888		$	12,370		$	2,226
Closed restaurant lease reserves		776			(432	)		702			231
Other closing costs		125			150			541			232
(Gain)/loss on sale of surplus properties		(118	)		177			(198	)		180
	$	12,317		$	783		$	13,415		$	2,869

Included in the amounts shown above for the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 are property impairments of $9.6 million resulting from management’s third fiscal quarter decision to close 25 to 27 restaurants during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and 10 restaurants thereafter upon expiration of the leases.  As discussed further in Note Q to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Board of Directors approved management’s plan to close these restaurants at its regular Board meeting on April 4, 2012.

A rollforward of our future lease obligations associated with closed properties is as follows (in thousands):

	Lease Obligations
Balance at May 31, 2011	$	2,660
Closing expense including rent and other lease charges		702
Payments		(685	)
Other adjustments		(138	)
Balance at February 28, 2012	$	2,539

For the remainder of fiscal 2012 and beyond, our focus will be on obtaining settlements on as many of these leases as possible and these settlements could be higher or lower than the amounts recorded.  The actual amount of any cash payments made by the Company for lease contract termination costs will be dependent upon ongoing negotiations with the landlords of the leased restaurant properties.

At February 28, 2012, we had 37 restaurants that had been open more than one year with rolling 12-month negative cash flows of which 28 have been impaired to salvage value.  Of the nine which remained, we reviewed the plans to improve cash flows at each of the restaurants and recorded impairment expense as necessary.  The remaining net book value of these nine restaurants was $12.2 million at February 28, 2012.

Should sales at these restaurants not improve within a reasonable period of time, further impairment charges are possible.  Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate future cash flows, including cash flows from continuing use, terminal value, closure costs, salvage value, and sublease income.  Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from our estimates.

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NOTE J – RETIREMENT BENEFITS

We sponsor three defined benefit pension plans for active employees and offer certain postretirement benefits for retirees.  A summary of each of these is presented below.

Retirement Plan

RTI sponsors the Morrison Restaurants Inc. Retirement Plan (the “Retirement Plan”).  Effective December 31, 1987, the Retirement Plan was amended so that no additional benefits would accrue and no new participants could enter the Retirement Plan after that date.  Participants receive benefits based upon salary and length of service.

Minimum funding for the Retirement Plan is determined in accordance with the guidelines set forth in employee benefit and tax laws.  From time to time we may contribute additional amounts as we deem appropriate.  We estimate that we will be required to make contributions totaling $0.2 million to the Retirement Plan during the remainder of fiscal 2012.

Executive Supplemental Pension Plan and Management Retirement Plan

Under these unfunded defined benefit pension plans, eligible employees earn supplemental retirement income based upon salary and length of service, reduced by social security benefits and amounts otherwise receivable under other specified Company retirement plans.  Effective June 1, 2001, the Management Retirement Plan was amended so that no additional benefits would accrue and no new participants could enter the plan after that date.

As discussed further in Note N to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, we are contingently liable for retirement benefits accrued through March 1996 for certain employees of two companies formerly owned by RTI.

Because our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) is currently retirement-eligible and would be entitled to receive his entire pension payment in a lump sum six months following his retirement, we have classified an amount representing that pension payment ($8.1 million) into Accrued liabilities – payroll and related costs in our February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Postretirement Medical and Life Benefits

Our Postretirement Medical and Life Benefits plans provide medical and life insurance benefits to certain retirees.  The medical plan requires retiree cost sharing provisions that are more substantial for employees who retire after January 1, 1990.

The following tables detail the components of net periodic benefit costs and the amounts recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the Retirement Plan, Management Retirement Plan, and the Executive Supplemental Pension Plan (collectively, the “Pension Plans”) and the Postretirement Medical and Life Benefits plans (in thousands):

	Pension Benefits
	Thirteen weeks ended								Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28,				March 1,				February 28,				March 1,
	2012				2011				2012				2011
Service cost		$	134			$	129			$	402			$	387
Interest cost			576				573				1,728				1,719
Expected return on plan assets			(126	)			(98	)			(378	)			(294	)
Amortization of prior service cost			64				82				192				246
Recognized actuarial loss			426				398				1,278				1,194
Net periodic benefit cost		$	1,074			$	1,084			$	3,222			$	3,252

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	Postretirement Medical and Life Benefits
	Thirteen weeks ended								Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28,				March 1,				February 28,				March 1,
	2012				2011				2012				2011
Service cost		$	2			$	2			$	6			$	6
Interest cost			18				19				54				57
Amortization of prior service cost			(14	)			(15	)			(42	)			(45	)
Recognized actuarial loss			34				28				102				84
Net periodic benefit cost		$	40			$	34			$	120			$	102

We also sponsor two defined contribution retirement savings plans. Information regarding these plans is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2011.

NOTE K – INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate for the 13- and 39- week periods ended February 28, 2012 was (268.2)% and (79.1)%, respectively, as compared to (2.9)% and 10.6%, respectively, for the same periods of the prior year.  The change in the effective tax rate for the 13-week period ended February 28, 2012 was attributable to a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of the expiration of statute of limitations in certain federal and state jurisdictions and an increase in FICA Tip and Work Opportunity Tax Credits recognized for the quarter.  The change in the effective tax rate for the 39-week period ended February 28, 2012 was further attributable to a higher percentage benefit for FICA Tip and Work Opportunity Tax Credits as a result of lower pretax income for the current quarter compared to the same period of the prior year.

Included in income tax expense for both the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 was $0.5 million, representing the change in our valuation allowance for state net operating losses that, in the judgment of management, are not more likely than not to be realized.  This determination factored in the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carryback and carryforward periods), projected taxable income, and tax-planning strategies.  Primarily as a result of state tax planning, the Company has a three-year cumulative pre-tax loss in certain states which was given significant weight in our assessment.

We had a liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $4.4 million and $5.2 million as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011, respectively.  As of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate was $2.8 million and $3.4 million, respectively.  The liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of February 28, 2012 includes $1.6 million related to tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts could change within the next twelve months basedon the outcome of examinations and negotiations with tax authorities.  

Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as components of income tax expense.  As of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011, we had accrued $1.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively, for the payment of interest and penalties.  During the first 39 weeks of fiscal 2012, accrued interest and penalties decreased by $0.1 million, the majority of which affected the effective tax rate for the same time period.

At February 28, 2012, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for fiscal years prior to 2008 with the exception of our fiscal years 2004 and 2005 as a result of fiscal 2009 NOL carryback, and with few exceptions, state and local examinations by tax authorities prior to fiscal year 2008.

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NOTE L – COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

U.S. GAAP require the disclosure of certain revenue, expenses, gains andlosses that are excluded from net income.  Items that currently impact our other comprehensive income are pension liability adjustments.  Amounts shown in the table below are in thousands.

	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011		February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011
Net income	$	4,536	$	16,000	$	5,628	$	32,962
Pension liability reclassification, net of tax		307		297		923		892
Comprehensive income	$	4,843	$	16,297	$	6,551	$	33,854

NOTE M – SHARE-BASED EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION

We compensate our employees and Directors using share-based compensation through the following plans:

The Ruby Tuesday, Inc. Stock Incentive and Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors

Under the Ruby Tuesday, Inc. Stock Incentive and Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (the “Directors’ Plan”), non-employee directors are eligible for awards of share-based incentives.  Restricted shares granted under the Directors’ Plan vest in equal amounts after one, two, and three years provided the Director continually serves on the Board.  Options issued under the Directors’ Plan become vested after 30 months and are exercisable until five years after the grant date.  Stock option exercises are settled with the issuance of new shares of common stock.

All options awarded under the Directors’ Plan have been at the fair market value at the time of grant.  A Committee, appointed by the Board, administers the Directors’ Plan.  At February 28, 2012, we had reserved 111,000 shares of common stock under the Directors’ Plan, 47,000 of which were subject to options outstanding, for a net of 64,000 shares of common stock currently available for issuance under the Directors’ Plan.

The Ruby Tuesday, Inc. 2003 Stock Incentive Plan and the Ruby Tuesday, Inc. 1996 Stock Incentive Plan

A Committee, appointed by the Board, administers the Ruby Tuesday, Inc. 2003 Stock Incentive Plan (“2003 SIP”) and the Ruby Tuesday, Inc. 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (“1996 SIP”), and has full authority in its discretion to determine the key employees and officers to whom share-based incentives are granted and the terms and provisions of share-based incentives.  Option grants under the 2003 SIP and 1996 SIP can have varying vesting provisions and exercise periods as determined by such Committee.  Options granted under the 2003 SIP and 1996 SIP vest in periods ranging from immediate to fiscal 2014, with the majority vesting within three years following the date of grant, and the majority expiring five or seven (but some up to 10) years after grant.  The majority of currently unvested restricted shares granted in fiscal 2012 and 2010 are performance-based.  All of the currently unvested restricted shares granted during fiscal 2011 are service-based.  The 2003 SIP and 1996 SIP permit the Committee to make awards of shares of common stock and awards of stock options or other derivative securities related to the value of the common stock.  These discretionary awards may be made on an individual basis or for the benefit of a group of eligible persons.  All options awarded under the 2003 SIP and 1996 SIP have been awarded with an exercise price equal to the fair market value at the time of grant.

At February 28, 2012, we had reserved a total of 5,090,000 and 1,024,000 shares of common stock for the 2003 SIP and 1996 SIP, respectively.  Of the reserved shares at February 28, 2012, 2,357,000 and 982,000 were subject to options outstanding for the 2003 SIP and 1996 SIP, respectively.  Stock option exercises are settled with the issuance of new shares.  Net shares of common stock available for issuance at February 28, 2012 under the 2003 SIP and 1996 SIP were 2,733,000 and 42,000, respectively.

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Stock Options

The following table summarizes the activity in options for the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 under these stock option plans (in thousands except per-share data):

				Weighted
				Average
	Options			Exercise Price
Balance at May 31, 2011		3,239		$	13.10
Granted		253			7.87
Exercised		(35	)		5.26
Forfeited		(71	)		28.70
Balance at February 28, 2012		3,386		$	12.46
Exercisable at February 28, 2012		2,309		$	14.31

Included in the outstanding balance shown above are approximately 1,772,000 of out-of-the-money options.  Of this amount, we expect that approximately 845,000 of these options will expire out-of-the-money in the next year.

At February 28, 2012, there was approximately $0.6 million of unrecognized pre-tax compensation expense related to non-vested stock options.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.0 years.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we granted approximately 253,000 stock options to our CEO under the terms of the 2003 SIP.  These stock options vest in equal annual installments over a three-year period following grant of the award, and have a maximum life of seven years.  These stock options provide for immediate vesting if the optionee retires during the option period as well as if certain other events occur.  As our CEO was retirement-eligible at the time of grant, the accelerated vesting provision rendered the requisite service condition non-substantive under GAAP, and we therefore fully expensed the $1.2 million fair value of stock options awarded to our CEO on the date of grant.

Restricted Stock

The following table summarizes our restricted stock activity for the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 (in thousands except per-share data):

				Weighted Average
	Restricted			Grant-Date
Performance-based vesting:	Stock			Fair Value
Non-vested at May 31, 2011		299		$	7.24
Granted		384			7.87
Vested		(242	)		7.39
Forfeited		–			–
Non-vested at February 28, 2012		441		$	7.70
				Weighted Average
	Restricted			Grant-Date
Service-based vesting:	Stock			Fair Value
Non-vested at May 31, 2011		551		$	8.22
Granted		274			7.68
Vested		(122	)		8.02
Forfeited		(1	)		9.39
Non-vested at February 28, 2012		702		$	8.04

The fair values of the restricted share awards reflected above were based on the fair market value of our common stock at the time of grant.  At February 28, 2012, unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock grants expected to vest totaled approximately $2.9 million and will be recognized over a weighted average vesting period of approximately 1.4 years.

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During the second quarter of fiscal 2012, RTI granted approximately 88,000 restricted shares to non-employee directors under the terms of the Directors’ Plan.  These shares vest in equal annual installments over a three year period following grant of the award.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we granted approximately 186,000 service-based restricted shares and 384,000 performance-based restricted shares of our common stock to certain employees under the terms of the 2003 SIP and 1996 SIP.  The service-based restricted shares cliff vest on December 1, 2013.  Vesting of the performance-based restricted shares, including 203,000 shares that were awarded to our CEO, is also contingent upon the Company’s achievement of certain performance conditions related to fiscal 2012 performance, which will be measured in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.  In addition to satisfaction of the performance conditions for the performance-based restricted shares, recipients must satisfy the same service condition as described above for the service-based restricted shares.

For the same reason as mentioned above in regards to our stock options, we recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2012 an expense of $0.7 million related to the performance-based restricted shares awarded on August 23, 2011 to our CEO.  Should our CEO retire prior to the end of the performance period, the number of restricted shares he would receive would not be determinable until the completion of the performance period.  The expense we recorded for this award was determined using a model that estimated the projected achievement of the performance conditions.

NOTE N – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Guarantees

At February 28, 2012, we had certain third-party guarantees, which primarily arose in connection with our divestiture activities.  The majority of these guarantees have no expiration date.  Generally, we are required to perform under these guarantees in the event that a third-party fails to make contractual payments.

During fiscal 1996, our shareholders approved the distribution of our family dining restaurant business (Morrison Fresh Cooking, Inc., “MFC”) and our health care food and nutrition services business (Morrison Health Care, Inc., “MHC”). Subsequently, Piccadilly Cafeterias, Inc. (“Piccadilly”) acquired MFC and Compass Group (“Compass”) acquired MHC. Prior to the distribution, we entered into various guarantee agreements with both MFC and MHC, most of which have expired. As agreed upon at the time of the distribution, we have been contingently liable for payments to MFC and MHC employees retiring under MFC’s and MHC’s versions of the Management Retirement Plan and the Executive Supplemental Pension Plan (the two non-qualified defined benefit plans) for the accrued benefits earned by those participants as of March 1996.

On October 29, 2003, Piccadilly filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Following this, we have recorded, and begun to pay, our pro-rata share of the Piccadilly liabilities for which we have provided guarantees, including those for MFC employee benefit plans.

We estimated our divestiture guarantees related to MHC at February 28, 2012 to be $2.7 million for employee benefit plans.  In addition, we remain contingently liable for MHC’s portion (estimated to be $1.9 million) of the MFC employee benefit plan liability for which MHC is currently responsible under the divestiture guarantee agreements.  We believe the likelihood of being required to make payments for MHC’s portion to be remote due to the size and financial strength of MHC and Compass.

Litigation

We are presently, and from time to time, subject to pending claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business.  We provide reserves for such claims when payment is probable and estimable in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  At this time, in the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of pending legal proceedings, including the matter referred to below, will not have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial position, or cash flows.

On September 30, 2009, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) Pittsburgh Area Office filed suit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Civil Action No. 2:09-cv-01330-DSC, alleging the Company was in violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”) by failing to hire employees within the protected age group in five Pennsylvania restaurants and one Ohio restaurant.

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On October 19, 2009, the EEOC filed a Notice of an ADEA Directed Investigation (“DI”), Charge No. 533-2010-00062, regarding potential age discrimination in violation of the ADEA in hiring and discharge for all positions at all restaurant facilities.  On September 20, 2011, the EEOC issued a subpoena for records relating to the DI.  On January 10, 2012, the EEOC sought to enforce the subpoena in federal court in Pittsburgh.  We have denied the allegations in the lawsuit and are vigorously defending against both the suit and the DI.  Discovery in both matters is underway.  Despite the pending suit and DI, we do not believe that this matter will have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial position, or cash flows.

On November 8, 2010, a personal injury case styled Dan Maddy v. Ruby Tuesday, Inc., which had been filed in the Circuit Court for Rutherford County, Tennessee, was resolved through mediation.  Given that we maintain primary and secondary insurance coverage for claims such as the Maddy case, and we had previously paid the amount required by our self-insured retention limit, no payment was made by us at settlement.

Included in the Maddy settlement was a payment made by our secondary insurance carrier of $2,750,000.  Despite making this voluntary payment, our secondary insurance carrier has now filed a counterclaim against us in the coverage suit we had brought against that carrier prior to the Maddy settlement.  The counterclaim is based on our alleged failure to timely notify the carrier of the underlying case in accordance with the terms of the policy and that we have been “unjustly enriched” by the settlement as a result of the carrier’s payment of a portion of the Maddy settlement. 

Following the settlement, we dismissed our claims for bad faith, breach of contract and violation of the state consumer act, which we had pursued against that carrier.  We preserved certain claims, including a claim for attorney’s fees, against that carrier in the event we are successful in this litigation.  We believe our secondary insurance carrier received timely notice in accordance with the policy and we will vigorously defend this matter.  Should we incur potential liability to our secondary carrier, we believe we have indemnification claims against two claims administrators. 

We believe, and have obtained a consistent opinion from outside counsel, that we have valid coverage under our insurance policies for any amounts in excess of our self-insured retention.  We believe this provides a basis for not recording a liability for any contingency associated with the Maddy settlement.  We further believe we have the right to the indemnification referred to above.  Based on the information currently available, our February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect no accrual relating to the Maddy case.  There can be no assurance, however, that we will be successful in our defense of our carrier’s counterclaim against us.

NOTE O – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following table presents the fair values of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements
	Level		February 28, 2012			May 31, 2011
Deferred compensation plan – Assets		1	$	8,551		$	8,792
Deferred compensation plan – Liabilities		1		(8,551	)		(8,792	)
Total			$	–		$	–

During the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011, there were no transfers among levels within the fair value hierarchy.

The Ruby Tuesday, Inc. 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”) and the Ruby Tuesday, Inc. Restated Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Predecessor Plan”) are unfunded, non-qualified deferred compensation plans for eligible employees.  Assets earmarked to pay benefits under the Deferred Compensation Plan and Predecessor Plan are held by a rabbi trust.  We report the accounts of the rabbi trust in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  With the exception of the investment in RTI common stock, the investments held by these plans are considered trading securities and are reported at fair value based on third-party broker statements.  The realized and unrealized holding gains and losses related to these investments, as well as the offsetting compensation expense, is recorded in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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The investment in RTI common stock and related liability payable in RTI common stock, which are reflected in Shareholders’ Equity in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, are excluded from the fair value table above as these are considered treasury shares and reported at cost.

The following table presents the fair values for those assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis and remaining on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements
	Level		February 28, 2012		May 31, 2011
Long-lived assets held for sale *		2	$	58,161	$	24,686
Long-lived assets held for use		2		4,145		747
Total			$	62,306	$	25,433

* Included in the carrying value of long-lived assets held for sale as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 are $19.1 million and $23.3 million, respectively, of assets included in Construction in progress in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as we do not expect to sell these assets within the next 12 months.

The following table presents the losses recognized during the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011 resulting from fair value measurements of assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis.  These losses are included in Closures and impairments in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):

	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011		February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011
Long-lived assets held for sale	$	141	$	888	$	347	$	1,877
Long-lived assets held for use		11,393		–		12,023		349
	$	11,534	$	888	$	12,370	$	2,226

Long-lived assets held for sale are valued using Level 2 inputs, primarily information obtained through broker listings and sales agreements.  Costs to market and/or sell the assets are factored into the estimates of fair value for those assets included in Assets held for sale on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We review our long-lived assets (primarily property, equipment, and, as appropriate, reacquired franchise rights and favorable leases) related to each restaurant to be held and used in the business, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived asset may not be recoverable.

Long-lived assets held for use presented in the table above include our Company airplane and restaurants or groups of restaurants that were impaired as a result of our quarterly impairment review.  From time to time, the table will also include closed restaurants or surplus sites not meeting held for sale criteria that have been offered for sale at a price less than their carrying value.  

The Level 2 fair values of our long-lived assets held for use are based on broker estimates of the value of the land, building, leasehold improvements, and other residual assets.

Our financial instruments at February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 consisted of cash and short-term investments, accounts receivable and payable, long-term debt, letters of credit, and, as previously discussed, deferred compensation plan investments.  The fair values of cash and short-term investments and accounts receivable and payable approximated carrying value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.  The carrying amounts and fair values of our other financial instruments not measured on a recurring basis using fair value, however subject to fair value disclosures are as follows (in thousands):

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	February 28, 2012				May 31, 2011
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Deferred Compensation Plan
investment in RTI common stock	$	1,487	$	1,205	$	1,556	$	1,653
Long-term debt and capital leases		307,248		311,500		344,274		348,272
Letters of credit		–		222		–		178

We estimated the fair value of debt and letters of credit using market quotes and present value calculations based on market rates.

NOTE P – RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance on the presentation of total comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income.  This guidance is intended to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income.  The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 (our fiscal 2013 first quarter).  We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance modifying the impairment test for goodwill by allowing businesses to first decide whether they need to do the two-step impairment test.  Under the guidance, a business no longer has to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless it believes it is very likely that the reporting unit’s fair value is less than the carrying value.  The guidance is effective for impairment tests for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 (our fiscal 2013).  We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

NOTE Q – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Sale-leaseback transactions

During March 2012, we completed sale-leaseback transactions of the land and building for eight Company-owned Ruby Tuesday concept restaurants for gross cash proceeds of $17.5 million, exclusive of transaction costs of approximately $0.8 million.  Equipment was not included.  The carrying value of the properties sold was $13.6 million.  The leases have been classified as operating leases and have an initial term of 15 years, with renewal options of up to 20 years.  We realized gains on these transactions totaling $3.1 million, which have been deferred and are being recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial terms of the leases.

Acquisition of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill

Subsequent to February 28, 2012, we initiated the acquisition of certain assets, including seven Lime concept restaurants, the royalty stream from five Lime concept franchised restaurants, and the intellectual property of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, Inc. and certain of its affiliated companies for $24.0 million.  Not to be included in the asset acquisition is one restaurant owned by Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, Inc. which will continue to operate as a franchisee of RTI and four restaurants which will continue to be operated under license by existing franchisees.  We expect this transaction to be completed during our fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.

Restaurant Closings

In the Company’s third fiscal quarter, management working closely with the Board of Directors, adopted a plan to close 25 to 27 restaurants during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and 10 restaurants thereafter upon expiration of the leases.  The Board of Directors formally approved management’s plan at its regular Board meeting on April 4, 2012   As discussed in Note I to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, in addition to impairments recorded for stores which were not part of management’s plan, we recorded impairments of $9.6 million during the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2012 associated with restaurants which will be closed.

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Share-Based Employee Compensation Award

On April 4, 2012, in order to assist with employee retention, the Executive Compensation and Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors approved a special grant of 220,750 time-based restricted shares of common stock to certain employees under the terms of the 2003 SIP.  The shares will vest in equal amounts over the next 3 to 5 years.

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ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The discussion and analysis below for the Company should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes to such financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  The discussion below contains forward-looking statements which should be read in conjunction with the “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

General:

Ruby Tuesday, Inc., including its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“RTI,” the “Company,” “we” and/or “our”), owns and operates Ruby Tuesday®, Lime Fresh Mexican Grill®, Marlin & Ray’s™, Truffles®, and Wok Hay® casual dining restaurants.  We also franchise the Ruby Tuesday and Wok Hay concepts in select domestic and international markets.  As of February 28, 2012 we owned and operated 740, and franchised 85, Ruby Tuesday restaurants.  Ruby Tuesday restaurants can now be found in 45 states, the District of Columbia, 14 foreign countries, and Guam.

Overview and Strategies

Casual dining, the segment of the industry in which we operate, is intensely competitive with respect to prices, services, convenience, locations, advertising and promotion, and the types and quality of food.  We compete with other food service operations, including locally-owned restaurants, and other national and regional restaurant chains that offer similar types of services and products as we do.  In 2007 we deployed a brand repositioning initiative designed to clearly differentiate Ruby Tuesday from our competitors since we believed, as the bar and grill segment continued to mature, our lack of differentiation in this segment would potentially make it increasingly difficult to attract new guests.  Our brand repositioning initiative first focused on food, then service, and finally on the creation of a fresh new look for our restaurants, which was the most capital-intensive aspect of our brand reimaging program.  Our marketing strategy for the last several years has focused on the key pillars of print promotions, digital media, and local marketing programs to entice guests to see the new Ruby Tuesday, increase frequency of visits, and enhance brand visibility.  We plan to increase the amount we spend on television marketing to be more competitive with our peer group in order to drive traffic and trial of the Ruby Tuesday brand, partly aided by various limited time offers and other promotions.

As we strategically look out over the next three to five years, our long-range plan is to further strengthen our business in a low-risk, low-capital, and high-return manner by focusing in the following four areas:

·   Enhance Sales and Margins of Our Core Brand.  We have evolved our existing menu items to support our high-quality casual dining position, broaden our appeal with product extensions offering more variety and cravability, and provide our guests with compelling value.  Late in the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we introduced a menu which included an expanded appetizer line and new dinner entrees featuring a variety of lobster combinations.  Additionally, we launched a Sunday brunch offering and enhanced our bar area with high definition televisions and an enhanced food and drink menu, both of which have driven incremental sales and traffic while enhancing the overall perception of the Ruby Tuesday brand.  In the first quarter of fiscal 2011, we rolled out a new menu, began offering a complimentary bread program, and enhanced our fresh garden bar and Sunday brunch.  Our most recent menu includes seven new entrees and three new appetizers; Fit & Trim offerings, which includes menu items that are 700 calories or less; side offerings, which now include fresh grilled green beans, fresh grilled zucchini, baked mac ‘n cheese, and sugar snap peas; and a Sunday brunch menu with 15 total items including French toast and new omelets.  We now offer a complimentary garden bar with the purchase of an entrée at several of our restaurants.  We also added our fresh baked garlic cheese biscuits which we believe should further increase the overall value perception of our brand, in line with other high-quality casual dining restaurants.  Recently we have been focused on increasing our value position in certain test markets through our free Fresh Endless Garden Bar and fresh-baked garlic cheese biscuits complimentary with over 30 entrees and a starting price of $9.99, which provides compelling value to consumers and is a big point of differentiation for Ruby Tuesday since

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our competitors typically do not offer a garden bar with the purchase of an entree.  Additionally, we recently launched a new menu offering new high flavor profile entrees including Jamaican jerk shrimp, asiago peppercorn sirloin, and triple prime meatloaf.

In order to better promote our new value-oriented offerings to drive traffic and same-restaurant sales, we have been increasing the amount we spend on television marketing as we believe this is necessary in order to remain competitive with our peer group.  To that end, we have engaged a leading enterprise improvement consulting firm to assist us in identifying potential savings opportunities in a number of key areas including procurement, occupancy, and maintenance costs.  We are estimating annualized savings from these initiatives of approximately $35.0 to $40.0 million, or approximately $20.0 million higher than our previous estimates, a small portion of which is expected to be realized during the remainder of fiscal 2012.  We plan to reinvest a significant portion of these cost savings in our television marketing programs, with approximately 20% of our restaurants being covered by television advertising during the fiscal third quarter.  Additionally, at the start of the fiscal fourth quarter we increased our television advertising coverage to approximately 50% of our restaurants and have plans to increase our television advertising coverage to 100% of the system by the middle of the fourth quarter by using a combination of network and local cable to support a pure value and other advertising.

·   Focus on Low Risk, Low Capital-Intensive, High-Return Growth.  In an effort to be prudent with our capital and in order to enhance our returns, we have a strategy to grow our Company in a low risk, low capital-intensive and high-return manner.  On September 13, 2010, we entered into a licensing agreement with LFMG International, LLC which allows us to operate multiple restaurants under the Lime Fresh Mexican Grill® (“Lime”) name.  Lime is a fast casual Mexican concept that currently operates several restaurants primarily in the vicinity of Miami, Florida.  The fast casual segment of our industry has experienced high growth in recent years, and we believe opening smaller, inline locations under the Lime brand represents a good potential growth opportunity for us.  We opened three Company-owned Lime restaurants during the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 and expect to open three to five Company-owned Lime restaurants during the remainder of fiscal 2012.  Over time, we also plan to open Company-owned, smaller inline-type Ruby Tuesday restaurants as well.

In light of the growth potential of the Lime brand in the fast casual segment, we recently initiated the acquisition of certain assets, including seven Lime concept restaurants, the royalty stream from five Lime concept franchised restaurants, and the intellectual property of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, Inc. and certain of its affiliated companies for $24.0 million.  We expect this transaction to be completed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and believe the growth potential that Lime offers can create good long-term value for our shareholders with relatively low risk.

·   Increase Shareholder Returns Through New Concept Conversions.  Another part of our long-term plan is to increase average restaurant volumes in our existing restaurants thereby increasing profit and cash flow with minimal capital investment.  To this end, we have been converting certain underperforming Ruby Tuesday concept restaurants into other high-quality casual dining brands which might be better suited for success in selected markets, with the main conversion concept being our internally-developed seafood concept, Marlin & Ray’s.  We converted six Company-owned Ruby Tuesday restaurants to the Marlin & Ray’s concept during the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 and plan to convert another two to four during the remainder of fiscal 2012.  We believe the low capital requirement and potential increased revenue and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) from these conversions, in addition to the revenue increases we are seeing at neighboring Ruby Tuesday locations, offer opportunities for attractive cash-on-cash returns.

·   Allocate Capital to Enhance Shareholder Value.  We continue to maintain a strong balance sheet and have a five-year revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) in place which provides us with adequate liquidity.  If we are able to stabilize our same-restaurant sales without increasing our cost structure, we have the opportunity to increase our free cash flow assuming our capital expenditure needs remain at historic levels.  We define “free cash flow” to be the net amount remaining when purchases of property and equipment are subtracted from net cash provided by operating activities.  Our near-term capital expenditure requirements will consist of converting approximately two to four Ruby Tuesday concept restaurants to other high-quality casual dining

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concepts and opening approximately three to five smaller, inline Lime restaurants during the remainder of fiscal 2012.

We generated $46.9 million of free cash flow during the first three quarters of fiscal 2012, which was used to pay down debt and repurchase stock.  We estimate we will generate approximately $28.0 to $38.0 million of free cash flow during the remainder of fiscal 2012.  Included in these estimates is anticipated capital spending of approximately $4.0 to $8.0 million.  Our objective over the next several years is to continue to reduce outstanding debt levels in order to reduce our leverage and provide the flexibility to repurchase outstanding shares under our share repurchase program.  Additionally, we have commenced a sale-leaseback program on a portion of our real estate in order to create greater financial flexibility.  We are targeting to raise approximately $50.0 million of gross proceeds over the next one to two quarters to be utilized for debt reduction and opportunistic share repurchases.  See further discussion in the Financing Activities section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”).

Our success in the four key long-range plan initiatives outlined above should enable us to improve both our return on assets and return on equity, and to create additional shareholder value.

Results of Operations:

The following is an overview of our results of operations for the 13- and 39-week periods ended February 28, 2012:

Net income was $4.5 million for the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2012 compared to $16.0 million for the same quarter of the previous year.  Diluted earnings per share for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2012 was $0.07 compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.25 for the corresponding period of the prior year as a result of the decrease in net income as discussed below.

During the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2012:

·   Two Company-owned Ruby Tuesday restaurants were converted to Marlin & Ray’s concept restaurants;

·   Two Company-owned Lime restaurants were opened;

·   Two Company-owned Ruby Tuesday restaurants were closed, one of which is anticipated to be converted to a Marlin & Ray’s concept restaurant later in fiscal 2012;

·   Two franchised Ruby Tuesday restaurants were opened and four were closed;

·   We recorded impairment charges of $11.5 million, which included $9.6 million relating to 25 to 27 restaurants we intend to close during the fourth fiscal quarter and 10 restaurants thereafter upon expiration of the leases; and

·   Same-restaurant sales* at Company-owned Ruby Tuesday restaurants decreased 5.0%, while same-restaurant sales at domestic franchise Ruby Tuesday restaurants decreased 5.8%.

Net income was $5.6 million for the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 compared to $33.0 million for the same period of the previous year.  Diluted earnings per share for the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 was $0.09 compared to $0.51 for the corresponding period of the prior year as a result of the decrease in net income as discussed below.

During the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012:

·   Six Company-owned Ruby Tuesday restaurants were converted to Marlin & Ray’s concept restaurants;

·   One Company-owned Truffles restaurant was opened;

·   Three Company-owned Lime restaurants were opened;

·   One Company-owned Wok Hay restaurant was opened and one franchised Wok Hay restaurant was closed;

·   10 Company-owned Ruby Tuesday restaurants were closed, five of which were converted into Marlin & Ray’s concept restaurants, and one of which is anticipated to be converted to a Marlin & Ray’s restaurant later in fiscal 2012;

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·   Five franchised Ruby Tuesday restaurants were opened and 16 were closed;

·   We recorded impairment charges of $12.4 million, which included $9.6 million relating to 25 to 27 restaurants we intend to close during the fourth fiscal quarter and 10 restaurants thereafter upon expiration of the leases;

·   Two million shares of common stock were repurchased at an aggregate cost of $18.4 million; and

·   Same-restaurant sales* at Company-owned Ruby Tuesday restaurants decreased 4.4%, while same-restaurant sales at domestic franchise Ruby Tuesday restaurants decreased 5.1%.

* We define same-restaurant sales as a year-over-year comparison of sales volumes for restaurants that in the current year have been open at least 18 months, in order to remove the impact of new openings in comparing the operations of existing restaurants.

The following table sets forth selected restaurant operating data as a percentage of total revenue, except where otherwise noted, for the periods indicated.  All information is derived from our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28,		March 1,		February 28,		March 1,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Revenue:
Restaurant sales and operating revenue	99	.6%	99	.4%	99	.6%	99	.4%
Franchise revenue	0	.4	0	.6	0	.4	0	.6
Total revenue	100	.0	100	.0	100	.0	100	.0
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of merchandise (1)	28	.8	29	.3	29	.4	28	.9
Payroll and related costs (1)	34	.6	33	.5	34	.7	33	.8
Other restaurant operating costs (1)	19	.6	20	.7	20	.6	20	.6
Depreciation (1)	5	.0	4	.9	5	.1	5	.1
Selling, general and administrative, net	7	.1	5	.8	7	.6	6	.8
Closures and impairments	3	.8	0	.2	1	.4	0	.3
Equity in losses of unconsolidated
franchises			0	.3			0	.1
Interest expense, net	1	.2	1	.0	1	.2	0	.9
Income before income taxes	0	.4	4	.9	0	.3	4	.0
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes	(1	.0)	(0	.1)	(0	.3)	0	.4
Net income	1	.4%	5	.0%	0	.6%	3	.6%

(1)     As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue.

The following table shows Company-owned Ruby Tuesday, Lime, Marlin & Ray’s, Truffles, and Wok Hay concept restaurant activity for the 13- and 39-week periods ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011.

	Ruby Tuesday			Lime		Marlin & Ray’s		Truffles		Wok Hay		Total
13 weeks ended February 28, 2012
Beginning number		742			1		5		2		3		753
Opened		–			2		2		–		–		4
Closed		(2	)		–		–		–		–		(2	)
Ending number		740			3		7		2		3		755
39 weeks ended February 28, 2012
Beginning number		750			–		1		1		2		754
Opened		–			3		6		1		1		11
Closed		(10	)		–		–		–		–		(10	)
Ending number		740			3		7		2		3		755

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13 weeks ended March 1, 2011
Beginning number	676		–	–	–	2	678
Opened	–		–	1	1	–	2
Acquired from franchisees	73		–	–	–	–	73
Closed	(7	)	–	–	–	–	(7	)
Ending number	742		–	1	1	2	746
39 weeks ended March 1, 2011
Beginning number	656		–	–	–	2	658
Opened	–		–	1	1	–	2
Acquired from franchisees	96		–	–	–	–	96
Closed	(10	)	–	–	–	–	(10	)
Ending number	742		–	1	1	2	746

The following table shows franchised Ruby Tuesday concept restaurant activity for the 13- and 39-week periods ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011.

	Thirteen weeks ended						Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012			March 1,  2011			February 28, 2012			March 1,  2011
Beginning number		87			198			96			223
Opened		2			1			5			6
Sold to RTI		–			(73	)		–			(96	)
Closed		(4	)		(13	)		(16	)		(20	)
Ending number		85			113			85			113

In addition to the Ruby Tuesday concept restaurant activity in the table above, a traditional international franchisee closed its Wok Hay concept franchised restaurant during the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012.

We expect our domestic and international franchisees to open approximately one to three additional Ruby Tuesday restaurants during the remainder of fiscal 2012.  We currently anticipate converting two to four Company-owned Ruby Tuesday concept restaurants to other high-quality casual dining concepts, and opening approximately three to five smaller prototype, inline Company-owned Lime concept restaurants during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.

Revenue

RTI’s restaurant sales and operating revenue for the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2012 increased 2.0% to $323.5 million compared to the same period of the prior year.  This increase primarily resulted from the acquisition of 86 formerly franchised restaurants during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2011 as discussed below, partially offset by a 5.0% decrease in Ruby Tuesday concept same-restaurant sales.  The decrease in same-restaurant sales is attributable to lower guest counts, which was partially offset by an increase in average net check in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 compared with the same quarter of the prior year.  The increase in average net check was a result of menu price increases and a shift in menu mix.

Franchise revenue for the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2012 decreased 28.5% to $1.4 million compared to the same period of the prior year.  Franchise revenue is predominately comprised of domestic and international royalties, which totaled $1.3 million and $1.8 million for the 13-week periods ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011, respectively.  This decrease is due to a $0.4 million decline in royalties from our traditional domestic franchisees and a $0.1 million reduction in royalties from our franchise partnerships due to the acquisition of 109 restaurants from our franchise partners during fiscal 2011.

For the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012, sales at Company-owned restaurants increased 5.7% to $958.5 million compared to the same period of the prior year.  This increase primarily resulted from the acquisition of 109 formerly franchised restaurants during fiscal 2011 as discussed below, partially offset by a 4.4% decrease in Ruby Tuesday concept same-restaurant sales.  The decrease in same-restaurant sales is attributable to lower guest counts, which was partially offset by an increase in average net check in the first three quarters of fiscal 2012 compared with the same period of the prior year.  The increase in average net check was a result of menu price increases and a shift in menu mix.

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For the 39-week period ended February 28, 2012, franchise revenues decreased 24.8% to $4.1 million compared to the same period in the prior year.  Domestic and international royalties totaled $3.9 million and $5.0 million for the 39-week periods ending February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011, respectively.  This decrease is due to a $0.6 million decline in royalties from our traditional domestic franchisees and a $0.5 million reduction in royalties from our franchise partnerships due to the acquisition of 109 restaurants from our franchise partners during fiscal 2011.

Under our accounting policy, we do not recognize franchise fee revenue for any franchise with negative cash flows at times when the negative cash flows are deemed to be anything other than temporary and the franchise has borrowed directly from us.  We also do not recognize additional franchise fee revenue from franchisees with fees in excess of 60 days past due.  Accordingly, we have deferred recognition of a portion of franchise revenue from certain franchisees.  Unearned income for franchise fees was $2.1 million and $1.2 million as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011, respectively, which are included in Other deferred liabilities and/or Accrued liabilities – rent and other in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Pre-tax Income

Pre-tax income decreased $14.3 million to $1.2 million for the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2012, from the same period of the prior year.  The change from the prior year is due to a decrease in same-restaurant sales of 5.0% at Company-owned Ruby Tuesday restaurants, higher closures and impairments ($11.5 million) and interest expense ($0.7 million), and increases, as a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue or total revenue, as appropriate, of payroll and related costs, depreciation, and selling, general, and administrative, net.  These were partially offset by decreases, as a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, of cost of merchandise and other restaurant operating costs.

For the 39-week period ended February 28, 2012, pre-tax income decreased $33.7 million to $3.1 million, from the same period of the prior year.  The lower pre-tax income is due to a decrease in same-restaurant sales of 4.4% at Company-owned Ruby Tuesday restaurants, higher closures and impairments ($10.5 million) and interest expense ($3.7 million), and increases, as a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue or total revenue, as appropriate, of cost of merchandise, payroll and related costs, and selling, general, and administrative, net.

In the paragraphs that follow, we discuss in more detail the components of the decrease in pre-tax income for the 13-week and 39-week periods ended February 28, 2012, as compared to the comparable periods in the prior year.  Because a significant portion of the costs recorded in the cost of merchandise, payroll and related costs, other restaurant operating costs, and depreciation categories are either variable or highly correlative with the number of restaurants we operate, we evaluate our trends by comparing the costs as a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, as well as the absolute dollar change, to the comparable prior year period.

Fiscal 2011 Franchise Restaurant Acquisitions

The table below shows operating results attributable to the restaurants acquired from franchisees in fiscal 2011 that are included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the 13 and 39 weeks  ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011 (in thousands).  Amounts shown for the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 include results for all 109 restaurants acquired during fiscal 2011 while amounts shown for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011 include results for the 96 restaurants acquired during the first three quarters of fiscal 2011 (from the various dates of acquisition through March 1, 2011).

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	(Unaudited)
	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011		February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011
Total revenue	$	41,412	$	19,649	$	128,303	$	32,975
Cost of merchandise		11,908		5,804		37,545		9,629
Payroll and related costs		14,884		6,578		45,848		10,981
Other restaurant operating costs		8,950		4,580		27,725		7,684
Depreciation		2,089		848		6,356		1,665
Selling, general, and administrative, net		2,384		1,009		8,232		1,807
		40,215		18,819		125,706		31,766
Income before income taxes	$	1,197	$	830	$	2,597	$	1,209

See Note D to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for supplemental pro forma information for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011 as if the 106 restaurants acquired during fiscal 2011 from franchise partnerships had occurred on June 2, 2010.

Cost of Merchandise

Cost of merchandise increased $0.3 million (0.3%) to $93.1 million for the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2012, from the corresponding period of the prior year.  As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, cost of merchandise decreased from 29.3% to 28.8%.  Excluding the $6.1 million increase from the 109 restaurants acquired in fiscal 2011, cost of merchandise decreased $5.8 million.

Cost of merchandise increased $19.8 million (7.5%) to $282.2 million for the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012, from the corresponding period of the prior year.  As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, cost of merchandise increased from 28.9% to 29.4%.  Excluding the $27.9 million increase from the 109 restaurants acquired in fiscal 2011, cost of merchandise decreased $8.1 million.

The absolute dollar decrease in cost of merchandise not attributable to the restaurant acquisitions is primarily a result of a decrease in same-restaurant sales for the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 of 5.0% and 4.4%, respectively.

As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, the decrease for the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2012 is due primarily to cost savings negotiated with our primary food distributor and various other vendors since the same quarter of the prior year coupled with a reduction in food cost associated with our rollout during the first quarter of the current year of a new market fresh garden bar with fewer items.

As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, the increase for the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 is due primarily to the impact on net sales of increased value-focused promotional activity, rollout of the complimentary endless garden bar with the purchase of an entrée at several of our restaurants during the second quarter of the current year, and the rollout of garlic cheese biscuits at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2011.

Payroll and Related Costs

Payroll and related costs increased $5.7 million (5.3%) to $111.9 million for the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2012, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year.  As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, payroll and related costs increased from 33.5% to 34.6%.  Excluding the $8.3 million increase from the 109 restaurants acquired in fiscal 2011, payroll and related costs decreased $2.6 million.

Payroll and related costs increased $26.5 million (8.6%) to $332.6 million for the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year.  As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, payroll and related costs increased from 33.8% to 34.7%.  Excluding the $34.9 million increase from the 109 restaurants acquired in fiscal 2011, payroll and related costs decreased $8.4 million.

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For the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012, the decrease in absolute dollars not attributable to the restaurant acquisitions is primarily a result of new staffing guidelines for certain positions in our restaurants and lowered staffing levels attributable to reduced guest traffic from the same periods of the prior year.

As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, the increase in payroll and related costs for both the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 is due to higher management labor as a result of merit increases during the current year, minimum wage increases in several states since the prior year periods, and higher FUTA tax owed following the failure of several states to repay the federal government for unemployment insurance loans, coupled with the impact on net sales of increased value-focused promotional activity and loss of leveraging with lower sales volumes.

Other Restaurant Operating Costs

Other restaurant operating costs decreased $2.4 million (3.7%) to $63.3 million for the 13-week period ended February 28, 2012, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year.  As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, these costs decreased from 20.7% to 19.6%.  Excluding the $4.4 million increase from the 109 restaurants acquired in fiscal 2011, other restaurant operating costs decreased $6.8 million.

Other restaurant operating costs increased $10.9 million (5.8%) to $197.4 million for the 39-week period ended February 28, 2012, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year.  As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, these costs were consistent with the same quarter of the prior year at 20.6%.  Excluding the $20.0 million increase from the 109 restaurants acquired in fiscal 2011, other restaurant operating costs decreased $9.2 million.

For the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2012, the decrease in other restaurant operating costs not attributable to the restaurant operations of the acquired franchise partnership restaurants related to the following (in thousands):

Franchise partnership debt guarantees	$	6,703
Utilities		1,320
Repairs		1,251
Supplies		373
Insurance		260
Other decreases		1,584
Net gain on franchise acquisitions		(4,709	)
Net decrease	$	6,782

For the 13-week period ended February 28, 2012, the absolute dollar change not directly attributable to the operations of 109 restaurants acquired from franchisees was a result of prior year guaranty expense relating primarily to debt defaults by certain franchisees we chose not to acquire and which now have ceased operations, reductions in utilities based on more favorable rates, lower repairs due to less snow removal during the current quarter as a result of milder weather than the same quarter of the prior year, and decreases in supplies and insurance.  Partially offsetting these decreases are net gains on restaurant acquisitions as further discussed in Note D to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

For the 13-week period ended February 28, 2012, the decrease in other restaurant operating costs as a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue is primarily due to the prior year franchise partnership debt guaranty expense, which was partially offset by a loss of leveraging from lower sales volumes.

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For the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012, the decrease in other restaurant operating costs not attributable to the restaurant operations of the acquired franchise partnership restaurants related to the following (in thousands):

Franchise partnership debt guarantees	$	6,703
Utilities		2,461
Supplies		1,824
Repairs		1,488
Insurance		1,172
Other taxes		740
Income from company-owned life insurance		505
Other decreases		646
Net gain on franchise acquisitions		(6,369	)
Net decrease	$	9,170

For the 39-week period ended February 28, 2012, the absolute dollar change not directly attributable to the operations of 109 restaurants acquired from franchisees was a result of prior year guaranty expense relating primarily to debt defaults by certain franchisees we chose not to acquire and which now have ceased operations, reductions in utilities based on more favorable rates, supplies expense in part because of negotiated savings from vendors since the same period of the prior year, repairs due in part to the same reason as mentioned above, insurance expense due to property insurance proceeds received during the first quarter of the current year relating to storm damage at two of our restaurants, other taxes as a result of a reduction in the franchise tax base, and accrued income relating to the death benefit from a company-owned life insurance policy.  Partially offsetting these decreases are net gains on restaurant acquisitions as further discussed in Note D to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Depreciation

Depreciation expense increased $0.6 million (4.1%) to $16.2 million for the 13-week period ended February 28, 2012, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year.  As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, depreciation expense increased from 4.9% to 5.0%. Excluding the $1.2 million increase from the 109 restaurants acquired in fiscal 2011, depreciation expense decreased $0.6 million.

Depreciation expense increased $2.6 million (5.6%) to $48.9 million for the 39-week period ended February 28, 2012, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year.  As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, depreciation expense was consistent with the same period of the prior year at 5.1%.  Excluding the $4.7 million increase from the 109 restaurants acquired in fiscal 2011, depreciation expense decreased $2.1 million.

For the 13- and 39-week periods ended February 28, 2012, the increase in depreciation expense is due to depreciation on the restaurants acquired from franchisees in fiscal 2011, which was partially offset by reduced depreciation on assets that became fully depreciated or were retired from service since the same periods of the prior year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Net

Selling, general and administrative expenses, net of support service fee income, increased $4.5 million (24.3%) to $22.9 million for the 13-week period ended February 28, 2012, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year.  Excluding the $1.4 million increase from the 109 restaurants acquired in fiscal 2011, selling, general and administrative, net increased $3.1 million.

Selling, general and administrative expenses, net of support service fee income, increased $10.9 million (17.4%) to $73.1 million for the 39-week period ended February 28, 2012, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year.  Excluding the $6.4 million increase from the 109 restaurants acquired in fiscal 2011, selling, general and administrative, net increased $4.4 million.

The increase for the 13- and 39-week periods ended February 28, 2012 is due to higher advertising costs ($1.8 million and $8.8 million, respectively) primarily as a result of increased television advertising, coupled with higher general and administrative expense ($2.6 million and $2.1 million, respectively).  The increase in general and administrative expense for the 13- and 39-week periods ended February 28, 2012

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was due primarily to higher consulting fees, primarily relating to cost control projects.  This was partially offset by lower share-based compensation expense as a result of the inclusion within a portion of the fiscal 2012 share-based compensation award of performance conditions for which we expect less than full achievement, compared to the prior year share-based compensation award which contained only service conditions.

Closures and Impairments

Closures and impairments expense increased $11.5 million to $12.3 million for the 13-week period ended February 28, 2012, as compared to the corresponding period of the prior year.  The increase for the 13-week period is due primarily to higher restaurant impairment charges ($10.6 million), of which $9.6 million relates to management’s third fiscal quarter plan to close 25 to 27 restaurants during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and 10 restaurants thereafter upon expiration of the leases, and higher closed restaurant lease reserve expense ($1.2 million).  Management's plan was formally approved by the Board of Directors at its regular meeting on April 4, 2012.  These impairment charges were partially offset by an increase in gains during the current year on the sale of surplus properties ($0.3 million).

Closures and impairments expense increased $10.5 million to $13.4 million for the 39-week period ended February 28, 2012, as compared to the corresponding period of the prior year.  The increase for the 39-week period is due primarily to higher restaurant impairment charges ($10.1 million) for the same reasons as noted above, and higher closed restaurant lease reserve expense ($0.5 million) and other closing costs ($0.3 million).  These were partially offset by an increase in gains during the current year on the sale of surplus properties ($0.4 million).

See Note I to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on our closures and impairment charges recorded during the first three quarters of fiscal 2012 and 2011.

Equity in Losses of Unconsolidated Franchises

As of March 1, 2011, we held a 50% equity investment in one franchise partnership which operated 12 Ruby Tuesday restaurants.  Our equity in the losses of the unconsolidated franchises was $0.9 million and $0.6 million for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011, respectively.  We acquired the one remaining 50%-owned franchise partnership during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.

Interest Expense, Net

Net interest expense increased $0.7 million to $3.9 million for the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2012, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to higher mortgage loan obligations outstanding due to the acquisition of 109 restaurants from the franchise partnerships in fiscal 2011.  Net interest expense increased $3.7 million to $11.8 million for the 39-week period ended February 28, 2012, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily for the same reasons mentioned above.

(Benefit)/Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the 13- and 39- week periods ended February 28, 2012 was (268.2)% and (79.1)%, respectively, as compared to (2.9)% and 10.6%, respectively, for the same periods of the prior year.  The change in the effective tax rate for the 13-week period ended February 28, 2012 was attributable to a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of the expiration of statute of limitations in certain federal and state jurisdictions and an increase in FICA Tip and Work Opportunity Tax Credits recognized for the quarter.  The change in the effective tax rate for the 39-week period ended February 28, 2012 was further attributable to a higher percentage benefit for FICA Tip and Work Opportunity Tax Credits as a result of lower pretax income for the current quarter compared to the same period of the prior year.

Critical Accounting Policies:

Our MD&A is based upon our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make subjective or complex judgments that may affect the reported financial condition and results of operations.  We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable in the circumstances, the results of which form the basis

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for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.  We continually evaluate the information used to make these estimates as our business and the economic environment changes.

In our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2011, we identified our critical accounting policies related to business combinations, impairment of long-lived assets, share-based employee compensation, revenue recognition for franchisees, income tax valuation allowances and tax accruals, lease obligations, and estimated liability for self-insurance.  During the first 39 weeks of fiscal 2012, there have been no changes in our critical accounting policies.

Liquidity and Capital Resources:

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $0.9 million and $0.7 million during the first 39 weeks of fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The change in cash and cash equivalents is as follows (in thousands):

	Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28,				March 1,
	2012				2011
Cash provided by operating activities		$	76,032			$	76,490
Cash used by investing activities			(22,446	)			(18,368	)
Cash used by financing activities			(54,446	)			(58,777	)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents		$	(860	)		$	(655	)

Operating Activities

Our cash provided by operations is generally derived from cash receipts generated by our restaurant customers and franchisees.  Substantially all of the $958.5 million and $906.7 million of restaurant sales and operating revenue disclosed in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011, respectively, was received in cash either at the point of sale or within two to four days (when our guests paid with debit or credit cards).  Our primary uses of cash for operating activities are food and beverage purchases, payroll and benefit costs, restaurant operating costs, general and administrative expenses, and marketing, a significant portion of which are incurred and paid in the same period.

Cash provided by operating activities for the first 39 weeks of fiscal 2012 decreased $0.5 million (0.6%) from the corresponding period in the prior year to $76.0 million.  The decrease is due to lower EBITDA as a result of a 4.4% decrease in same-restaurant sales at Company-owned Ruby Tuesday restaurants and higher cash paid for interest ($4.3 million) as a result of an increase in debt outstanding during the current year from the franchise acquisitions in fiscal 2011.  These were partially offset by a reduction in cash paid for income taxes ($5.3 million) and reduced amounts spent to acquire inventory.

Our working capital deficiency and current ratio as of February 28, 2012 were $7.0 million and 0.9:1, respectively.  As is common in the restaurant industry, we carry current liabilities in excess of current assets because cash (a current asset) generated from operating activities is reinvested in capital expenditures (a long-term asset) or debt reduction (a long-term liability) and receivable and inventory levels are generally not significant.

Investing Activities

We require capital principally for the maintenance and upkeep of our existing restaurants, limited new or converted restaurant construction, investments in technology, equipment, remodeling of existing restaurants, and on occasion for the acquisition of franchisees or other restaurant concepts.  Property and equipment expenditures purchased with internally-generated cash flows for the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 were $29.1 million.

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Capital expenditures for the remainder of the fiscal year are projected to be approximately $4.0 to $8.0 million based on our planned improvements for existing restaurants and our expectation that we will open approximately three to five Lime restaurants, and convert approximately two to four Company-owned Ruby Tuesday concept restaurants to other high-quality casual dining concepts during the remainder of fiscal 2012.  As further discussed in Note Q to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and later in this MD&A, we also anticipate spending $24.0 million to acquire certain assets from Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, Inc. and certain of its affiliated companies in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.  We intend to fund our investing activities with cash provided by operations or borrowings on our Credit Facility.

Included in our proceeds from the disposal of assets for the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 is $2.3 million of gross cash proceeds from the sale-leaseback transaction of the land and building for a Company-owned Ruby Tuesday concept restaurant.  The gross cash proceeds were exclusive of $0.1 million of transaction costs.  The net proceeds from the sale-leaseback transaction were used to pay down certain of our mortgage loan obligations.  See Notes G and Q to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of this transaction and similar transactions which have closed subsequent to February 28, 2012.

As discussed further in Note D to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, during the first 39 weeks of fiscal 2011, we spent $4.4 million, plus assumed debt, to acquire the remaining membership interests of nine franchise partnerships which collectively operated 92 restaurants, one restaurant from a tenth franchise partnership, and three restaurants from a traditional domestic franchise.

Financing Activities

Historically our primary sources of cash have been operating activities and proceeds from stock option exercises and refranchising transactions.  When these alone have not provided sufficient funds for both our capital and other needs, we have obtained funds through the issuance of indebtedness or through the issuance of additional shares of common stock.  Our current borrowings and credit facilities are described below.

On December 1, 2010, we entered into a five-year revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”).  Under the original terms of the Credit Facility, we were allowed to borrow up to $320.0 million with the option to increase our capacity by $50.0 million to $370.0 million.  On July 19, 2011, we entered into an amendment of the Credit Facility to increase the amount of the optional additional revolving commitments available from $50.0 million to $60.0 million, thereby increasing the maximum aggregate revolving commitment amount under the Credit Facility from $370.0 million to $380.0 million.   On the same date, we exercised our option to increase the revolving commitments from $320.0 million to $380.0 million pursuant to new lender commitment agreements with the existing lenders and an additional new lender.

The terms of the Credit Facility provide for a $40.0 million swingline subcommitment and a $50.0 million letter of credit subcommitment.  The Credit Facility also includes a $50.0 million franchise facility subcommitment, which covered our guarantees of debt of the franchise partners (the “Franchise Facility Subcommitment”).  All amounts guaranteed under the Franchise Facility Subcommitment were settled during fiscal 2011.

The interest rates charged on borrowings pursuant to the Credit Facility can vary depending on the interest rate option we choose to utilize.  Our Base Rate for borrowings is defined to be the higher of Bank of America’s prime rate, the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, or an adjusted LIBO Rate plus 1.00%, plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.25%.  The applicable margin for our Eurodollar Borrowings ranges from 1.25% to 2.25%.

Under the terms of the Credit Facility, we had borrowings of $155.0 million with an associated floating rate of interest of 2.58% at February 28, 2012.  As of May 31, 2011, we had $177.0 million outstanding with an associated floating rate of interest of 2.27%.  After consideration of letters of credit outstanding, we had $215.7 million available under the Credit Facility as of February 28, 2012.  The Credit Facility will mature on December 1, 2015.

The Credit Facility contains financial covenants relating to the maintenance of leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios and minimum net worth.  We were in compliance with our debt covenants as of February 28, 2012 and the date of this filing.

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On April 3, 2003, we issued notes totaling $150.0 million through a private placement of debt (the “Private Placement”).  On December 1, 2010, we entered into an amendment of the notes issued in the Private Placement.  Among other changes, this amendment conformed the covenants in this agreement to the covenants contained in the Credit Facility discussed above.

At February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011, the Private Placement consisted of $44.4 million in notes with an interest rate of 7.17% (the “Series B Notes”).  The Series B Notes mature on April 1, 2013, and thus have been classified as non-current in our February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Our $107.6 million in mortgage loan obligations as of February 28, 2012 consists of various loans acquired upon franchise acquisitions.  These loans, which mature between June 2012 and March 2024, have balances which range from negligible to $8.4 million and interest rates of 3.37% to 11.28%.  Many of the properties acquired from franchisees collateralize the loans outstanding.

During the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012, we spent $18.4 million to repurchase 2.0 million shares of RTI common stock.  As of February 28, 2012, the total number of remaining shares authorized to be repurchased was 5.9 million.  No shares were repurchased during the first three quarters of the prior year.

During the remainder of fiscal 2012, we expect to fund operations, capital expansion, stock repurchases, and any other investments from operating cash flows, our Credit Facility, and proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions.

Significant Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

Long-term financial obligations were as follows as of February 28, 2012 (in thousands):

	Payments Due By Period
			Less than		1-3		3-5		More than 5
	Total		1 year		years		years		years
Notes payable and other    long-term debt, including
current maturities (a)	$	107,806	$	14,620	$	24,932	$	37,730	$	30,524
Revolving credit facility (a)		155,000		–		–		155,000		–
Unsecured senior notes
(Series B) (a)		44,442		–		44,442		–		–
Interest (b)		38,763		10,568		13,584		7,920		6,691
Operating leases (c)		353,858		44,777		79,388		63,394		166,299
Purchase obligations (d)		111,073		61,395		29,416		19,116		1,146
Pension obligations (e)		38,524		11,259		5,805		5,058		16,402
Total (f)	$	849,466	$	142,619	$	197,567	$	288,218	$	221,062

(a)   See Note H to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

(b)   Amounts represent contractual interest payments on our fixed-rate debt instruments.  Interest payments on our variable-rate revolving credit facility and variable-rate notes payable with balances of $155.0 million and $12.2 million, respectively, as of February 28, 2012 have been excluded from the amounts shown above, primarily because the balance outstanding under the Credit Facility, described further in Note H of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements,  fluctuates daily.  Additionally, the amounts shown above include interest payments on the Series B Notes at the current interest rates of 7.17%, respectively.

(c)   This amount includes operating leases totaling $1.6 million for which sublease income from franchisees or others is expected.  Certain of these leases obligate us to pay maintenance costs, utilities, real estate taxes, and insurance, which are excluded from the amounts shown above.  See Note G to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

(d)   The amounts for purchase obligations include commitments for food items and supplies, advertising, utility contracts, and other miscellaneous commitments.

(e)   See Note J to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

(f)   This amount excludes $4.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits due to the uncertainty regarding the timing of future cash outflows associated with such obligations.

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Commercial Commitments as of February 28, 2012 (in thousands):

	Payments Due By Period
		Less than	1-3	3-5	More than 5
	Total	1 year	Years	years	Years
Letters of credit	$     9,284	$     9,284	$            –	$            –	$            –
Divestiture guarantees	5,484	1,345	994	990	2,155
Total	$   14,768	$   10,629	$       994	$       990	$    2,155

See Note N to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

See Note N to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding our franchise partnership and divestiture guarantees.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance on the presentation of total comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income.  This guidance is intended to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income.  The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 (our fiscal 2013 first quarter).  We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance modifying the impairment test for goodwill by allowing businesses to first decide whether they need to do the two-step impairment test.  Under the guidance, a business no longer has to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless it believes it is very likely that the reporting unit’s fair value is less than the carrying value.  The guidance is effective for impairment tests for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 (our fiscal 2013).  We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Known Events, Uncertainties and Trends:

Goodwill Impairment Evaluation

Our goodwill totaled $16.9 million at February 28, 2012.  We perform tests for impairment annually (as of the end of the third fiscal quarter), or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate it might be impaired.  Impairment tests for goodwill include comparing the fair value of the respective reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill.  We use a variety of methodologies in conducting these impairment assessments, including cash flow analyses that are consistent with the assumptions we believe hypothetical marketplace participants would use, estimates of sales proceeds and other measures, such as fair market price of our common stock, as evidenced by closing trading price.  Where applicable, we use an appropriate discount rate that is commensurate with the risk inherent in the projected cash flows.

In early August 2011, the closing trading price of our common stock fell below our net book value per share and, with few exceptions, has remained there since.  Despite our belief that this is temporary, we utilized three approaches, (1) a public trading analysis, which estimates the value of our business based on the implied valuations of other publicly traded companies with relatively similar operating or financial characteristics, (2) a precedent transactions analysis, which represents the value of a business based on the implied valuations paid in publicly announced merger and acquisition transactions for similar companies over time, and (3) a discounted cash flow approach,  to perform additional procedures to analyze the carrying value of our goodwill.

Under the public trading analysis, enterprise values of an appropriate reference group were calculated and expressed in multiples of EBITDA for the latest historical period as well as the next fiscal year.  These   

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multiples are used to gauge relative performance and valuation and were applied to our results to arrive at an estimated enterprise value.

With the precedent transactions analysis, ranges of enterprise values of companies acquired or to be acquired as a multiple of historical EBITDA in publicly announced merger and acquisition transactions were used to estimate our enterprise value.

The discounted cash flow analysis used our projected operating results, future estimates of capital expenditures and changes in future working capital requirements, as well as our estimated weighted average cost of capital, to determine discounted cash flows, plus a terminal value to account for the theoretical future value of the business beyond the forecast period.  Inherent in these calculations were revenue growth assumptions and estimates of future expected changes in operation margins and costs and number of units.

Based on our review of the results of these multiple fair value estimation analyses, we concluded that the fair value of the Company's equity exceeded carrying value and there was no impairment of goodwill at February 28, 2012.  However, if market conditions at either the restaurant store level or system-wide deteriorate, or if operating results decline further, we may be required to record impairment charges in future quarters.

Sale-Leaseback Transactions

Over the last two fiscal quarters, we have been pursuing sale-leaseback transactions on a portion of our real estate in order to create greater financial flexibility.  We are targeting to raise approximately $50.0 million of gross proceeds from these transactions to be utilized for debt reduction and opportunistic share repurchases, and will give consideration to potential additional sale-leaseback transactions should market demand and deal economics remain attractive.

During the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2012, we completed the sale-leaseback of the land and building for a Company-owned Ruby Tuesday concept restaurant for gross cash proceeds of $2.3 million, exclusive of transaction costs of approximately $0.1 million.  Equipment was not included.  The carrying value of the property sold was $1.5 million.  The lease has been classified as an operating lease and has an initial term of 15 years, with renewal options of up to 20 years.  Net proceeds from the sale-leaseback transactions were used to pay down certain of our mortgage loan obligations.

We realized a gain on this transaction of $0.7 million, which has been deferred and is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease.  The current and long-term portions of the deferred gain are included in Accrued liabilities- Rent and other and Other deferred liabilities, respectively, in our February 28, 2012 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.  Amortization of the deferred gains is included as a reduction to rent expense and is included within Other restaurant operating costs in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012.

As of February 28, 2012, 21 of our Ruby Tuesday concept restaurant properties have been classified within Assets held for sale in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet in anticipation of future sale-leaseback transactions.  These properties had carrying values of $35.1 million as of February 28, 2012.  See Note Q to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of sale-leaseback transactions which occurred subsequent to February 28, 2012 but prior to the date of the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Acquisition of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill

Subsequent to February 28, 2012, we announced our plans to acquire, following a period of due diligence, certain assets, including seven Lime concept restaurants, the royalty stream from five Lime concept franchised restaurants, and the intellectual property of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, Inc. and certain of its affiliated companies for $24.0 million.  Not to be included in the asset acquisition is one restaurant owned by Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, Inc. which will continue to operate as a franchisee of RTI and four restaurants which will continue to be operated under license by existing franchisees.  We expect this transaction to be completed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.

39

Restaurant Closings

In the Company’s third fiscal quarter, management working closely with the Board of Directors, adopted a plan to close 25 to 27 restaurants during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and 10 restaurants thereafter upon expiration of the leases.  The Board of Directors formally approved management’s plan at its regular Board meeting on April 4, 2012.  As discussed in Note I to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, in addition to impairments recorded for stores which were not part of management’s plan, we recorded impairments of $9.6 million during the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2012 associated with restaurants which will be closed.

In connection with these closures, we anticipate closing costs, primarily related to lease settlements, of approximately $6.0 to $10.0 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.  We expect the majority of these charges to result in cash expenditures, primarily in fiscal 2013 and thereafter.  The actual amount of any cash payments made for lease contract termination costs will be dependent upon ongoing negotiations with the landlords of the leased restaurant properties.

The closures should lead to estimated annual incremental EBITDA of approximately $1.5 to $2.0 million, in addition to a slight same-restaurant sales improvement.

Financial Strategy and Stock Repurchase Plan

Our financial strategy is to utilize a prudent amount of debt, including operating leases, letters of credit, and any guarantees, to minimize the weighted average cost of capital while allowing financial flexibility.  This strategy has periodically allowed us to repurchase RTI common stock.  During the first three quarters of fiscal 2012, we repurchased 2.0 million shares of RTI common stock at an aggregate cost of $18.4 million.  As of February 28, 2012, the total number of remaining shares authorized to be repurchased was 5.9 million.  To the extent not funded with cash from operating activities and proceeds from stock option exercises, additional repurchases, if any, may be funded by proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions and borrowings on the Credit Facility.  The repurchase of shares in any particular future period and the actual amount thereof remain at the discretion of the Board of Directors, and no assurance can be given that shares will be repurchased in the future.

Dividends

During fiscal 1997, our Board of Directors approved a dividend policy as an additional means of returning capital to our shareholders.  Thepayment of a dividend in any particular period and the actual amount thereof remain at the discretion of the Board of Directors, and no assurance can be given that dividends will be paid in the future.

Fiscal Year

Our fiscal 2012 will contain 53 weeks and end on June 5, 2012.  As a result, the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 will contain 14 weeks.

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Disclosures about Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk from fluctuations in interest rates and changes in commodity prices.  The interest rate charged on our Credit Facility can vary based on the interest rate option we choose to utilize.  Our Base Rate for borrowings is defined to be the higher of Bank of America’s prime lending rate, the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, or an adjusted LIBO Rate plus 1.00%, plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.25%.  The applicable margin for our Eurodollar Borrowings ranges from 1.25% to 2.25%.  As of February 28, 2012, the total amount of outstanding debt subject to interest rate fluctuations was $167.2 million.  A hypothetical 100 basis point change in short-term interest rates would result in an increase or decrease in interest expense of $1.7 million per year, assuming a consistent capital structure.

40

Many of the ingredients used in the products we sell in our restaurants are commodities that are subject to unpredictable price volatility.  This volatility may be due to factors outside our control such as weather and seasonality.  We attempt to minimize the effect of price volatility by negotiating fixed price contracts for the supply of key ingredients.  Historically, and subject to competitive market conditions, we have been able to mitigate the negative impact of price volatility through adjustments to average check or menu mix.

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation and under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.  Based on the evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of February 28, 2012.

Changes in Internal Controls

During the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2012, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a–15(f) under the Exchange Act that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are presently, and from time to time, subject to pending claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, including claims relating to injury or wrongful death under “dram shop” laws, workers’ compensation and employment matters, claims relating to lease and contractual obligations, and claims from guests alleging illness or injury.  We provide reserves for such claims when payment is probable and estimable in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  At this time, in the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of pending legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated operations, financial position, or cash flows.  See Note N to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about our legal proceedings as of February 28, 2012.

41

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

Information regarding risk factors appears in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2011 in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors.  There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

From time to time our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of shares of our common stock as a means to return excess capital to our shareholders.  The timing, price, quantity and manner of the purchases have been made at the discretion of management, depending upon market conditions and the restrictions contained in our loan agreements.  As of February 28, 2012, 5.9 million shares remained available for purchase under existing programs.  We did not repurchase any shares of RTI common stock during the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2012.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we spent $18.4 million to repurchase 2.0 million shares of RTI common stock.  The repurchase of shares in any particular future period and the actual amount thereof remain at the discretion of the Board of Directors, and no assurance can be given that shares will be repurchased in the future.  There were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012.

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

Share-Based Employee Compensation Award

On April 4, 2012, in order to assist with employee retention, the Executive Compensation and Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors approved a special grant of time-based restricted shares of common stock to Kimberly Grant, Executive Vice President, and Daniel Dillon, Jr., Senior Vice President, Brand Development, under the terms of the 2003 SIP.  Ms. Grant and Mr. Dillon each received 110,375 time-based restricted shares of common stock as part of this award.  The shares will vest in equal amounts over the next 3 to 5 years.

42

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:

 Exhibit No.

31	.1	Certification of Samuel E. Beall, III, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer.
31	.2	Certification of Marguerite N. Duffy, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer.
32	.1	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
		Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32	.2	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
		Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
10	1.INS	XBRL Instance Document.
10	1.SCH	XBRL Schema Document.
10	1.CAL	XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document.
10	1.LAB	XBRL Labels Linkbase Document.
10	1.PRE	XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document.
10	1.DEF	XBRL Definition Linkbase Document.

43

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

RUBY TUESDAY, INC.

(Registrant)

Date: April 6, 2012  BY: /s/ MARGUERITE N. DUFFY —————————————— Marguerite N. Duffy Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer

44

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Samuel E. Beall, III, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Ruby Tuesday, Inc.;

2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)   Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.   The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 6, 2012	/s/ Samuel E. Beall, III
	Samuel E. Beall, III
	Chairman of the Board, President
	and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Marguerite N. Duffy, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Ruby Tuesday, Inc.;

2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)   Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.   The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 6, 2012	/s/ Marguerite N. Duffy
	Marguerite N. Duffy
	Senior Vice President and
	Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Ruby Tuesday, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended February 28, 2012 (the “Report”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Samuel E. Beall, III, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2)   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: April 6, 2012	/s/ Samuel E. Beall, III
	Samuel E. Beall, III
	Chairman of the Board, President
	and Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Ruby Tuesday, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended February 28, 2012 (the “Report”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Marguerite N. Duffy, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2)   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: April 6, 2012	/s/ Marguerite N. Duffy
	Marguerite N. Duffy
	Senior Vice President and
	Chief Financial Officer

XML

PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, ASSETS HELD FOR SALE, OPERATING LEASES, AND SALE-LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2012		Mar. 01, 2011	Feb. 28, 2012		Mar. 01, 2011	May 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 1,530,321,000			$ 1,530,321,000			$ 1,597,447,000
Less accumulated depreciation	574,169,000			574,169,000			566,296,000
Property and equipment, net	956,152,000			956,152,000			1,031,151,000
Assets held for sale, noncurrent	19,100,000			19,100,000			23,300,000
Assets held for sale	39,077,000			39,077,000			1,340,000
Carrying values of assets disposed	1,500,000		3,900,000	2,900,000		4,800,000
Net (loss) gain on sale on disposal of assets	100,000		100,000	200,000		100,000
Proceeds from disposal of assets	1,500,000		3,800,000	3,100,000		4,700,000
Operating Leases [Abstract]
Percentage of restaurants located on leased properties (in hundredths)	51.00%			51.00%
Number of company owned restaurants	740			740
Percentage of restaurants located on leased land (in hundredths)	66.00%			66.00%
Percentage of restaurants located on leased land and building (in hundredths)	34.00%			34.00%
Expiration of operating leases (in years)				25Y
Ruby Tuesday resturant, Jacksonville, Florida [Member]
Sale-Leaseback Transactions [Abstract]
Sale-leaseback transaction, gross proceeds				2,300,000
Sale-leaseback transaction costs				100,000
Sale-leaseback transaction, carrying value	1,500,000			1,500,000
Sale-leaseback transaction, lease terms (in years)				15Y
Sale-leaseback transaction, renewal terms (in years)				20Y
Sale-leaseback transaction, deferred gain	700,000			700,000
Ruby Tuesday Concept Restaurant Group [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Future sale-leaseback transactions, assets held-for-sale, long-lived	35,100,000			35,100,000
Restaurants reclassified as held-for-sale, description				21 Ruby Tuesday concept restaurant properties
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	241,091,000			241,091,000			256,761,000
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	478,283,000			478,283,000			512,177,000
Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	418,803,000			418,803,000			427,169,000
Restaurant Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	273,853,000			273,853,000			279,319,000
Other Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	94,230,000			94,230,000			93,944,000
Construction in Progress and Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 24,061,000	[1]		$ 24,061,000	[1]		$ 28,077,000	[1]

[1] Included in Construction in progress and other as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 are $19.1 million and $23.3 million, respectively, of assets held for sale that are not classified as such in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as we do not expect to sell these assets within the next 12 months. These assets primarily consist of parcels of land upon which we have no intention to build restaurants.

XML

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2012	Mar. 01, 2011	Feb. 28, 2012	Mar. 01, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012 Sale Leaseback Transaction [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Acquisition - Lime Fresh Mexican Grills [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Impairment in Value of Asset [Member]	Apr. 03, 2012 Impairment in Value of Asset [Member]	Apr. 04, 2012 Time-based restricted shares of common stock [Member]
Sale-leaseback transaction [Abstract]
Number of restaurants					8	7
Sale-leaseback transaction, gross proceeds					$ 17,500,000
Sale-leaseback transaction, costs					800,000
Sale-leaseback transaction, carrying value					13,600,000
Sale-leaseback transaction, lease terms (in years)					15Y
Sale-leaseback transaction, lease renewal terms (in years)					20Y
Sale-leaseback transaction, deferred gain					3,100,000
Acquisition of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill Restaurants [Abstract]
Number of franchised restaurant royalty stream acquisitions						5
Acquisition price						24,000,000
Number of restaurants excluded from purchase which will continue to operate as a franchisee of RTI						1
Number of restaurants excluded from purchase which will continue to operate under license by existing franchisees						4
Restaurant Closures [Abstract]
Number of restaurants approved in plan to be closed, minimum								25
Number of restaurants approved in plan to be closed, maximum								27
Number of restaurants planned to be closed following expiration of lease								10
Property impairments	$ 11,534,000	$ 888,000	$ 12,370,000	$ 2,226,000			$ 9,600,000
Share-Based Employee Compensation [Abstract]
Grant of restricted shares of common stock (in shares)									220,750
Vesting period of restricted shares of common stock, minimum (in years)									3Y
Vesting period of restricted shares of common stock, maximum (in years)									5Y

XML

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2012
Divestiture Guarantee [Abstract]
Non-qualified defined benefit plans - divestiture guarantees	2
Litigation [Abstract]
Alleged Age Discrimination and Employment Act Violations	Alleging the Company was in violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act “ADEA” by failing to hire employees within the protected age group in five Pennsylvania restaurants and one Ohio restaurant.
Dan Maddy v Ruby Tuesday [Member]
Litigation [Abstract]
Payment made by our secondary insurance carrier for Maddy lawsuit settlement	2.75
Number of claims administrators against whom Company has indemnification claims in the event of potential liability to secondary carrier	2
Divestiture Guarantee [Member]
Divestiture Guarantee [Abstract]
Divestiture guarantees related to MHC for employee benefit plans	2.7
Divestiture guarantees contingent liability for MHC portion of employee benefit plans	1.9

XML

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]

Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis

The following table presents the fair values of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements
	Level		February 28, 2012			May 31, 2011
Deferred compensation plan – Assets		1	$	8,551		$	8,792
Deferred compensation plan – Liabilities		1		(8,551	)		(8,792	)
Total			$	–		$	–

Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Non-Recurring basis

The following table presents the fair values for those assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis and remaining on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements
	Level		February 28, 2012		May 31, 2011
Long-lived assets held for sale *		2	$	58,161	$	24,686
Long-lived assets held for use		2		4,145		747
Total			$	62,306	$	25,433

* Included in the carrying value of long-lived assets held for sale as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 are $19.1 million and $23.3 million, respectively, of assets included in Construction in progress in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as we do not expect to sell these assets within the next 12 months.

The following table presents the losses recognized during the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011 resulting from fair value measurements of assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis.  These losses are included in Closures and impairments in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):

	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011		February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011
Long-lived assets held for sale	$	141	$	888	$	347	$	1,877
Long-lived assets held for use		11,393		–		12,023		349
	$	11,534	$	888	$	12,370	$	2,226

Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Other Financial Instruments Not Measured on a Recurring Basis

The carrying amounts and fair values of our other financial instruments not measured on a recurring basis using fair value, however subject to fair value disclosures are as follows (in thousands):

	February 28, 2012				May 31, 2011
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Deferred Compensation Plan
investment in RTI common stock	$	1,487	$	1,205	$	1,556	$	1,653
Long-term debt and capital leases		307,248		311,500		344,274		348,272
Letters of credit		–		222		–		178

XML

FISCAL 2011 BUSINESS AND LICENSE ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

FISCAL 2011 BUSINESS AND LICENSE ACQUISITIONS [Abstract]

Allocation of purchase prices of acquisitions

The purchase prices of acquisitions during fiscal 2011 have been allocated based on fair value estimates as follows (in thousands):

	As Previously Reported			Adjustments			As Adjusted
Property and equipment	$	137,075		$	–		$	137,075
Goodwill		15,571			1,348			16,919
Reacquired franchise rights		10,242			–			10,242
Other intangible assets, net of liabilities of $1,288		735			–			735
Deferred income taxes		380			(928	)		(548	)
Long-term debt and capital leases		(147,005	)		–			(147,005	)
Other net liabilities		(4,536	)		–			(4,536	)
Notes receivable		(1,529	)		–			(1,529	)
Net impact on Consolidated Balance Sheet		10,933			420			11,353
Gain on settlement of preexisting contracts, net		(4,906	)		–			(4,906	)
Gain on acquisitions		(1,770	)		(420	)		(2,190	)
Net impact on Consolidated Statements of Income		(6,676	)		(420	)		(7,096	)
Aggregate cash purchase prices	$	4,257		$	–		$	4,257

Operating results for acquired franchise partnerships

The table below shows operating results attributable to the restaurants acquired from franchisees in fiscal 2011 that are included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the 13 and 39 weeks  ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011 (in thousands).  Amounts shown for the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 include results for all 109 restaurants acquired during fiscal 2011 while amounts shown for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011 include results for the 96 restaurants acquired during the first three quarters of fiscal 2011 (from the dates of acquisition as mentioned above through March 1, 2011).

	(Unaudited)
	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011		February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011
Total revenue	$	41,412	$	19,649	$	128,303	$	32,975
Cost of merchandise		11,908		5,804		37,545		9,629
Payroll and related costs		14,884		6,578		45,848		10,981
Other restaurant operating costs		8,950		4,580		27,725		7,684
Depreciation		2,089		848		6,356		1,665
Selling, general, and administrative, net		2,384		1,009		8,232		1,807
		40,215		18,819		125,706		31,766
Income before income taxes	$	1,197	$	830	$	2,597	$	1,209

Supplemental pro forma information

The following table presents supplemental pro forma information for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011 as if the 106 restaurants acquired during fiscal 2011 from franchise partnerships had occurred on June 2, 2010 for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011 (in thousands except per-share data):

	(Unaudited)
	Thirteen weeks ended		Thirty-nine weeks ended
	March 1, 2011		March 1, 2011
Total revenue	$	345,061	$	1,017,833
Net income	$	15,171	$	31,992
Basic earnings per share	$	0.24	$	0.50
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.23	$	0.49

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RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2012	May 31, 2011	Feb. 28, 2012 Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 01, 2011 Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 01, 2011 Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Postretirement Medical and Life Benefits [Member]	Mar. 01, 2011 Postretirement Medical and Life Benefits [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Postretirement Medical and Life Benefits [Member]	Mar. 01, 2011 Postretirement Medical and Life Benefits [Member]
RETIREMENT BENEFITS [Abstract]
Defined benefit pension plans	3
Estimated contributions to be made in remainder of fiscal year	$ 200,000
Lump sum pension payment accrued liability for CEO	8,100,000
Time following retirement before payment is to be made (in months)	6M
Defined contribution plans		2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost			134,000	129,000	402,000	387,000	2,000	2,000	6,000	6,000
Interest cost			576,000	573,000	1,728,000	1,719,000	18,000	19,000	54,000	57,000
Expected return on plan assets			(126,000)	(98,000)	(378,000)	(294,000)
Amortization of prior service cost			64,000	82,000	192,000	246,000	(14,000)	(15,000)	(42,000)	(45,000)
Recognized actuarial loss			426,000	398,000	1,278,000	1,194,000	34,000	28,000	102,000	84,000
Net periodic benefit cost			$ 1,074,000	$ 1,084,000	$ 3,222,000	$ 3,252,000	$ 40,000	$ 34,000	$ 120,000	$ 102,000

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ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2012	May 31, 2011
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts and notes receivable - current, gross	$ 6,942,000	$ 7,531,000
Past due days for franchise fee revenue not recognized	60 days past due
Unearned income for franchise fees	2,100,000	1,200,000
Due for third-party gift card sales	1,000,000	1,300,000
Due from our distributor for purchases of lobster	1,000,000	700,000
Amounts due relating to insurance claims	600,000	1,200,000
Rebates Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts and notes receivable - current, gross	846,000	1,055,000
Amounts Due from Franchisees [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts and notes receivable - current, gross	2,625,000	2,506,000
Other Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts and notes receivable - current, gross	$ 3,471,000	$ 3,970,000

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified							3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2012 Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	May 31, 2011 Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	May 31, 2011 Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	May 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]	Mar. 01, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]	Mar. 01, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		May 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan - Assets					$ 8,551	$ 8,792
Deferred compensation plan - Liabilities					(8,551)	(8,792)
Total					0	0
Long-lived assets held for sale											58,161	[1]	24,686	[1]
Long-lived assets held for use											4,145		747
Total											62,306		25,433
Long-lived assets held for sale included in construction in progress											19,100		23,300
Long-lived assets held for sale							141	888	347	1,877
Long-lived assets held for use							11,393	0	12,023	349
Total impairment of long-lived assets							11,534	888	12,370	2,226
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation Plan investment in RTI common stock	1,487	1,556	1,205	1,653
Long-term debt and capital leases	307,248	344,274	311,500	348,272
Letters of credit	$ 0	$ 0	$ 222	$ 178

[1] Included in the carrying value of long-lived assets held for sale as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 are $19.1 million and $23.3 million, respectively, of assets included in Construction in progress in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as we do not expect to sell these assets within the next 12 months.

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FISCAL 2011 BUSINESS AND LICENSE ACQUISITIONS

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

FISCAL 2011 BUSINESS AND LICENSE ACQUISITIONS [Abstract]

FISCAL 2011 BUSINESS AND LICENSE ACQUISITIONS

NOTE D – FISCAL 2011 BUSINESS AND LICENSE ACQUISITIONS

As part of our strategy to generate incremental revenue and EBITDA through new concept conversions and franchise partnership acquisitions, as discussed below, during fiscal 2011 we acquired 109 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, including 106 purchased from certain of our franchise partnerships and three purchased from a traditional domestic franchisee.  Of these 109 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, 96 restaurants were acquired as a result of the following acquisitions during the first three quarters of fiscal 2011.

On August 4, 2010, we acquired the remaining 99% and 50% of the membership interests of RT Long Island Franchise, LLC (“RT Long Island”) and RT New England Franchise, LLC (“RT New England”), respectively, thereby increasing our ownership to 100% of these companies.  RT Long Island and RT New England, previously franchise partnerships with 10 Ruby Tuesday restaurants each, were acquired for $0.2 million plus assumed debt.  As further consideration for the RT Long Island transaction, we surrendered collection of the note receivable and line of credit due from the franchise.  The note and line of credit, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and unearned revenue, totaled $0.4 million at the time of the transaction.RT Long Island and RT New England had total debt of $24.3 million at the time of acquisition, $1.9 million of which was payable to RTI.

On October 13, 2010, we acquired three Ruby Tuesday restaurants from a traditional domestic franchise in Kentucky for $1.6 million in cash.

On February 2, 2011, we acquired the remaining 50% of the membership interests of RT Western Missouri Franchise, LLC; RT Omaha Franchise, LLC; RT KCMO Franchise, LLC (“RT KCMO”); and RT St. Louis Franchise, LLC (“RT St. Louis”); and the remaining 99% of the membership interests of RT Indianapolis Franchise, LLC; RT Portland Franchise, LLC; and RT Denver Franchise, LP; thereby increasing our ownership to 100% of these seven companies.  These franchise partnerships collectively operated 72 restaurants at the time of acquisition, and were acquired for $0.5 million plus assumed debt.  As further consideration for these transactions, we surrendered collection of notes receivable and lines of credit due from certain of these franchisees.  The notes and lines of credit, net of allowances for doubtful accounts, totaled $0.9 million at the time of the transactions.  At the time of acquisition, these franchise partnerships had total debt of $106.6 million, $3.8 million of which was payable to RTI.

On February 25, 2011, we acquired one Ruby Tuesday restaurant from RT Utah Franchise, LLC (“RT Utah”), a franchise partnership in which we had a 1% ownership interest, for $2.0 million.  Shortly before completion of this transaction, RT Utah closed its other five restaurants.

We acquired the remaining 13 restaurants during the final quarter of fiscal 2011, as follows.

On May 4, 2011, we acquired the remaining 50% of the membership interest of RT Minneapolis Franchise, LLC; and the remaining 99% of the membership interest of RT Las Vegas Franchise, LLC; thereby increasing our ownership to 100% of these two companies.  These franchise partnerships collectively operated 13 restaurants at the time of acquisition, and were acquired for assumed debt.  At the time of acquisition, these franchise partnerships had total debt of $18.7 million, $0.9 million of which was payable to RTI.

Our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the results of operations of these acquired restaurants subsequent to the dates of acquisition.

The purchase prices of acquisitions during fiscal 2011 have been allocated based on fair value estimates as follows (in thousands):

	As Previously Reported			Adjustments			As Adjusted
Property and equipment	$	137,075		$	–		$	137,075
Goodwill		15,571			1,348			16,919
Reacquired franchise rights		10,242			–			10,242
Other intangible assets, net of liabilities of $1,288		735			–			735
Deferred income taxes		380			(928	)		(548	)
Long-term debt and capital leases		(147,005	)		–			(147,005	)
Other net liabilities		(4,536	)		–			(4,536	)
Notes receivable		(1,529	)		–			(1,529	)
Net impact on Consolidated Balance Sheet		10,933			420			11,353
Gain on settlement of preexisting contracts, net		(4,906	)		–			(4,906	)
Gain on acquisitions		(1,770	)		(420	)		(2,190	)
Net impact on Consolidated Statements of Income		(6,676	)		(420	)		(7,096	)
Aggregate cash purchase prices	$	4,257		$	–		$	4,257

The RT Long Island, RT St. Louis, and RT KCMO acquisitions were considered bargain purchases as the purchase prices were less than the values assigned to the assets and liabilities acquired.  For the 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011, a preliminary bargain purchase gain of $1.9 million, as well as a $4.9 million gain on settlement of preexisting contracts, was included in Other restaurant operating costs in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  The preliminary estimate of the gain on acquisitions was adjusted in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 and again in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 as additional information was received.

We recorded $16.9 million of goodwill due to the purchase price exceeding the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired in certain of the acquisitions.  Of the goodwill recorded, we anticipate that approximately $4.4 million will be nondeductible for tax purposes.

We amortize the $10.2 million of reacquired franchise rights associated with these acquisitions on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the franchise operating agreements, which are approximately two to 12 years from the dates of acquisition.

Other intangible assets, net of liabilities consist of assets and liabilities resulting from the terms of acquired operating lease contracts being favorable or unfavorable relative to market terms of comparable leases on the acquisition date.  These assets and liabilities totaled $2.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively, at the time of acquisition and will be amortized as a component of rent expense over the remaining lives of the leases, which are approximately one to 33 years.

The table below shows operating results attributable to the restaurants acquired from franchisees in fiscal 2011 that are included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the 13 and 39 weeks  ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011 (in thousands).  Amounts shown for the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 include results for all 109 restaurants acquired during fiscal 2011 while amounts shown for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011 include results for the 96 restaurants acquired during the first three quarters of fiscal 2011 (from the dates of acquisition as mentioned above through March 1, 2011).

	(Unaudited)
	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011		February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011
Total revenue	$	41,412	$	19,649	$	128,303	$	32,975
Cost of merchandise		11,908		5,804		37,545		9,629
Payroll and related costs		14,884		6,578		45,848		10,981
Other restaurant operating costs		8,950		4,580		27,725		7,684
Depreciation		2,089		848		6,356		1,665
Selling, general, and administrative, net		2,384		1,009		8,232		1,807
		40,215		18,819		125,706		31,766
Income before income taxes	$	1,197	$	830	$	2,597	$	1,209

The following table presents supplemental pro forma information for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011 as if the 106 restaurants acquired during fiscal 2011 from franchise partnerships had occurred on June 2, 2010 for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011 (in thousands except per-share data):

	(Unaudited)
	Thirteen weeks ended		Thirty-nine weeks ended
	March 1, 2011		March 1, 2011
Total revenue	$	345,061	$	1,017,833
Net income	$	15,171	$	31,992
Basic earnings per share	$	0.24	$	0.50
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.23	$	0.49

The unaudited pro forma consolidated results were prepared using the acquisition method of accounting and are based on the historical financial information of RTI and the franchises, reflected in fiscal 2011 RTI and franchise results of operations.  The historical financial information has been adjusted to give effect to the pro forma events that are: (1) directly attributable to the acquisitions, (2) factually supportable and (3) expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results.  The unaudited pro forma consolidated results are not necessarily indicative of what our consolidated results of operations actually would have been had we completed the acquisitions on June 2, 2010.  In addition, the unaudited pro forma consolidated results do not purport to project the future results of operations of the combined company nor do they reflect the expected realization of any cost savings or otherwise improved profits associated with the acquisitions.  The unaudited pro forma consolidated results for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011 reflect the following pro forma pre-tax adjustments:

·   Elimination of the franchises' historical intangible asset amortization expense (approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively).

·   Elimination of RTI's franchise revenue (approximately $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively).

·   Elimination of RTI's support service fee income and marketing reimbursements (approximately $0.6 million and $1.9 million, respectively).

·   Elimination of RTI's equity in losses of unconsolidated franchises (approximately $0.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively).

·   Elimination of RTI's bad debt charges relating to notes receivable and lines of credit due from the acquired franchises (approximately $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively).

·   Additional amortization expense (approximately $0.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively) related to reacquired franchise rights.

·   Additional depreciation expense (approximately $0.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively) related to the fair value adjustments to property and equipment acquired.

·   Reduced interest expense (approximately $0.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively) related to the fair value adjustments of acquired franchise debt.

·   Elimination of acquisition-related expenses (approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively).

All of the above adjustments were adjusted for the applicable tax impact, which for the above would be the statutory tax rate of 39.7%.  In addition, the pro forma net income and earnings per share amounts presented above reflect our estimates of the franchises' FICA Tip and Work Opportunity Tax Credits for the portions of the fiscal year prior to the dates of acquisition.  These credits were $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively, for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011.

License Acquisitions

On September 13, 2010, we entered into a licensing agreement with LFMG International, LLC which allows us to operate multiple restaurants under the Lime Fresh Mexican Grill® (“Lime”) name.  Lime is a fast-casual Mexican concept that currently operates several restaurants primarily in the vicinity of Miami, Florida.  The Lime concept menu features items such as homemade tortilla chips, customizable nachos, flautas, salads, soups, fajitas, quesadillas, tacos, burritos, and salsa and guacamole.  Under the terms of the agreement, we paid an initial development fee of $1.0 million and agreed to pay a license agreement fee of $5,000 for each Lime restaurant we open, up to a maximum of 200 restaurants.  In addition, we agreed to pay a royalty fee of 2.0%, and an advertising fee of 1.0%, of gross sales of any Lime restaurant that we open.  As of February 28, 2012, we owned and operated three Lime restaurants.  As further discussed in Note Q to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, subsequent to February 28, 2012, we initiated the acquisition of certain assets of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, Inc. and certain of its affiliated companies for $24.0 million.  We expect this transaction to be completed during our fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.

Additionally, on July 22, 2010, following the approval of the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, we entered into a licensing agreement with Gourmet Market, Inc. which is owned by our Chief Executive Officer's brother, Price Beall.  The licensing agreement allows us to operate multiple restaurants under the Truffles® name.  Truffles is an upscale café concept that currently operates several restaurants in the vicinity of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.  The Truffles concept offers a diverse menu featuring soups, salads, and sandwiches, a signature chicken pot pie, house-breaded fried shrimp, pasta, ribs, steaks, and a variety of desserts.

Under the terms of the agreement, we will pay a licensing fee to Gourmet Market, Inc. of 2.0% of gross sales of any Truffles we open.  Additionally, we will pay Gourmet Market, Inc. a monthly fee for up to two years for consulting services to be provided by Price Beall to assist us in developing and opening Truffles restaurants under the terms of the licensing agreement.  During the first 12 months of the agreement we will pay $20,833 per month for such services.  During the second 12 months of the agreement we will pay either $20,833 per month if we have a communicated plan to develop three or more Truffles restaurants or $10,417 per month if we have a communicated plan to develop two or fewer Truffles restaurants.  Gourmet Market, Inc. has the option to terminate future development rights if we do not operate 18 or more Truffles restaurants within five years or 40 or more Truffles within 10 years of the effective date of the agreement.  Management has yet to determine if it will open 18 or more Truffles restaurants within five years or 40 or more Truffles within 10 years.  We opened our first Truffles in Atlanta, Georgia in December 2010 and our second in Orlando, Florida in November 2011.  During the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011, we paid Gourmet Market, Inc. $49,108 and $147,205, and $70,912 and $154,246, respectively, under the terms of the agreement.

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INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2012	Mar. 01, 2011	Feb. 28, 2012	Mar. 01, 2011	May 31, 2011
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Effective tax rate (in hundredths)	(268.20%)	(2.90%)	(79.10%)	10.60%
Increase in valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for certain state net operating losses	$ 0.5
Period of cumulative pre-tax losses in certain States (in years)	3Y
Unrecognized tax benefits	4.4		4.4		5.2
Total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that impact the effective tax rate	2.8		2.8		3.4
Tax position included in unrecognized tax benefits liabilty			1.6
Accrued interest and penalties	1.4		1.4		1.6
Increased accrued interest and penalties			$ (0.1)

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CLOSURES AND IMPAIRMENTS EXPENSE (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

Closures And Impairments Expense [Abstract]

Closures and impairments expenses

Closures and impairment expenses include the following for the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011 (in thousands):

	Thirteen weeks ended						Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012			March 1,  2011			February 28, 2012			March 1,  2011
Property impairments	$	11,534		$	888		$	12,370		$	2,226
Closed restaurant lease reserves		776			(432	)		702			231
Other closing costs		125			150			541			232
(Gain)/loss on sale of surplus properties		(118	)		177			(198	)		180
	$	12,317		$	783		$	13,415		$	2,869

Future lease obligations associated with closed properties

A rollforward of our future lease obligations associated with closed properties is as follows (in thousands):

	Lease Obligations
Balance at May 31, 2011	$	2,660
Closing expense including rent and other lease charges		702
Payments		(685	)
Other adjustments		(138	)
Balance at February 28, 2012	$	2,539

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LONG TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASES (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

LONG TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASES [Abstract]

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations consist of the following (in thousands):

	February 28, 2012		May 31, 2011
Revolving credit facility	$	155,000	$	177,000
Series B senior notes,
due April 2013		44,442		44,442
Mortgage loan obligations		107,568		122,546
Capital lease obligations		238		286
		307,248		344,274
Less current maturities		14,620		15,090
	$	292,628	$	329,184

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COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2012	Mar. 01, 2011	Feb. 28, 2012	Mar. 01, 2011
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Net income	$ 4,536	$ 16,000	$ 5,628	$ 32,962
Pension liability reclassification, net of tax	307	297	923	892
Comprehensive income	$ 4,843	$ 16,297	$ 6,551	$ 33,854

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RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

RETIREMENT BENEFITS [Abstract]

Defined benefit plan disclosure

The following tables detail the components of net periodic benefit costs and the amounts recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the Retirement Plan, Management Retirement Plan, and the Executive Supplemental Pension Plan (collectively, the “Pension Plans”) and the Postretirement Medical and Life Benefits plans (in thousands):

	Pension Benefits
	Thirteen weeks ended								Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28,				March 1,				February 28,				March 1,
	2012				2011				2012				2011
Service cost		$	134			$	129			$	402			$	387
Interest cost			576				573				1,728				1,719
Expected return on plan assets			(126	)			(98	)			(378	)			(294	)
Amortization of prior service cost			64				82				192				246
Recognized actuarial loss			426				398				1,278				1,194
Net periodic benefit cost		$	1,074			$	1,084			$	3,222			$	3,252

	Postretirement Medical and Life Benefits
	Thirteen weeks ended								Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28,				March 1,				February 28,				March 1,
	2012				2011				2012				2011
Service cost		$	2			$	2			$	6			$	6
Interest cost			18				19				54				57
Amortization of prior service cost			(14	)			(15	)			(42	)			(45	)
Recognized actuarial loss			34				28				102				84
Net periodic benefit cost		$	40			$	34			$	120			$	102

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COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Items that currently impact our other comprehensive income are pension liability adjustments.  Amounts shown in the table below are in thousands.

	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011		February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011
Net income	$	4,536	$	16,000	$	5,628	$	32,962
Pension liability reclassification, net of tax		307		297		923		892
Comprehensive income	$	4,843	$	16,297	$	6,551	$	33,854

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FRANCHISE PROGRAMS

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

FRANCHISE PROGRAMS [Abstract]

FRANCHISE PROGRAMS

NOTE C – FRANCHISE PROGRAMS

As of February 28, 2012, our traditional domestic and international franchisees collectively operated 85 Ruby Tuesday restaurants.  We do not own any equity interest in our traditional franchisees.  As discussed further in Note D to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, during fiscal 2011 we acquired the remaining membership interests of 11 franchise partnerships which operated 105 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, an additional Ruby Tuesday restaurant from a twelfth franchise partnership, and three Ruby Tuesday restaurants from a traditional domestic franchise.

Under the terms of the franchise operating agreements, we require all domestic franchisees to contribute a percentage, currently 0.5%, of monthly gross sales to a national advertising fund formed to cover their pro rata portion of the production and airing costs associated with our national advertising campaign.  Under the terms of those agreements, we have the right to charge up to 3.0% of monthly gross sales for this national advertising fund.

Advertising amounts received from domestic franchisees are considered by RTI to be reimbursements, recorded on an accrual basis as earned, and have been netted against selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

In addition to the advertising fee discussed above, our franchise agreements allow us to charge up to a 1.5% support service fee and a 1.5% marketing and purchasing fee.  For the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011, we recorded $0.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively in fiscal 2012, and $0.9 million and $2.7 million, respectively in fiscal 2011, in support service and marketing and purchasing fees, which were an offset to Selling, general and administrative, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

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SHARE-BASED EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

SHARE-BASED EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION [Abstract]

Summary of stock option activity

The following table summarizes the activity in options for the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 under these stock option plans (in thousands except per-share data):

				Weighted
				Average
	Options			Exercise Price
Balance at May 31, 2011		3,239		$	13.10
Granted		253			7.87
Exercised		(35	)		5.26
Forfeited		(71	)		28.70
Balance at February 28, 2012		3,386		$	12.46
Exercisable at February 28, 2012		2,309		$	14.31

Summary of restricted stock activity

The following table summarizes our restricted stock activity for the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 (in thousands except per-share data):

				Weighted Average
	Restricted			Grant-Date
Performance-based vesting:	Stock			Fair Value
Non-vested at May 31, 2011		299		$	7.24
Granted		384			7.87
Vested		(242	)		7.39
Forfeited		–			–
Non-vested at February 28, 2012		441		$	7.70
				Weighted Average
	Restricted			Grant-Date
Service-based vesting:	Stock			Fair Value
Non-vested at May 31, 2011		551		$	8.22
Granted		274			7.68
Vested		(122	)		8.02
Forfeited		(1	)		9.39
Non-vested at February 28, 2012		702		$	8.04

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LONG TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASES (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2011	Feb. 28, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 344,274,000	$ 307,248,000
Less current maturities	15,090,000	14,620,000
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities	329,184,000	292,628,000
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	177,000,000	155,000,000
Line of credit initiation date	2010-12-01
Revolving credit agreement (in years)	5Y
Revolving credit facility, borrowing capacity	320,000,000
Option to increase line of credit borrowing capacity, additional amount	50,000,000
Option to increase line of credit borrowing capacity, adjusted amount	370,000,000
Revolving credit facility borrowing rate		The interest rates charged on borrowings pursuant to the Credit Facility can vary depending on the interest rate option we choose to utilize. Our Base Rate for borrowings is defined to be the higher of Bank of America's prime rate, the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, or an adjusted LIBO Rate plus 1.00%, plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.25%. The applicable margin for our Eurodollar Borrowings ranges from 1.25% to 2.25%.
Line of credit facility, outstanding amount	177,000,000	155,000,000
Floating rate of interest (in hundredths)	2.27%	2.50%
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity		215,700,000
Maturity date of long-term debt		Dec. 01, 2015
Line of Credit [Member] | Line of Credit Amendment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit initiation date		2011-07-19
Revolving credit facility, borrowing capacity		370,000,000
Option to increase line of credit borrowing capacity, additional amount		60,000,000
Option to increase line of credit borrowing capacity, adjusted amount		380,000,000
Increase to revolving commitments		380,000,000
Line of Credit [Member] | SwingLine[Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility subcommitment agreement		40,000,000
Line of Credit [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility subcommitment agreement		50,000,000
Line of Credit [Member] | Franchise Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility subcommitment agreement		50,000,000
Series B Senior Notes due April 2013 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	44,442,000	44,442,000
Maturity date of long-term debt		Apr. 01, 2013
Issuance of notes payable		150,000,000
Interest rate of long-term debt (in hundredths)		7.17%
Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	122,546,000	107,568,000
Maturity date range of debt, start		2011-12-31
Maturity date range of debt, end		2024-03-31
Range of loan balances, maximum		8,400,000
Interest rates of loans, minimum (in hundredths)		3.37%
Interest rates of loans, maximum (in hundredths)		11.28%
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 286,000	$ 238,000

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2012	May 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and short-term investments	$ 8,862	$ 9,722
Accounts receivable	6,942	7,531
Inventories:
Merchandise	23,804	25,627
China, silver and supplies	9,501	8,843
Income tax receivable	710	3,077
Deferred income taxes	12,739	14,429
Prepaid rent and other expenses	13,844	12,797
Assets held for sale	39,077	1,340
Total current assets	115,479	83,366
Property and equipment, net	956,152	1,031,151
Goodwill	16,919	15,571
Other assets	54,060	56,938
Total assets	1,142,610	1,187,026
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	27,112	29,807
Accrued liabilities:
Taxes, other than income and payroll	11,132	13,695
Payroll and related costs	29,448	27,559
Insurance	7,069	6,581
Deferred revenue - gift cards	11,776	8,731
Rent and other	21,274	17,861
Current portion of long-term debt, including capital leases	14,620	15,090
Total current liabilities	122,431	119,324
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities	292,628	329,184
Deferred income taxes	37,805	42,923
Deferred escalating minimum rent	46,134	44,291
Other deferred liabilities	59,189	59,591
Total liabilities	558,187	595,313
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; (authorized: 100,000 shares; issued: 63,791 shares at 2/28/12; 65,098 shares at 5/31/11)	638	651
Capital in excess of par value	91,113	104,941
Retained earnings	504,801	499,173
Deferred compensation liability payable in Company stock	1,487	1,556
Company stock held by Deferred Compensation Plan	(1,487)	(1,556)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(12,129)	(13,052)
Total shareholders' equity	584,423	591,713
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity	$ 1,142,610	$ 1,187,026

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SHARE-BASED EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2012	Feb. 28, 2012 SIP 2003 [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 SIP 1996 [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Stock Options [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Stock Options [Member] SIP 2003 [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Stock Options [Member] SIP 1996 [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Restricted Stock [Member]	Aug. 30, 2011 Service Based - Deferred Compensation [Member]	Aug. 30, 2011 Service Based - Deferred Compensation [Member] Stock Options [Member] Chief Executive Officer [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Service Based - Deferred Compensation [Member] Restricted Stock [Member]	Aug. 30, 2011 Performance Based - Incentive [Member]	Aug. 30, 2011 Performance Based - Incentive [Member] Chief Executive Officer [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Performance Based - Incentive [Member] Restricted Stock [Member]
SHARE-BASED EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION [Abstract]
Vesting period of restricted shares issued and options granted, minimum (in years)	1Y
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of restricted shares issued and options granted, maximum (in years)	3Y								3Y
Vesting period of options issued (in months)	30M
Exercisable period of options issued (in years)	5Y								7Y
Reserved shares of common stock under the Plan (in shares)	111,000
Reserved shares of common stock under the plan (in shares)		5,090,000	1,024,000	47,000	2,357,000	982,000
Common stock currently available for issuance (in shares)	64,000				2,733,000	42,000
Beginning balance (in shares)				3,239,000						551			299
Granted (in shares)				253,000
Exercised (in shares)				(35,000)
Forfeited (in shares)				(71,000)						(1)			0
Ending balance (in shares)				3,386,000						702			441
Granted (in shares)										274			384
Vested (in shares)										(122)			(242)
Exercisable at end of period (in shares)				2,309,000
Weighted average grant-date fair value [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in dollars per share)				$ 13.10
Granted (in dollars per share)				$ 7.87
Exercised (in dollars per share)				$ 5.26
Forfeited (in dollars per share)				$ 28.70
Ending balance (in dollars per share)				$ 12.46
Exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share)				$ 14.31
Beginning balance (in dollars per share)										$ 8.22			$ 7.24
Granted (in dollars per share)										$ 7.68			$ 7.87
Vested (in dollars per share)										$ 8.02			$ 7.39
Forfeited (in dollars per share)										$ 9.39			$ 0
Ending balance (in dollars per share)										$ 8.04			$ 7.70
Out-of-the money options included in outstanding balance (in shares)				1,772,000
Out-of-the money options included in the outstanding balance, expiring during the next fiscal year (in shares)				845,000
Unrecognized pre-tax compensation expense related to share based compensation				$ 0.6			$ 2.9
Unrecognized pre-tax compensation expense expected to be recognized over a weighted average period (in years)				1.0			1.4
Restricted shares granted to non-employee directors under the terms of the Directors' Plan (in shares)							88,000
Service-based restricted shares of common stock granted to certain employees (in shares)								186,000			384,000
Shares of common stock awarded to retirement-eligible CEO (in shares)												203,000
Recognized expense on the grant date of common stock award to retirement-eligible CEO												0.7
Options granted to CEO (in shares)									253,000
Expensed related to stock options awarded to CEO									$ 1.2

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BASIS OF PRESENTATION

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

BASIS OF PRESENTATION [Abstract]

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

NOTE A – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Ruby Tuesday, Inc., including its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“RTI,” “we” or the “Company”), owns and operates Ruby Tuesday®, Lime Fresh Mexican Grill®, Marlin & Ray's™, Truffles®, and Wok Hay® casual dining restaurants.  We also franchise the Ruby Tuesday concept in select domestic and international markets.  The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring entries) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Operating results for the 13- and 39-week periods ended February 28, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the year ending June 5, 2012.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet at May 31, 2011 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.

For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in RTI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2011.

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FRANCHISE PROGRAMS (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2012	Mar. 01, 2011	Feb. 28, 2012	Mar. 01, 2011	Feb. 28, 2012 No Equity Interest in Operated Ruby Tuesday Restaurant [Member]	May 31, 2011 Eleven Franchise Partnerships [Member]	May 31, 2011 Twelfth Franchise Partnership [Member]	May 31, 2011 Traditional Franchise Partnerships [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Restaurants operated by traditional franchisees					85
Acquired remaining membership interest, franchise partnerships						11
Restaurants acquired from traditional and partnership franchises						105	1	3
Operating agreements, national advertising fund gross sales contribution (in hundredths)			0.50%
Operating agreements, national advertising fund gross sales contribution, maximum (in hundredths)			3.00%
Operating agreements, support service fee, gross sales contribution, maximum (in hundredths)			1.50%
Operating agreements, marketing and purchase fee, gross sales contribution, maximum (in hundredths)			1.50%
Support service and marketing and purchasing fees	$ 0.1	$ 0.8	$ 0.9	$ 2.7

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SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS [Abstract]

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

NOTE Q – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Sale-leaseback transactions

During March 2012, we completed sale-leaseback transactions of the land and building for eight Company-owned Ruby Tuesday concept restaurants for gross cash proceeds of $17.5 million, exclusive of transaction costs of approximately $0.8 million.  Equipment was not included.  The carrying value of the properties sold was $13.6 million.  The leases have been classified as operating leases and have an initial term of 15 years, with renewal options of up to 20 years.  We realized gains on these transactions totaling $3.1 million, which have been deferred and are being recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial terms of the leases.

Acquisition of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill

Subsequent to February 28, 2012, we initiated the acquisition of certain assets, including seven Lime concept restaurants, the royalty stream from five Lime concept franchised restaurants, and the intellectual property of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, Inc. and certain of its affiliated companies for $24.0 million.  Not to be included in the asset acquisition is one restaurant owned by Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, Inc. which will continue to operate as a franchisee of RTI and four restaurants which will continue to be operated under license by existing franchisees.  We expect this transaction to be completed during our fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.

Restaurant Closings

In the Company's third fiscal quarter, management working closely with the Board of Directors, adopted a plan to close 25 to 27 restaurants during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and 10 restaurants thereafter upon expiration of the leases.  The Board of Directors formally approved management's plan at its regular Board meeting on April 4, 2012   As discussed in Note I to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, in addition to impairments recorded for stores which were not part of management's plan, we recorded impairments of $9.6 million during the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2012 associated with restaurants which will be closed.

Share-Based Employee Compensation Award

On April 4, 2012, in order to assist with employee retention, the Executive Compensation and Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors approved a special grant of 220,750 time-based restricted shares of common stock to certain employees under the terms of the 2003 SIP.  The shares will vest in equal amounts over the next 3 to 5 years.

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FISCAL 2011 BUSINESS AND LICENSE ACQUISITIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2012	Mar. 01, 2011	May 31, 2011	Feb. 28, 2012	Mar. 01, 2011	May 31, 2011	May 31, 2011 Previously Reported [Member]	May 31, 2011 Adjustments [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Franchise Rights [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Assets Intangible Assets Operating Lease Contracts [Member]	May 31, 2011 Assets Intangible Assets Operating Lease Contracts [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Liabilities Intangible Assets Unfavorable Operating Lease Contracts [Member]	May 31, 2011 Liabilities Intangible Assets Unfavorable Operating Lease Contracts [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 LFMG International [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Gourmet Market, Inc [Member]	Mar. 01, 2011 Gourmet Market, Inc [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Gourmet Market, Inc [Member]	Mar. 01, 2011 Gourmet Market, Inc [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Lime Fresh Mexican Grill [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member]	Mar. 01, 2011 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member]	Mar. 01, 2011 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member]	May 31, 2011 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member]	Aug. 04, 2010 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] RT Minneapolis Franchise, LLC [Member]	May 31, 2011 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] RT Minneapolis Franchise, LLC [Member]	May 04, 2011 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] RT Minneapolis Franchise, LLC [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] North East Acquisitions [Member]	Aug. 04, 2010 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] North East Acquisitions [Member]	Feb. 02, 2011 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Mid West and West [Member]	Mar. 01, 2011 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Mid West and West [Member] RT Utah Franchise, LLC [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Mid West and West [Member] RT Utah Franchise, LLC [Member]	Feb. 25, 2011 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Mid West and West [Member] RT Utah Franchise, LLC [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Mid West and West [Member] RT Western Missouri Franchise, LLC [Member]	Feb. 02, 2011 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Mid West and West [Member] RT Western Missouri Franchise, LLC [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Mid West and West [Member] RT Omaha Franchise, LLC [Member]	Feb. 02, 2011 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Mid West and West [Member] RT Omaha Franchise, LLC [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Mid West and West [Member] RT KMCO Franchise, LLC [Member]	Feb. 02, 2011 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Mid West and West [Member] RT KMCO Franchise, LLC [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Mid West and West [Member] RT St Louis Franchise, LLC [Member]	Feb. 02, 2011 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Mid West and West [Member] RT St Louis Franchise, LLC [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Mid West and West [Member] RT Indianapolis Franchise, LLC [Member]	Feb. 02, 2011 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Mid West and West [Member] RT Indianapolis Franchise, LLC [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Mid West and West [Member] RT Portland Franchise, LLC [Member]	Feb. 02, 2011 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Mid West and West [Member] RT Portland Franchise, LLC [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Mid West and West [Member] RT Denver Franchise, LP [Member]	Feb. 02, 2011 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Mid West and West [Member] RT Denver Franchise, LP [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Minneapolis and Las Vegas [Member]	May 31, 2011 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Minneapolis and Las Vegas [Member]	May 04, 2011 Franchise Partnership Acquisitions [Member] Minneapolis and Las Vegas [Member]	May 31, 2011 Traditional Domestic Franchises [Member]	May 31, 2011 Traditional Domestic Franchises [Member] Mid West and West [Member]	Oct. 13, 2010 Traditional Domestic Franchises [Member] Mid West and West [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of restaurants acquired			96			109																		106									1																			3	3
Effective date of acquisition																											2011-05-04		2010-08-04			2011-02-25			2011-02-02		2011-02-02		2011-02-02		2011-02-02		2011-02-02		2011-02-02		2011-02-02			2011-05-04			2010-10-13
Ownership interest (in hundredths)																						100.00%				100.00%			100.00%						100.00%		100.00%		100.00%		100.00%		100.00%		100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
Ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)																									50.00%			50.00%		99.00%						50.00%		50.00%		50.00%		50.00%		99.00%		99.00%		99.00%			99.00%
Ownership interest prior to acquisition (in hundredths)																																	1.00%
Number of franchises acquired																															7																				2
Number of restaurants operated by franchise acquired																														10	72																				13
Purchase consideration cash																														$ 200,000	$ 500,000			$ 2,000,000																				$ 1,600,000
Notes and lines of credit, net of allowances for doubtful accounts																														400,000	900,000
Franchise partnerships acquired total debt																														24,300,000	106,600,000																				18,700,000
Franchise partnerships debt payable to acquirer																														1,900,000	3,800,000																				900,000
Number of restaurants closed before acquisition transaction																																	5
Preliminary bargain purchase gain					1,900,000
(Gain) / loss on settlement of preexisting contracts, net					4,900,000
Goodwill, expected tax nondeductible amount		4,400,000			4,400,000
Other intangible assets, amortization period, range minimum (in years)									2Y	1Y		1Y
Other intangible assets, amortization period, range maximum (in years)									12Y	33Y		33Y
License acquisitions [Abstract]
Initiation date of license agreement														Sep. 13, 2010			Jul. 22, 2010
Initial development fee														1,000,000
Licensing fee per new restaurant opening														5,000
Restaurants to open for with license fee, maximum														200
Royalty fee to gross sales (in hundredths)														2.00%
Licensing fee to gross sales (in hundredths)																	2.00%
Advertising fee to gross sales (in hundredths)														1.00%
Monthly fee for consulting services, maximum period (in years)																	2Y
Monthly fee for consulting services, first year (per month)																	20,833
Monthly fee for consulting services option 1, second year (per month)																	20,833
Basis for paying second year option 1, Concept restaurant openings, minimum threshold																	three or more
Monthly fee for consulting services option 2, second year (per month)																	10,417
Basis for paying second year rent option 2, concept restaurant openings, maximum threshold																	two or fewer
Licensing option 1 to terminate future development rights, Concept restaurant openings, minimum threshold																	18 or more
License option 1 for future development rights, opened concept restaurants, maximum (in years)																	5Y
Licensee option 2 to terminate future development rights, opened concept restaurants																	40 or more
Licensee option 2 for future development rights, maximum (in years)																	10Y
Payments for consulting services															49,108	70,912	147,205	154,246
Operating results for acquired franchise partnerships [Abstract]
Total revenue	323,464,000	317,158,000		958,521,000	906,745,000															41,412,000	19,649,000	128,303,000	32,975,000
Cost of merchandise	93,084,000	92,780,000		282,221,000	262,410,000															11,908,000	5,804,000	37,545,000	9,629,000
Payroll and related costs	111,881,000	106,205,000		332,645,000	306,170,000															14,884,000	6,578,000	45,848,000	10,981,000
Other restaurant operating costs	63,299,000	65,711,000		197,383,000	186,512,000															8,950,000	4,580,000	27,725,000	7,684,000
Depreciation	16,239,000	15,597,000		48,939,000	46,338,000															2,089,000	848,000	6,356,000	1,665,000
Selling, general, and administrative, net	22,925,000	18,449,000		73,087,000	62,229,000															2,384,000	1,009,000	8,232,000	1,807,000
Total operating costs and expenses	323,595,000	303,518,000		959,483,000	875,310,000															40,215,000	18,819,000	125,706,000	31,766,000
(Loss)/income before income taxes	1,232,000	15,545,000		3,142,000	36,890,000															1,197,000	830,000	2,597,000	1,209,000
Pro forma information [Abstract]
Elimination of the franchises' historical intangible asset amortization expense		100,000			200,000
Elimination of RTI's franchise revenue		100,000			500,000
Elimination of RTI's support service fee income and marketing reimbursements		600,000			1,900,000
Elimination of RTI's equity in losses of unconsolidated franchises		900,000			600,000
Elimination of RTI's bad debt charges relating to notes receivable and lines of credit due from the acquired franchises		300,000			200,000
Additional amortization expense related to reacquired franchise rights		200,000			800,000
Additional depreciation expense related to the fair value adjustments to property and equipment		100,000			600,000
Reduced interest expense related to the fair value adjustments of acquired franchise debt		200,000			800,000
Elimination of acquisition-related expenses		100,000			200,000
Statutory tax rate (in hundredths)		39.70%
Franchises' FICA Tip and Work Opportunity Tax Credits		200,000			600,000
Total revenue		345,061,000			1,017,833,000
Net income		15,171,000			31,992,000
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.24			$ 0.50
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.23			$ 0.49
Allocation of purchase prices of acquisition [Abstract]
Property and equipment			137,075,000			137,075,000	137,075,000	0
Goodwill			16,919,000			16,919,000	15,571,000	1,348,000
Reacquired franchise rights			10,242,000			10,242,000	10,242,000	0
Other intangible assets, net of liabilities			735,000			735,000	735,000	0			2,000,000		1,300,000
Deferred income taxes			(548,000)			(548,000)	380,000	(928,000)
Long-term debt and capital leases			(147,005,000)			(147,005,000)	(147,005,000)	0
Other net liabilities			(4,536,000)			(4,536,000)	(4,536,000)	0
Notes receivable			(1,529,000)			(1,529,000)	(1,529,000)	0
Net impact on Consolidated Balance Sheet			11,353,000			11,353,000	10,933,000	420,000
Gain on settlement of preexisting contracts, net						(4,906,000)	(4,906,000)	0
Gain on acquisitions						(2,190,000)	(1,770,000)	(420,000)
Net impact on Consolidated Statement of Income						(7,096,000)	(6,676,000)	(420,000)
Aggregate cash purchase price			4,257,000			4,257,000	4,257,000	0											24,000,000
Liabilities - Net with other intangible assets							$ 1,288,000

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EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCK REPURCHASES (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCK REPURCHASES [Abstract]

Earnings per share

The following table shows the calculation of weighted average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding as presented in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):

	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011		February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011
Net income	$	4,536	$	16,000	$	5,628	$	32,962
Weighted average common
shares outstanding		62,643		64,177		62,999		63,956
Dilutive effect of stock
options and restricted stock		410		1,060		504		893
Weighted average common
and dilutive potential
common shares outstanding		63,053		65,237		63,503		64,849
Basic earnings per share	$	0.07	$	0.25	$	0.09	$	0.52
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.07	$	0.25	$	0.09	$	0.51

Anti-dilutive stock options and restricted shares

The following table summarizes stock options and restricted shares that did not impact the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect (in thousands):

	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011		February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011
Stock options		2,564		2,326		2,237		2,810
Restricted shares		917		388		905		439
Total		3,481		2,714		3,142		3,249

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EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCK REPURCHASES

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCK REPURCHASES [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCK REPURCHASES

NOTE B – EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCK REPURCHASES

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period presented.  Diluted earnings per share gives effect to stock options and restricted stock outstanding during the applicable periods.  The following table shows the calculation of weighted average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding as presented in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):

	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011		February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011
Net income	$	4,536	$	16,000	$	5,628	$	32,962
Weighted average common
shares outstanding		62,643		64,177		62,999		63,956
Dilutive effect of stock
options and restricted stock		410		1,060		504		893
Weighted average common
and dilutive potential
common shares outstanding		63,053		65,237		63,503		64,849
Basic earnings per share	$	0.07	$	0.25	$	0.09	$	0.52
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.07	$	0.25	$	0.09	$	0.51

Stock options with an exercise price greater than the average market price of our common stock and certain options with unrecognized compensation expense do not impact the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive.  The following table summarizes stock options and restricted shares that did not impact the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect (in thousands):

	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011		February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011
Stock options		2,564		2,326		2,237		2,810
Restricted shares		917		388		905		439
Total		3,481		2,714		3,142		3,249

During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we repurchased 2.0 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $18.4 million.  As of February 28, 2012, the total number of remaining shares authorized by our Board of Directors to be repurchased was 5.9 million.  No shares were repurchased during the quarter ended February 28, 2012.

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2012	May 31, 2011
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	100,000	100,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	63,791	65,098

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COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

NOTE L – COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

U.S. GAAP require the disclosure of certain revenue, expenses, gains andlosses that are excluded from net income.  Items that currently impact our other comprehensive income are pension liability adjustments.  Amounts shown in the table below are in thousands.

	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011		February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011
Net income	$	4,536	$	16,000	$	5,628	$	32,962
Pension liability reclassification, net of tax		307		297		923		892
Comprehensive income	$	4,843	$	16,297	$	6,551	$	33,854

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Document And Entity Information (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2012	Apr. 03, 2012	Nov. 30, 2010
Entity Registrant Name	RUBY TUESDAY INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000068270
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--05-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 830,759,511
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		63,791,178
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Feb. 28, 2012

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SHARE-BASED EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

SHARE-BASED EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION [Abstract]

SHARE-BASED EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION

NOTE M – SHARE-BASED EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION

We compensate our employees and Directors using share-based compensation through the following plans:

The Ruby Tuesday, Inc. Stock Incentive and Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors

Under the Ruby Tuesday, Inc. Stock Incentive and Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (the “Directors' Plan”), non-employee directors are eligible for awards of share-based incentives.  Restricted shares granted under the Directors' Plan vest in equal amounts after one, two, and three years provided the Director continually serves on the Board.  Options issued under the Directors' Plan become vested after 30 months and are exercisable until five years after the grant date.  Stock option exercises are settled with the issuance of new shares of common stock.

All options awarded under the Directors' Plan have been at the fair market value at the time of grant.  A Committee, appointed by the Board, administers the Directors' Plan.  At February 28, 2012, we had reserved 111,000 shares of common stock under the Directors' Plan, 47,000 of which were subject to options outstanding, for a net of 64,000 shares of common stock currently available for issuance under the Directors' Plan.

The Ruby Tuesday, Inc. 2003 Stock Incentive Plan and the Ruby Tuesday, Inc. 1996 Stock Incentive Plan

A Committee, appointed by the Board, administers the Ruby Tuesday, Inc. 2003 Stock Incentive Plan (“2003 SIP”) and the Ruby Tuesday, Inc. 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (“1996 SIP”), and has full authority in its discretion to determine the key employees and officers to whom share-based incentives are granted and the terms and provisions of share-based incentives.  Option grants under the 2003 SIP and 1996 SIP can have varying vesting provisions and exercise periods as determined by such Committee.  Options granted under the 2003 SIP and 1996 SIP vest in periods ranging from immediate to fiscal 2014, with the majority vesting within three years following the date of grant, and the majority expiring five or seven (but some up to 10) years after grant.  The majority of currently unvested restricted shares granted in fiscal 2012 and 2010 are performance-based.  All of the currently unvested restricted shares granted during fiscal 2011 are service-based.  The 2003 SIP and 1996 SIP permit the Committee to make awards of shares of common stock and awards of stock options or other derivative securities related to the value of the common stock.  These discretionary awards may be made on an individual basis or for the benefit of a group of eligible persons.  All options awarded under the 2003 SIP and 1996 SIP have been awarded with an exercise price equal to the fair market value at the time of grant.

At February 28, 2012, we had reserved a total of 5,090,000 and 1,024,000 shares of common stock for the 2003 SIP and 1996 SIP, respectively.  Of the reserved shares at February 28, 2012, 2,357,000 and 982,000 were subject to options outstanding for the 2003 SIP and 1996 SIP, respectively.  Stock option exercises are settled with the issuance of new shares.  Net shares of common stock available for issuance at February 28, 2012 under the 2003 SIP and 1996 SIP were 2,733,000 and 42,000, respectively.

Stock Options

The following table summarizes the activity in options for the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 under these stock option plans (in thousands except per-share data):

				Weighted
				Average
	Options			Exercise Price
Balance at May 31, 2011		3,239		$	13.10
Granted		253			7.87
Exercised		(35	)		5.26
Forfeited		(71	)		28.70
Balance at February 28, 2012		3,386		$	12.46
Exercisable at February 28, 2012		2,309		$	14.31

Included in the outstanding balance shown above are approximately 1,772,000 of out-of-the-money options.  Of this amount, we expect that approximately 845,000 of these options will expire out-of-the-money in the next year.

At February 28, 2012, there was approximately $0.6 million of unrecognized pre-tax compensation expense related to non-vested stock options.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.0 years.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we granted approximately 253,000 stock options to our CEO under the terms of the 2003 SIP.  These stock options vest in equal annual installments over a three-year period following grant of the award, and have a maximum life of seven years.  These stock options provide for immediate vesting if the optionee retires during the option period as well as if certain other events occur.  As our CEO was retirement-eligible at the time of grant, the accelerated vesting provision rendered the requisite service condition non-substantive under GAAP, and we therefore fully expensed the $1.2 million fair value of stock options awarded to our CEO on the date of grant.

Restricted Stock

The following table summarizes our restricted stock activity for the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 (in thousands except per-share data):

				Weighted Average
	Restricted			Grant-Date
Performance-based vesting:	Stock			Fair Value
Non-vested at May 31, 2011		299		$	7.24
Granted		384			7.87
Vested		(242	)		7.39
Forfeited		–			–
Non-vested at February 28, 2012		441		$	7.70
				Weighted Average
	Restricted			Grant-Date
Service-based vesting:	Stock			Fair Value
Non-vested at May 31, 2011		551		$	8.22
Granted		274			7.68
Vested		(122	)		8.02
Forfeited		(1	)		9.39
Non-vested at February 28, 2012		702		$	8.04

The fair values of the restricted share awards reflected above were based on the fair market value of our common stock at the time of grant.  At February 28, 2012, unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock grants expected to vest totaled approximately $2.9 million and will be recognized over a weighted average vesting period of approximately 1.4 years.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2012, RTI granted approximately 88,000 restricted shares to non-employee directors under the terms of the Directors' Plan.  These shares vest in equal annual installments over a three year period following grant of the award.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we granted approximately 186,000 service-based restricted shares and 384,000 performance-based restricted shares of our common stock to certain employees under the terms of the 2003 SIP and 1996 SIP.  The service-based restricted shares cliff vest on December 1, 2013.  Vesting of the performance-based restricted shares, including 203,000 shares that were awarded to our CEO, is also contingent upon the Company's achievement of certain performance conditions related to fiscal 2012 performance, which will be measured in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.  In addition to satisfaction of the performance conditions for the performance-based restricted shares, recipients must satisfy the same service condition as described above for the service-based restricted shares.

For the same reason as mentioned above in regards to our stock options, we recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2012 an expense of $0.7 million related to the performance-based restricted shares awarded on August 23, 2011 to our CEO.  Should our CEO retire prior to the end of the performance period, the number of restricted shares he would receive would not be determinable until the completion of the performance period.  The expense we recorded for this award was determined using a model that estimated the projected achievement of the performance conditions.

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2012	Mar. 01, 2011	Feb. 28, 2012	Mar. 01, 2011
Revenue:
Restaurant sales and operating revenue	$ 323,464	$ 317,158	$ 958,521	$ 906,745
Franchise revenue	1,363	1,905	4,104	5,455
Total revenue	324,827	319,063	962,625	912,200
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of merchandise	93,084	92,780	282,221	262,410
Payroll and related costs	111,881	106,205	332,645	306,170
Other restaurant operating costs	63,299	65,711	197,383	186,512
Depreciation	16,239	15,597	48,939	46,338
Selling, general and administrative, net	22,925	18,449	73,087	62,229
Closures and impairments	12,317	783	13,415	2,869
Equity in losses of unconsolidated franchises		879		649
Interest expense, net	3,850	3,114	11,793	8,133
Total operating and costs and expenses	323,595	303,518	959,483	875,310
Income before income taxes	1,232	15,545	3,142	36,890
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes	(3,304)	(455)	(2,486)	3,928
Net income	$ 4,536	$ 16,000	$ 5,628	$ 32,962
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.25	$ 0.09	$ 0.52
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.25	$ 0.09	$ 0.51
Weighted average shares:
Basic (in shares)	62,643	64,177	62,999	63,956
Diluted (in shares)	63,053	65,237	63,503	64,849
Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

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PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, ASSETS HELD FOR SALE, OPERATING LEASES, AND SALE-LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, ASSETS HELD FOR SALE, OPERATING LEASES, AND SALE-LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS [Abstract]

PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, ASSETS HELD FOR SALE, OPERATING LEASES, AND SALE-LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS

NOTE G – PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, ASSETS HELD FOR SALE, OPERATING LEASES, AND SALE-LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS

Property and equipment, net, is comprised of the following (in thousands):

	February 28, 2012		May 31, 2011
Land	$	241,091	$	256,761
Buildings		478,283		512,177
Improvements		418,803		427,169
Restaurant equipment		273,853		279,319
Other equipment		94,230		93,944
Construction in progress and other*		24,061		28,077
		1,530,321		1,597,447
Less accumulated depreciation		574,169		566,296
	$	956,152	$	1,031,151

* Included in Construction in progress and other as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 are $19.1 million and $23.3 million, respectively, of assets held for sale that are not classified as such in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as we do not expect to sell these assets within the next 12 months.

These assets primarily consist of parcels of land upon which we have no intention to build restaurants.

Amounts included in assets held for sale at February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 totaled $39.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively, primarily consisting of operating restaurants expected to be sold in sale-leaseback transactions, parcels of land upon which we have no intention to build restaurants, land and buildings of closed restaurants, and various liquor licenses.  In addition to operating restaurants sold and leased back, as discussed below, during the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012, we sold surplus properties with carrying values of $1.5 million and $2.9 million, respectively, at net gains of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.  Cash proceeds, net of broker fees, from these sales during the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 totaled $1.5 million and $3.1 million, respectively.  During the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011, we sold surplus and other properties with carrying values of $3.9 million and $4.8 million, respectively, at net losses of $0.1 million for each period.  Cash proceeds, net of broker fees, from these sales during the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 1, 2011 totaled $3.8 million and $4.7 million, respectively.

Approximately 51% of our 740 Ruby Tuesday restaurants are located on leased properties.  Of these, approximately 66% are land leases only; the other 34% are for both land and building.  The initial terms of these leases expire at various dates over the next 25 years.  These leases may also contain required increases in minimum rent at varying times during the lease term and have options to extend the terms of the leases at a rate that is included in the original lease agreement.  Most of our leases require the payment of additional (contingent) rent that is based upon a percentage of restaurant sales above agreed upon sales levels for the year.  These sales levels vary for each restaurant and are established in the lease agreements.  We recognize contingent rental expense (in annual as well as interim periods) prior to the achievement of the specified target that triggers the contingent rental expense, provided that achievement of that target is considered probable.

Sale-Leaseback Transactions

During the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2012, we completed the sale-leaseback of the land and building for a Company-owned Ruby Tuesday concept restaurant for gross cash proceeds of $2.3 million, exclusive of transaction costs of approximately $0.1 million.  Equipment was not included. The carrying value of the property sold was $1.5 million.  The lease has been classified as an operating lease and has an initial term of 15 years, with renewal options of up to 20 years.  Net proceeds from the sale-leaseback transaction were used to pay down certain of our mortgage loan obligations.

We realized a gain on this transaction of $0.7 million, which has been deferred and is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease.  The current and long-term portions of the deferred gain are included in Accrued liabilities- Rent and other and Other deferred liabilities, respectively, in our February 28, 2012 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.  Amortization of the deferred gains is included as a reduction to rent expense and is included within Other restaurant operating costs in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012.

As of February 28, 2012, 21 of our Ruby Tuesday concept restaurant properties have been classified within Assets held for sale in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet in anticipation of future sale-leaseback transactions.  These properties had carrying values of $35.1 million as of February 28, 2012.  See Note Q to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of sale-leaseback transactions which occurred subsequent to February 28, 2012 but prior to the date of the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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INVENTORIES

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

INVENTORIES [Abstract]

INVENTORIES

NOTE F – INVENTORIES

Beginning in fiscal 2010, we have purchased lobster in advance of our needs and stored it in third-party facilities prior to our distributor taking possession of the inventory.  Once the lobster is moved to our distributor's facilities, we transfer ownership to the distributor.  We later reacquire the inventory from our distributor upon its subsequent delivery to our restaurants.  Lobster purchases are included within merchandise inventory in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Our merchandise inventory was $23.8 million and $25.6 million as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011, respectively.

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BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

BASIS OF PRESENTATION [Abstract]

Consolidation Policy

Ruby Tuesday, Inc., including its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“RTI,” “we” or the “Company”), owns and operates Ruby Tuesday®, Lime Fresh Mexican Grill®, Marlin & Ray's™, Truffles®, and Wok Hay® casual dining restaurants.  We also franchise the Ruby Tuesday concept in select domestic and international markets.  The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring entries) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Operating results for the 13- and 39-week periods ended February 28, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the year ending June 5, 2012.

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

NOTE N – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Guarantees

At February 28, 2012, we had certain third-party guarantees, which primarily arose in connection with our divestiture activities.  The majority of these guarantees have no expiration date.  Generally, we are required to perform under these guarantees in the event that a third-party fails to make contractual payments.

During fiscal 1996, our shareholders approved the distribution of our family dining restaurant business (Morrison Fresh Cooking, Inc., “MFC”) and our health care food and nutrition services business (Morrison Health Care, Inc., “MHC”). Subsequently, Piccadilly Cafeterias, Inc. (“Piccadilly”) acquired MFC and Compass Group (“Compass”) acquired MHC. Prior to the distribution, we entered into various guarantee agreements with both MFC and MHC, most of which have expired. As agreed upon at the time of the distribution, we have been contingently liable for payments to MFC and MHC employees retiring under MFC's and MHC's versions of the Management Retirement Plan and the Executive Supplemental Pension Plan (the two non-qualified defined benefit plans) for the accrued benefits earned by those participants as of March 1996.

On October 29, 2003, Piccadilly filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Following this, we have recorded, and begun to pay, our pro-rata share of the Piccadilly liabilities for which we have provided guarantees, including those for MFC employee benefit plans.

We estimated our divestiture guarantees related to MHC at February 28, 2012 to be $2.7 million for employee benefit plans.  In addition, we remain contingently liable for MHC's portion (estimated to be $1.9 million) of the MFC employee benefit plan liability for which MHC is currently responsible under the divestiture guarantee agreements.  We believe the likelihood of being required to make payments for MHC's portion to be remote due to the size and financial strength of MHC and Compass.

Litigation

We are presently, and from time to time, subject to pending claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business.  We provide reserves for such claims when payment is probable and estimable in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  At this time, in the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of pending legal proceedings, including the matter referred to below, will not have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial position, or cash flows.

On September 30, 2009, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) Pittsburgh Area Office filed suit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Civil Action No. 2:09-cv-01330-DSC, alleging the Company was in violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”) by failing to hire employees within the protected age group in five Pennsylvania restaurants and one Ohio restaurant.

On October 19, 2009, the EEOC filed a Notice of an ADEA Directed Investigation (“DI”), Charge No. 533-2010-00062, regarding potential age discrimination in violation of the ADEA in hiring and discharge for all positions at all restaurant facilities.  On September 20, 2011, the EEOC issued a subpoena for records relating to the DI.  On January 10, 2012, the EEOC sought to enforce the subpoena in federal court in Pittsburgh.  We have denied the allegations in the lawsuit and are vigorously defending against both the suit and the DI.  Discovery in both matters is underway.  Despite the pending suit and DI, we do not believe that this matter will have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial position, or cash flows.

On November 8, 2010, a personal injury case styled Dan Maddy v. Ruby Tuesday, Inc., which had been filed in the Circuit Court for Rutherford County, Tennessee, was resolved through mediation.  Given that we maintain primary and secondary insurance coverage for claims such as the Maddy case, and we had previously paid the amount required by our self-insured retention limit, no payment was made by us at settlement.

Included in the Maddy settlement was a payment made by our secondary insurance carrier of $2,750,000.  Despite making this voluntary payment, our secondary insurance carrier has now filed a counterclaim against us in the coverage suit we had brought against that carrier prior to the Maddy settlement.  The counterclaim is based on our alleged failure to timely notify the carrier of the underlying case in accordance with the terms of the policy and that we have been “unjustly enriched” by the settlement as a result of the carrier's payment of a portion of the Maddy settlement. 

Following the settlement, we dismissed our claims for bad faith, breach of contract and violation of the state consumer act, which we had pursued against that carrier.  We preserved certain claims, including a claim for attorney's fees, against that carrier in the event we are successful in this litigation.  We believe our secondary insurance carrier received timely notice in accordance with the policy and we will vigorously defend this matter.  Should we incur potential liability to our secondary carrier, we believe we have indemnification claims against two claims administrators. 

We believe, and have obtained a consistent opinion from outside counsel, that we have valid coverage under our insurance policies for any amounts in excess of our self-insured retention.  We believe this provides a basis for not recording a liability for any contingency associated with the Maddy settlement.  We further believe we have the right to the indemnification referred to above.  Based on the information currently available, our February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect no accrual relating to the Maddy case.  There can be no assurance, however, that we will be successful in our defense of our carrier's counterclaim against us.

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RETIREMENT BENEFITS

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

RETIREMENT BENEFITS [Abstract]

RETIREMENT BENEFITS

NOTE J – RETIREMENT BENEFITS

We sponsor three defined benefit pension plans for active employees and offer certain postretirement benefits for retirees.  A summary of each of these is presented below.

Retirement Plan

RTI sponsors the Morrison Restaurants Inc. Retirement Plan (the “Retirement Plan”).  Effective December 31, 1987, the Retirement Plan was amended so that no additional benefits would accrue and no new participants could enter the Retirement Plan after that date.  Participants receive benefits based upon salary and length of service.

Minimum funding for the Retirement Plan is determined in accordance with the guidelines set forth in employee benefit and tax laws.  From time to time we may contribute additional amounts as we deem appropriate.  We estimate that we will be required to make contributions totaling $0.2 million to the Retirement Plan during the remainder of fiscal 2012.

Executive Supplemental Pension Plan and Management Retirement Plan

Under these unfunded defined benefit pension plans, eligible employees earn supplemental retirement income based upon salary and length of service, reduced by social security benefits and amounts otherwise receivable under other specified Company retirement plans.  Effective June 1, 2001, the Management Retirement Plan was amended so that no additional benefits would accrue and no new participants could enter the plan after that date.

As discussed further in Note N to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, we are contingently liable for retirement benefits accrued through March 1996 for certain employees of two companies formerly owned by RTI.

Because our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) is currently retirement-eligible and would be entitled to receive his entire pension payment in a lump sum six months following his retirement, we have classified an amount representing that pension payment ($8.1 million) into Accrued liabilities – payroll and related costs in our February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Postretirement Medical and Life Benefits

Our Postretirement Medical and Life Benefits plans provide medical and life insurance benefits to certain retirees.  The medical plan requires retiree cost sharing provisions that are more substantial for employees who retire after January 1, 1990.

The following tables detail the components of net periodic benefit costs and the amounts recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the Retirement Plan, Management Retirement Plan, and the Executive Supplemental Pension Plan (collectively, the “Pension Plans”) and the Postretirement Medical and Life Benefits plans (in thousands):

	Pension Benefits
	Thirteen weeks ended								Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28,				March 1,				February 28,				March 1,
	2012				2011				2012				2011
Service cost		$	134			$	129			$	402			$	387
Interest cost			576				573				1,728				1,719
Expected return on plan assets			(126	)			(98	)			(378	)			(294	)
Amortization of prior service cost			64				82				192				246
Recognized actuarial loss			426				398				1,278				1,194
Net periodic benefit cost		$	1,074			$	1,084			$	3,222			$	3,252

	Postretirement Medical and Life Benefits
	Thirteen weeks ended								Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28,				March 1,				February 28,				March 1,
	2012				2011				2012				2011
Service cost		$	2			$	2			$	6			$	6
Interest cost			18				19				54				57
Amortization of prior service cost			(14	)			(15	)			(42	)			(45	)
Recognized actuarial loss			34				28				102				84
Net periodic benefit cost		$	40			$	34			$	120			$	102

We also sponsor two defined contribution retirement savings plans. Information regarding these plans is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2011.

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LONG TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASES

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

LONG TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASES [Abstract]

LONG TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASES

NOTE H – LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASES

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations consist of the following (in thousands):

	February 28, 2012		May 31, 2011
Revolving credit facility	$	155,000	$	177,000
Series B senior notes,
due April 2013		44,442		44,442
Mortgage loan obligations		107,568		122,546
Capital lease obligations		238		286
		307,248		344,274
Less current maturities		14,620		15,090
	$	292,628	$	329,184

On December 1, 2010, we entered into a five-year revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”).  Under the original terms of the Credit Facility, we were allowed to borrow up to $320.0 million with the option to increase our capacity by $50.0 million to $370.0 million.  On July 19, 2011, we entered into an amendment of the Credit Facility to increase the amount of the optional additional revolving commitments available from $50.0 million to $60.0 million, thereby increasing the maximum aggregate revolving commitment amount under the Credit Facility from $370.0 million to $380.0 million.   On the same date, we exercised our option to increase the revolving commitments from $320.0 million to $380.0 million pursuant to new lender commitment agreements with the existing lenders and an additional new lender.

The terms of the Credit Facility provide for a $40.0 million swingline subcommitment and a $50.0 million letter of credit subcommitment.  The Credit Facility also includes a $50.0 million franchise facility subcommitment, which covered our guarantees of debt of the franchise partners (the “Franchise Facility Subcommitment”).  All amounts guaranteed under the Franchise Facility Subcommitment were settled during fiscal 2011.

The interest rates charged on borrowings pursuant to the Credit Facility can vary depending on the interest rate option we choose to utilize.  Our Base Rate for borrowings is defined to be the higher of Bank of America's prime rate, the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, or an adjusted LIBO Rate plus 1.00%, plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.25%.  The applicable margin for our Eurodollar Borrowings ranges from 1.25% to 2.25%.

Under the terms of the Credit Facility, we had borrowings of $155.0 million with an associated floating rate of interest of 2.50% at February 28, 2012.  As of May 31, 2011, we had $177.0 million outstanding with an associated floating rate of interest of 2.27%.  After consideration of letters of credit outstanding, we had $215.7 million available under the Credit Facility as of February 28, 2012.  The Credit Facility will mature on December 1, 2015.

The Credit Facility contains financial covenants relating to the maintenance of leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios and minimum net worth.  We were in compliance with our debt covenants as of February 28, 2012 and the date of this filing.

On April 3, 2003, we issued notes totaling $150.0 million through a private placement of debt (the “Private Placement”).  On December 1, 2010, we entered into an amendment of the notes issued in the Private Placement.  Among other changes, this amendment conformed the covenants in this agreement to the covenants contained in the Credit Facility discussed above.

At February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011, the Private Placement consisted of $44.4 million in notes with an interest rate of 7.17% (the “Series B Notes”).  The Series B Notes mature on April 1, 2013, and thus have been classified as non-current in our February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Our $107.6 million in mortgage loan obligations as of February 28, 2012 consists of various loans acquired upon franchise acquisitions.  These loans, which mature between June 2012 and March 2024, have balances which range from negligible to $8.4 million and interest rates of 3.37% to 11.28%.  Many of the properties acquired from franchisees collateralize the loans outstanding.

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CLOSURES AND IMPAIRMENTS EXPENSE

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

Closures And Impairments Expense [Abstract]

CLOSURES AND IMPAIRMENTS EXPENSE

NOTE I – CLOSURES AND IMPAIRMENTS EXPENSE

Closures and impairment expenses include the following for the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011 (in thousands):

	Thirteen weeks ended						Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012			March 1,  2011			February 28, 2012			March 1,  2011
Property impairments	$	11,534		$	888		$	12,370		$	2,226
Closed restaurant lease reserves		776			(432	)		702			231
Other closing costs		125			150			541			232
(Gain)/loss on sale of surplus properties		(118	)		177			(198	)		180
	$	12,317		$	783		$	13,415		$	2,869

Included in the amounts shown above for the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 are property impairments of $9.6 million resulting from management's third fiscal quarter decision to close 25 to 27 restaurants during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and 10 restaurants thereafter upon expiration of the leases.  As discussed further in Note Q to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Board of Directors approved management's plan to close these restaurants at its regular Board meeting on April 4, 2012.

A rollforward of our future lease obligations associated with closed properties is as follows (in thousands):

	Lease Obligations
Balance at May 31, 2011	$	2,660
Closing expense including rent and other lease charges		702
Payments		(685	)
Other adjustments		(138	)
Balance at February 28, 2012	$	2,539

For the remainder of fiscal 2012 and beyond, our focus will be on obtaining settlements on as many of these leases as possible and these settlements could be higher or lower than the amounts recorded.  The actual amount of any cash payments made by the Company for lease contract termination costs will be dependent upon ongoing negotiations with the landlords of the leased restaurant properties.

At February 28, 2012, we had 37 restaurants that had been open more than one year with rolling 12-month negative cash flows of which 28 have been impaired to salvage value.  Of the nine which remained, we reviewed the plans to improve cash flows at each of the restaurants and recorded impairment expense as necessary.  The remaining net book value of these nine restaurants was $12.2 million at February 28, 2012.

Should sales at these restaurants not improve within a reasonable period of time, further impairment charges are possible.  Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate future cash flows, including cash flows from continuing use, terminal value, closure costs, salvage value, and sublease income.  Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from our estimates.

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INCOME TAXES

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

INCOME TAXES [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

NOTE K – INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate for the 13- and 39- week periods ended February 28, 2012 was (268.2)% and (79.1)%, respectively, as compared to (2.9)% and 10.6%, respectively, for the same periods of the prior year.  The change in the effective tax rate for the 13-week period ended February 28, 2012 was attributable to a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of the expiration of statute of limitations in certain federal and state jurisdictions and an increase in FICA Tip and Work Opportunity Tax Credits recognized for the quarter.  The change in the effective tax rate for the 39-week period ended February 28, 2012 was further attributable to a higher percentage benefit for FICA Tip and Work Opportunity Tax Credits as a result of lower pretax income for the current quarter compared to the same period of the prior year.

Included in income tax expense for both the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 was $0.5 million, representing the change in our valuation allowance for state net operating losses that, in the judgment of management, are not more likely than not to be realized.  This determination factored in the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carryback and carryforward periods), projected taxable income, and tax-planning strategies.  Primarily as a result of state tax planning, the Company has a three-year cumulative pre-tax loss in certain states which was given significant weight in our assessment.

We had a liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $4.4 million and $5.2 million as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011, respectively.  As of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate was $2.8 million and $3.4 million, respectively.  The liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of February 28, 2012 includes $1.6 million related to tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts could change within the next twelve months basedon the outcome of examinations and negotiations with tax authorities.  

Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as components of income tax expense.  As of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011, we had accrued $1.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively, for the payment of interest and penalties.  During the first 39 weeks of fiscal 2012, accrued interest and penalties decreased by $0.1 million, the majority of which affected the effective tax rate for the same time period.

At February 28, 2012, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for fiscal years prior to 2008 with the exception of our fiscal years 2004 and 2005 as a result of fiscal 2009 NOL carryback, and with few exceptions, state and local examinations by tax authorities prior to fiscal year 2008.

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EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCK REPURCHASES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2012	Aug. 30, 2011	Mar. 01, 2011	Feb. 28, 2012	Mar. 01, 2011
EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCK REPURCHASES [Abstract]
Net income	$ 4,536,000		$ 16,000,000	$ 5,628,000	$ 32,962,000
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares)	62,643,000		64,177,000	62,999,000	63,956,000
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock (in shares)	410,000		1,060,000	504,000	893,000
Weighted average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding (in shares)	63,053,000		65,237,000	63,503,000	64,849,000
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07		$ 0.25	$ 0.09	$ 0.52
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07		$ 0.25	$ 0.09	$ 0.51
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total shares that did not impact the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	3,481,000		2,714,000	3,142,000	3,249,000
Repurchased common stock (in shares)	0	2,000,000
Repurchased common stock		$ 18,400,000
Remaining shares authorized repurchased (in shares)	5,900,000			5,900,000
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total shares that did not impact the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	2,564,000		2,326,000	2,237,000	2,810,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total shares that did not impact the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	917,000		388,000	905,000	439,000

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RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS [Abstract]

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

NOTE P – RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance on the presentation of total comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income.  This guidance is intended to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income.  The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 (our fiscal 2013 first quarter).  We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance modifying the impairment test for goodwill by allowing businesses to first decide whether they need to do the two-step impairment test.  Under the guidance, a business no longer has to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless it believes it is very likely that the reporting unit's fair value is less than the carrying value.  The guidance is effective for impairment tests for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 (our fiscal 2013).  We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE [Abstract]

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Accounts receivable – current consist of the following (in thousands):

	February 28, 2012		May 31, 2011
Rebates receivable	$	846	$	1,055
Amounts due from franchisees		2,625		2,506
Other receivables		3,471		3,970
	$	6,942	$	7,531

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CLOSURES AND IMPAIRMENTS EXPENSE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2012	Mar. 01, 2011	Feb. 28, 2012	Mar. 01, 2011
Impairment Expense [Abstract]
Property impairments	$ 11,534,000	$ 888,000	$ 12,370,000	$ 2,226,000
Closed restaurant lease reserves	776,000	(432,000)	702,000	231,000
Other closing costs	125,000	150,000	541,000	232,000
(Gain)/loss on sale of surplus properties	(118,000)	177,000	(198,000)	180,000
Total closure and impairments expenses	12,317,000	783,000	13,415,000	2,869,000
Impaired Assets to be Disposed of by Method Other than Sale [Line Items]
Property impairments	11,534,000	888,000	12,370,000	2,226,000
Closed Location Lease Obligation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			2,660,000
Closing expense including rent and other lease charges			702,000
Payments			(685,000)
Other adjustments			(138,000)
Ending balance	2,539,000		2,539,000
Restaurants open more than one year with rolling 12-month negative cash flows [Abstract]
Restaurants open more than a year with negative cash flows			37
Negative cash flows rolling months period (in months)			12M
Negative cash flow restaurants impaired at salvage value			28
Negative cash flow restaurants not recorded at salvage value			9
Negative cash flow restaurants not recorded at salvage value, remaining net book value.	12,200,000		12,200,000
April 2012 Restaurant Group Approved For Future Closure [Member]
Impairment Expense [Abstract]
Property impairments			9,600,000
Impaired Assets to be Disposed of by Method Other than Sale [Line Items]
Property impairments			$ 9,600,000
Number of restaurants approved in plan to be closed, minimum	25		25
Number of restaurants approved in plan to be closed, maximum	27		27
Number of restaurants planned to be closed following expiration of lease	10		10

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2012	Mar. 01, 2011
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 5,628	$ 32,962
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	48,939	46,338
Amortization of intangibles	1,550	777
Provision for bad debts	20	437
Deferred income taxes	(5,179)	(1,902)
Loss on impairments, including disposition of assets	12,144	2,786
Equity in losses of unconsolidated franchises		649
Share-based compensation expense	4,448	6,745
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	(31)	(599)
Gain on franchise partnership acquisitions, net of settlement losses	(420)	(6,789)
Other	462	724
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(946)	317
Inventories	1,165	(7,043)
Income taxes	2,367	(3,122)
Prepaid and other assets	(922)	(908)
Accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities	6,807	5,118
Net cash provided by operating activities	76,032	76,490
Investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(29,112)	(18,319)
Acquisition of franchise and other entities		(4,369)
Proceeds from disposal of assets	5,330	4,721
Reductions in Deferred Compensation Plan assets	217	498
Insurance proceeds from property claims	1,548
Other, net	(429)	(899)
Net cash used by investing activities	(22,446)	(18,368)
Financing activities:
Net payments on revolving credit facility	(22,000)	(43,700)
Principal payments on other long-term debt	(14,220)	(14,767)
Stock repurchases	(18,441)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	184	1,903
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	31	599
Payments for debt issuance costs		(2,812)
Net cash used by financing activities	(54,446)	(58,777)
Decrease in cash and short-term investments	(860)	(655)
Cash and short-term investments:
Beginning of year	9,722	9,569
End of year	8,862	8,914
Cash paid/(received) for:
Interest, net of amount capitalized	12,195	7,874
Income taxes, net	1,571	6,911
Significant non-cash investing and financing activities:
Retirement of fully depreciated assets	14,606	13,393
Reclassification of properties to assets held for sale or receivables	40,808	3,851
Assumption of debt and capital leases related to franchise partnership acquisitions		128,594
Liability for claim settlements and insurance receivables	$ (260)	$ (2,189)

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ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE [Abstract]

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

NOTE E – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Accounts receivable – current consist of the following (in thousands):

	February 28, 2012		May 31, 2011
Rebates receivable	$	846	$	1,055
Amounts due from franchisees		2,625		2,506
Other receivables		3,471		3,970
	$	6,942	$	7,531

We negotiate purchase arrangements, including price terms, with designated and approved suppliers on behalf of us and our franchise system.  We receive various volume discounts and rebates based on purchases for our Company-owned restaurants from numerous suppliers.

Amounts due from franchisees consist of royalties, license and other miscellaneous fees, a substantial portion of which represents current and recently-invoiced billings.  Also included in this amount is the current portion of the straight-lined rent receivable from franchise sublessees.

We defer recognition of franchise fee revenue for any franchise with negative cash flows at times when the negative cash flows are deemed to be anything other than temporary and the franchise has borrowed directly from us.  We also do not recognize franchise fee revenue from franchises with fees in excess of 60 days past due.  Accordingly, we have deferred recognition of a portion of franchise revenue from certain franchisees.  Unearned income for franchise fees was $2.1 million and $1.2 million as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011, respectively, which is included in Other deferred liabilities and/or Accrued liabilities – rent and other in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011, other receivables consisted primarily of amounts due for third-party gift card sales ($1.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively), amounts due from our distributor for purchases of lobster ($1.0 million and $0.7 million, respectively), and amounts due relating to insurance claims ($0.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively).  See Note F to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of our lobster inventory.

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PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, ASSETS HELD FOR SALE, OPERATING LEASES, AND SALE-LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, ASSETS HELD FOR SALE, OPERATING LEASES, AND SALE-LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS [Abstract]

Schedule of property, plant and equipment, net

Property and equipment, net, is comprised of the following (in thousands):

	February 28, 2012		May 31, 2011
Land	$	241,091	$	256,761
Buildings		478,283		512,177
Improvements		418,803		427,169
Restaurant equipment		273,853		279,319
Other equipment		94,230		93,944
Construction in progress and other*		24,061		28,077
		1,530,321		1,597,447
Less accumulated depreciation		574,169		566,296
	$	956,152	$	1,031,151

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INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2012	May 31, 2011
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
Merchandise inventory	$ 23,804	$ 25,627

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2012

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

NOTE O – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following table presents the fair values of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements
	Level		February 28, 2012			May 31, 2011
Deferred compensation plan – Assets		1	$	8,551		$	8,792
Deferred compensation plan – Liabilities		1		(8,551	)		(8,792	)
Total			$	–		$	–

During the 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011, there were no transfers among levels within the fair value hierarchy.

The Ruby Tuesday, Inc. 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”) and the Ruby Tuesday, Inc. Restated Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Predecessor Plan”) are unfunded, non-qualified deferred compensation plans for eligible employees.  Assets earmarked to pay benefits under the Deferred Compensation Plan and Predecessor Plan are held by a rabbi trust.  We report the accounts of the rabbi trust in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  With the exception of the investment in RTI common stock, the investments held by these plans are considered trading securities and are reported at fair value based on third-party broker statements.  The realized and unrealized holding gains and losses related to these investments, as well as the offsetting compensation expense, is recorded in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

The investment in RTI common stock and related liability payable in RTI common stock, which are reflected in Shareholders' Equity in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, are excluded from the fair value table above as these are considered treasury shares and reported at cost.

The following table presents the fair values for those assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis and remaining on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements
	Level		February 28, 2012		May 31, 2011
Long-lived assets held for sale *		2	$	58,161	$	24,686
Long-lived assets held for use		2		4,145		747
Total			$	62,306	$	25,433

* Included in the carrying value of long-lived assets held for sale as of February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 are $19.1 million and $23.3 million, respectively, of assets included in Construction in progress in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as we do not expect to sell these assets within the next 12 months.

The following table presents the losses recognized during the 13 and 39 weeks ended February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2011 resulting from fair value measurements of assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis.  These losses are included in Closures and impairments in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):

	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
	February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011		February 28, 2012		March 1,  2011
Long-lived assets held for sale	$	141	$	888	$	347	$	1,877
Long-lived assets held for use		11,393		–		12,023		349
	$	11,534	$	888	$	12,370	$	2,226

Long-lived assets held for sale are valued using Level 2 inputs, primarily information obtained through broker listings and sales agreements.  Costs to market and/or sell the assets are factored into the estimates of fair value for those assets included in Assets held for sale on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We review our long-lived assets (primarily property, equipment, and, as appropriate, reacquired franchise rights and favorable leases) related to each restaurant to be held and used in the business, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived asset may not be recoverable.

Long-lived assets held for use presented in the table above include our Company airplane and restaurants or groups of restaurants that were impaired as a result of our quarterly impairment review.  From time to time, the table will also include closed restaurants or surplus sites not meeting held for sale criteria that have been offered for sale at a price less than their carrying value.  

The Level 2 fair values of our long-lived assets held for use are based on broker estimates of the value of the land, building, leasehold improvements, and other residual assets.

Our financial instruments at February 28, 2012 and May 31, 2011 consisted of cash and short-term investments, accounts receivable and payable, long-term debt, letters of credit, and, as previously discussed, deferred compensation plan investments.  The fair values of cash and short-term investments and accounts receivable and payable approximated carrying value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.  The carrying amounts and fair values of our other financial instruments not measured on a recurring basis using fair value, however subject to fair value disclosures are as follows (in thousands):

	February 28, 2012				May 31, 2011
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Deferred Compensation Plan
investment in RTI common stock	$	1,487	$	1,205	$	1,556	$	1,653
Long-term debt and capital leases		307,248		311,500		344,274		348,272
Letters of credit		–		222		–		178

We estimated the fair value of debt and letters of credit using market quotes and present value calculations based on market rates.