Franchise Finds Home On Islands

California Primavera Pasta with Shrimp ($21.29; $16.29 regular)

Before bringing Ruby Tuesday to Hawaii, Rick Nakashima toured various locations of the restaurant — which offers casual American fare — and he loved it.

“I really love the food, and the atmosphere is fun,” he explains.

So, Nakashima and his business partner opened the first local Ruby Tuesday in 2004. Now, there are four on Oahu and one on Maui.

Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail ($34.95 July special)

“Our garden bar really makes us stand out from any other casual-dining place,” Nakashima says. “And I think we have the best ribs in town. We really know how to cook our ribs.”

The menu is stocked with pasta, steak, chicken, seafood and more. While Ruby Tuesday may be a national chain, its local ownership certainly is evident in the menu, which features items such as Chicken Katsu Moco alongside the classic-American diner fare.

STANDOUT FARE

Right now, Ruby Tuesday is offering a special for the month of July: Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail ($34.95), which comes with two sides of your choice (options include fresh-grilled zucchini, mashed potatoes, a fresh baked potato and more.)

One of the restaurant’s newer items is California Primavera Pasta ($16.29), which includes mixed vegetables, cavatappi pasta and a lemon-basil sauce, and is topped with grated cheese.

Ruby Tuesday

930 Valkenburgh St., Moanalua
422-8585
Daily, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.