Ruby Tuesday closes Green Hills location

Ruby Tuesday has shuttered its Green Hills location after two decades as the company looks to cut costs and close underperforming units.

A sign posted on the restaurant's door announced the closure of the 2110 Green Hills Village Drive location and thanked customers for their patronage. The sign directs customers to visit Ruby Tuesday's website, which no longer lists the Green Hills location.

Ruby Tuesday representatives were not immediately available for comment.

The retail strip on Green Hills Village Drive is in a high-profile location next to The Mall at Green Hills. Mall owner Taubman Centers owns and manages the building, which is also occupied by Noodles & Company and Chico's.

Jessica Roberts, marketing and sponsorship director for The Mall at Green Hills, said the mall is "actively" in discussions with several national restaurants for the space.

The Maryville, Tenn.-based casual dining chain was found in 1972 by University of Tennessee alum Sandy Beall and four of his fraternity brothers. Today, the restaurant has more than 740 locations in 44 states and 13 countries.

Over the past year, Ruby Tuesday has worked to reduce overall cost structure amid financial struggles. The company announced plans in April to shed 30 units after it recorded a net loss of $34.4 million in the second quarter of 2014. Six months later, Ruby Tuesday said it would close 16 underperforming locations.

Ruby Tuesday reported a net loss of $9.3 million for the second quarter of 2015. Total revenue was $262.7 million, compared to $276.2 million in the same quarter of 2014.

The company is undergoing a strategic brand transformation, which includes introducing a new core menu and enhancing customer service and atmosphere.

Ruby Tuesday has additional Nashville-area restaurants area at 279 Franklin Road, 520 Donelson Pike, 2304 Murfreesboro Pike and 2675 Highwood Blvd.

Reach Lizzy Alfs at 615-726-5948 and on Twitter @lizzyalfs.