Staff Reports
Ruby Slippers Restaurant Group announced it will suspend its work on its proposed restaurant location in Butler Town Center that was slated to open this year.
According to a Butler Town Center release, the restaurant was originally scheduled to open at 3630 SW 32nd Ct. and be the first location for the New Orleans-based eatery outside the Florida panhandle.
“We genuinely appreciate the partnership we had with Butler Enterprises as we prepared to spread our love of brunch further south in The Sunshine State," said Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group CEO Elizabeth McGee in the press release. "Unfortunately, we encountered operational complexities with the planned Gainesville location. In light of this, the best business decision for us at this time is to continue our expansion efforts in closer proximity to our existing locations."
The restaurant group will focus on upcoming openings in Metairie, Louisiana, and Columbia, South Carolina. Ruby Slippers said intends to resume its growth in Florida, adding to its current restaurants in Destin, Pensacola and Miramar Beach.
“We support their decision to pause a Gainesville location,” said Butler Enterprises President & CEO Deborah Butler in the press release. “We respect the redirection to focus on a proper support structure to ensure consistent quality and service for their customers.”
Ruby Slipper Café originally opened in New Orleans over 14 years ago. It has since expanded with Ruby Slipper and Ruby Sunshine with locations in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.