Marlin & Ray's Seafood Restaurant in Fairfax Closes

The Marlin & Ray's seafood restaurant at 11204 James Swart Circle in Fairfax has closed, after one year in business.

The location was previously a Ruby Tuesday's, which is part of the same company.

The chain closed all 13 of its eateries this week so the company can focus more on its Ruby Tuesday brand, the company said in a statement.

Company officials said they are working to relocate Marlin & Ray's staff members, which they consider to be part of their family, to remaining restaurant's within the company.

The company's Web site reads:

Thanks for your patronage. We have enjoyed serving you the best seafood, steaks, and ribs over the past few years. Unfortunately we have closed. We have taken good care of all our employees and hope that you will visit them at your local Ruby Tuesday. Marlin & Ray’s gift cards may be redeemed at any Ruby Tuesday.

"Based on a significant amount of discussion and analysis, and a clear understanding that driving profitable same-restaurant sales at Ruby Tuesday is our first and most critical priority, we have decided to close our 13 Marlin & Ray’s restaurants immediately," said JJ Buettgen, Ruby Tuesday Inc.'s President and CEO. "While this was a difficult decision to make, we have determined the Marlin & Ray’s brand is not an optimal conversion vehicle for us going forward."

The newer brands had some difficulties and were not a "good fit" for the company, said a source familiar with the company who asked not to be identified. 

Ruby Tuesday Inc. reported a net loss of $15.1 million for the fiscal second quarter which ended on Dec. 4, Buettgen said.

In addition to shuttering its Marlin & Ray's locations, the company announced it is doing away with its Truffles Grill and Wok Hay concepts, but will keep it's Lime Fresh Mexican Grill and Ruby Tuesday brands.