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The Republic Big Whiskey’s will utilize a modernized design concept.Rendering provided by BIG WHISKEY’S
The Republic Big Whiskey’s will utilize a modernized design concept.

Rendering provided by BIG WHISKEY’S

Big Whiskey’s to open Republic restaurant

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Big Whiskey’s is targeting a summer launch for its sixth corporate-owned restaurant.

In Republic, the Springfield-based restaurant chain is taking over a recently purchased former Ruby Tuesday. The Ruby Tuesday in Republic was among 95 underperforming restaurants that closed last year. Springfield and Nixa restaurants also closed.

Big Whiskey’s spokeswoman Andrea Breen said the company bought the 5,200-square-foot building for undisclosed terms from Ruby Tuesday Inc. (NYSE: RT). The Republic restaurant will be Big Whiskey’s first freestanding eatery and will introduce an updated design with wood paneling and a modernized exterior.

“We’ve been looking for the right location in Republic for some time and this opportunity is a perfect fit,” Big Whiskey’s co-founder Paul Sunday said in a news release, noting renovations will result in a restaurant with “no resemblance” to the shuttered Ruby Tuesday.

Renovations are expected to begin soon. Breen declined to disclose the company’s planned investment in the property, but noted Bates & Associates is the project architect and BP Builders is general contractor. The restaurant will employ 40-60.

Later this month, Big Whiskey’s first franchisee is scheduled to open a restaurant in Bentonville, Arkansas, followed by a franchise location in the Kansas City market in May, according to the release.

Big Whiskey’s currently operates three corporate restaurants in Springfield, as well as one each in Ozark and Branson.

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