Spoons Restaurants Inc history

In 1928, Morrison incorporated his growing concern in Louisiana, naming the enterprise Morrison's Cafeterias Consolidated, Inc.

In the 1930’s, 541 S. Main St was owned by Charles and Edward Lenihan was known as “Lenihans Place.” They sold cigars, tobacco, and had the bar that still stands here today.

Customers continued to frequent Morrison Cafeterias throughout the Great Depression--700,000 customers a year were eating at the company's cafeterias by 1938--with Morrison's dining concept extending into other Southern states as the number of cafeterias increased.

In 1951, Morrison Cafeterias diversified into noncommercial feeding by providing meals on the set of the film The Greatest Show on Earth.

In 1968, Morrison Cafeterias Consolidated, Inc. changed its name to Morrison Incorporated.

Ruby Tuesday was founded in 1972 by five college students attending the University of Tennessee.

Beall remained in Knoxville until 1985, by which time he had been promoted to corporate executive vice-president in charge of the company's specialty restaurant and cafeteria business.

By 1988, this division serviced more than 800 accounts, ranging from providing meals for single tenants in large office buildings, to food service contracts with factories, universities, and health care facilities.

As the company planned for its future, an emphasis was placed on its Casual Dining Group, which contributed 29 percent of 1991's $970 million in total revenue, a percentage of gross sales eclipsed by its other two groups but a business segment that contributed significantly higher profits.