What would Fonzie do?
Ruby’s Diner is opening its 35th restaurant this June in a prime new spot at Irvine Spectrum Center, which is already home to a Johnny Rockets.
Both restaurants offer the same general concept - a trek back in time to the classic American diner. Ruby’s is themed in the 1940s; Johnny’s is more like the 1950s.
So that begs the questions: Is this just too much nostalgia for one retail center? And if you want the old-time experience, which diner do you choose?
Well, I won’t predict which restaurant will do better at the Spectrum. But just for kicks, I checked out Johnny Rockets for dinner on Monday so I could do an informal comparison. I’ve dined at Ruby’s seven or eight times in my life and like it, but before this week, I had never dined at a Johnny Rockets. Here’s my take:
The ambience at Johnny Rockets seemed much more fun and authentic than the corporate-chain ambience I perceive at Ruby’s. And the service there was friendlier and faster than what I usually get at Ruby’s.
I can’t take Johnny’s side on the food, though. My burger, while tasty, fell apart in my hands; my Oreo cookie milkshake was not as thick, rich or sweet as the same flavor at Ruby’s; and the onion rings were not even close to being the same caliber as the awesome rings at Ruby’s.
However, neither of the restaurants really tips the scale for me. If I was at the Spectrum after June and had to choose between the two diners, I guess it would depend on my company. Older crowd: Ruby’s. Younger crowd: Johnny Rockets. I don’t really know why, that’s just my gut instinct.
Now back to the business angle.
Ruby’s made its decision based on the retail center and its clientele, separate from the Johnny Rockets factor, said Doug Cavanaugh, CEO of Ruby’s Restaurant Group.
“We are thrilled to be in the Spectrum and we are very happy with our location,” he said. “There is plenty of room for everyone to coexist just fine.”
The new Ruby’s will be next to the 21-screen Edwards movie theater, in a newly built area of the Spectrum. It’s just around the corner from the Johnny Rockets.
Johnny Rockets’ corporate staff didn’t get back to me with comments for this post, and I could not reach the onsite manager.
Bill Rams, a spokesman for Spectrum-owner The Irvine Co., said the customer base at the retail center has grown from 9 million to 14 million people in recent years, and that the higher base can support both diners.
“We work hard to provide choices and merchants that our guests will enjoy,” Rams said, praising both franchises as “high-quality.”
The new Ruby’s at the Spectrum will use a prototype model with more wood tones and colors than the chain’s standard red and white decor. Vintage decorations will include a 1947 Indian Motorcycle. The Ruby’s will offer outdoor seating, as the Johnny Rockets does now.
Random facts:
The original Ruby’s Diner is at the end of Balboa Pier in Newport Beach. The founder named the eatery after her mother. There’s a Ruby’s Diner at the quaint Woodbridge Center on Barranca Parkway in Irvine. That restaurant has a view of the village’s North Lake. … Johnny Rocket’s recently opened a spot at The District retail center in Tustin, just over the Irvine border. … Irvine Spectrum Center is located where the I-5 and I-405 freeways meet.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Which is better, Ruby’s Diner or Johnny Rockets? Use the comment feature to post your thoughts.
I have enjoyed meals at each location however I think that Rubys offers more options than Johnny Rocket’s. I really enjoy the healthier options that Ruby’s offers.
HB is also getting a Rocket’s which seems like a slap in the face to the iconic Ruby’s at the end of the pier.
Ruby’s has the 50’s atmosphere, but hard to get out for less than $20 for a burger and shake. Johnny’s is more casual and less expensive by a few bucks. I perfer the Burger and Melt at Mimi’s.
I grew up eating at diners in semi-rural areas, so having the Johnny’s burger fall apart in my hands isn’t a big deal. I really like their food.
I’ve never eaten at Ruby’s before so I can’t comment, but once again, a OCR blogger is single handedly trying to wreck my waistline!
I prefer Ruby’s as they have a much larger menu and the service, portions, and food quality are better. The food at Johnnies always seems to take a half hour to arrive. But I’m sad to see the blatant move on Johnnies turf. This is the reward for being a good tenant that the Irvine Company is known for. They’ll probably put a Panera across from the Corner Bakery soon! “Choices” are good for consumers, but you need to give businesses a fair shot at being able to paying pay that big rent check, so they both can stay open. Both concepts probably won’t suceed.
Hands down, Ruby’s wins! I’ve never had a good burger at Johnny Rocket’s, Ruby’s has great food, not just burgers, but everything. Their shakes are yummy too!
Ruby’s is the better of the two by a long shot. My last 2 experiences at Johnny Rockets (at the Block in Orange) were so bad that my friends and I refused to leave a tip (and we’re usually generous tippers). One time we walked into the restaurant when it was nearly empty, waited 10 minutes to be seated, only to be seated in the back corner. The waitress took forever to take our drink orders, and we had to get up and ask what’s taking so long for them to bring out our food. The waitress never checked on us, and my friend had to ASK for a refill when she brought the check.
Ruby’s, on the other hand, has never given me anything but top notch service
I am looking fwrd to the new Rubys. Their 40s feel is a great concept. Its about time that a family style place will be available for us and breakfast at 7am!!? wow
There are so many options on the menu. The servers are always attentive. And if it takes awhile for that food it could be because of how busy and popular they are.
Besides I hear that JR is closing at Spectrum.
I cant wait!