A new Temecula restaurant that features an all-pro National Football League linebacker as one of its owners attracted about 500 people to its grand opening last week.

The turnout – which gave local sports fans a chance to meet Junior Seau – exceeded the expectations of the owners of Ruby Tuesday.

"The staff had a great time," said Scott Rodi, one of the managing partners of the 41797 Nicole Lane business that had a "soft opening" on May 18.

Rodi said the owners expected about 350 people. "It was really busy but pretty well controlled," he stated.

The Temecula restaurant has joined more than 900 others in the fast-growing franchise. The closest other Ruby Tuesday in the Inland Empire is San Bernardino. That restaurant is also owned by Seau, Rodi and five other partners.

The two-hour opening celebration featured autograph and photo sessions with Seau and complimentary ribs, hamburgers, salad and other foods and Advertisement
refreshments.

Seau plunged into the regional restaurant scene as his pro career hit high gear in San Diego more than a decade ago.

Seau’s the Restaurant opened in Mission Bay in 1996 and claims to be San Diego’s busiest sports bar and restaurant.

A San Diego native, Seau, now 40, played 13 years (1990-2002) with his hometown team. He made 12 Pro-Bowl appearances during that period. He played for the Miami Dolphins for the next three years and currently plays for the New England Patriots.

Seau was the Patriots’ defensive co-captain during the team’s phenomenal season two years ago when it posted an 18-0 season.

He started the Junior Seau Foundation in 1992 to help youth achieve their dreams. The foundation was ranked 13th largest Professional Athlete Foundation by the Wall Street Journal in 2007.

The Temecula Ruby Tuesday’s partnership also includes Ted Davenport, Jeff Howie, Scott Nunokawa, Rick Nakashima and Ken Nascimento.