SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)

Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.      )

Filed by the Registrant  x

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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

RYAN’S RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

405 Lancaster Avenue (29650)

Post Office Box 100 (29652)

Greer, South Carolina

March 13, 2006

To Our Shareholders:

      We cordially invite you to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Ryan’s Restaurant Group, Inc. on Monday, April 10, 2006. The meeting will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Greenville Marriott in Greenville, South Carolina.

      The official Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement and Proxy Card are enclosed with this letter. The Notice of the Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement describe the formal business to be transacted at the Annual Meeting.

      The vote of every shareholder is important. To ensure proper representation of your shares at the meeting, please complete, sign and date the enclosed Proxy Card and return it as soon as possible, even if you currently plan to attend the Annual Meeting. This will not prevent you from voting in person but will ensure that your vote will be counted if you are unable to attend.

RYAN’S RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

405 Lancaster Avenue (29650)

Post Office Box 100 (29652)

Greer, South Carolina

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD APRIL 10, 2006

To Our Shareholders:

      Ryan’s Restaurant Group, Inc. will hold its Annual Meeting of Shareholders at the Greenville Marriott, Greenville, South Carolina, on Monday, April 10, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. for the following purposes:

      If you were a shareholder of record at the close of business on February 1, 2006, you may vote at the Annual Meeting.

March 13, 2006

Greer, South Carolina

      A Proxy Card is enclosed. To ensure that your shares will be voted at the Annual Meeting, please complete, sign and date the enclosed Proxy Card and return it as soon as possible in the enclosed, postage-paid, addressed envelope. No additional postage is required if mailed in the United States. If you return your signed Proxy Card, you retain your right to vote if you attend the meeting.

RYAN’S RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

405 Lancaster Avenue (29650)

Post Office Box 100 (29652)

Greer, South Carolina

(864) 879-1000

PROXY STATEMENT

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

      The Board of Directors of Ryan’s Restaurant Group, Inc. is furnishing this Proxy Statement in connection with the solicitation of proxies to be voted at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 10, 2006, at the Greenville Marriott, Greenville, South Carolina. The approximate mailing date of this Proxy Statement is March 13, 2006.

      Shareholders of record at the close of business on February 1, 2006, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. On that date, 42,152,661 shares of Ryan’s Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share, were outstanding. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on February 1, 2006, on all matters properly presented at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment.

      If you give a proxy, you may revoke it at any time before it is exercised by:

      Unless you revoke your proxy by following the above instructions, your proxy will be voted as you specify. If you do not specify how to vote your shares, all shares represented by a proxy that is received by Ryan’s transfer agent will be voted FOR the proposal to elect as directors of Ryan’s the nominees named in this Proxy Statement, FOR the proposal to ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for Ryan’s for the current fiscal year, and in the best judgment of the proxy holders on any other matter that may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any and all adjournments and on matters incident to the conduct of the meeting.

      An automated system administered by Ryan’s transfer agent tabulates the votes. Ryan’s bylaws require the presence, either in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock at February 1, 2006, to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes are each included in determining the number of shares present and able to vote. Each is tabulated separately. In connection with the election of directors, and the proposal to ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for Ryan’s, abstentions and broker non-votes are not counted.

      Directors will be elected by a plurality of votes cast at the Annual Meeting. Shareholders do not have a right to cumulate their votes for directors. Ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for Ryan’s will require the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares voting on the issue at the Annual Meeting.

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

(Item #1 on the Proxy)

      The following seven persons are nominees for election at the Annual Meeting as directors to serve until the next annual meeting or until their successors are duly elected and qualified: Charles D. Way, G. Edwin McCranie, Barry L. Edwards, Brian S. MacKenzie, Harold K. Roberts, Jr., James M. Shoemaker, Jr. and Vivian A. Wong. Unless you indicate otherwise, the persons named in the enclosed proxy card intend to nominate and vote for these nominees.

      Management believes that all of the nominees will be available and able to serve as directors, but if any nominee is not available or able to serve, the Common Stock represented by the proxies will be voted for the substitute that the Board of Directors designates.

      The following table lists for each nominee for director the name, age, principal occupation, years of service as a director, and Common Stock beneficially owned as of February 1, 2006.

      The Board met four times during fiscal 2005. All directors attended personally or by telephone all meetings of the Board and committees on which they served. The non-employee directors met in executive session (without management present) at the end of every Board and committee meeting during 2005.

Business Experience of Nominees for Director

      Charles D. Way became the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in 2004. He became the Chairman of the Board of Ryan’s in October 1992. Mr. Way became President and Chief Executive Officer of Ryan’s in October 1989. From June 1988 to October 1989, he served as President. From May 1986 to June 1988, he served as Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. From January 1981 through April 1986, he served as Vice President-Finance, Treasurer and Secretary. Mr. Way joined Ryan’s in June 1979 as Controller. Mr. Way is also a director of World Acceptance Corporation.

      G. Edwin McCranie was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer in August 2004. From January 1995 to August 2004 he served as Executive Vice President of Ryan’s. From November 1991 to December 1994, he served as Executive Vice President-Purchasing. From January 1989 to October 1991, he served as Vice President-Purchasing. Mr. McCranie joined Ryan’s in 1986 and served as Director of Purchasing through 1988.

      Barry L. Edwards has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sourcecorp, Inc., a provider of document and information outsourcing services, since August 2000. He served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Amresco, Inc., an asset management company, from November 1994 to March 2000. He served as Vice President and Treasurer of The Liberty Corporation, engaged primarily in the life insurance business, from 1979 to November 1994.

      Brian S. MacKenzie has served as President of International Surface Preparation Corporation, a manufacturer and distributor of surface preparation and finishing equipment, supplies and services since 2005, after serving as its Senior Vice President-Sales and Marketing from 2003 to 2005. He served as Chief Operating Officer of Samling Strategic Corporation SDN BHD, a forest products manufacturing company, from October 1999 to 2003. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Paper Space, Inc., a distribution company, from June 2000 to December 2002. He served as Chief Operating Officer of New Hope Communications, Inc., a publishing company, from December 1998 to October 1999. He served as

President and Chief Executive Officer of Builder Marts of America, Inc. from October 1993 to August 1998. From May 1991 to October 1993, he served as Builder Marts’ President and Chief Operating Officer after serving as President of its Building Materials Retail Division from July 1990 to May 1991. Builder Marts was a wholesale distributor of building materials and supplies.

      Harold K. Roberts, Jr. has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Statewide Title, Inc., a real estate title insurance agency, since 1989. Mr. Roberts was a partner in the firm of Roberts and Morgan, certified public accountants, from October 1989 until December 1996.

      James M. Shoemaker, Jr. has been an attorney with Wyche, Burgess, Freeman & Parham, P.A., the law firm that is general counsel to Ryan’s, since 1965.

      Vivian A. Wong has served as Chairwoman of Pacific Gateway Capital Group, LLC, a company specializing in bi-lateral US-China trade and investment, since 2001 and has served as President and CEO of Wong’s International Inc., a retail management company, since 1970. From 1975 to the present, Mrs. Wong has managed various real estate investments, hotels, shopping centers, retail centers, and golf courses throughout the southeastern U.S.

Director Nominations

      Ryan’s nominating committee has a written charter, which is available on Ryan’s website at www.ryans.com. All of the members of Ryan’s nominating committee are independent within the meaning of Nasdaq listing standards.

      The nominating committee will consider director nominees recommended by shareholders. A shareholder who wishes to recommend a person or persons for consideration as a nominee for election to the Board of Directors must send a written notice by mail, c/o Janet J. Gleitz, Secretary, Ryan’s Restaurant Group, Inc., Post Office Box 100, Greer, South Carolina 29652 that sets forth (i) the name of each person whom the shareholder recommends be considered as a nominee; (ii) a business address and telephone number for each nominee (an e-mail address may also be included); and (iii) biographical information regarding such person, including the person’s employment and other relevant experience. Shareholder recommendations will be considered only if received no later than the 120th calendar day before the first anniversary of the date of Ryan’s proxy statement in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting (no later than October 30, 2006 with respect to recommendations for nominees to be considered at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders).

      Ryan’s nominating committee believes that a nominee recommended for a position on Ryan’s Board of Directors must meet the following minimum qualifications:

      The nominating committee identifies potential nominees for director, other than potential nominees who are current directors standing for re-election, through business and other contacts. The nominating committee may in the future choose to retain a professional search firm to identify potential nominees for director. In addition, the nominating committee will consider potential nominees who are recommended by shareholders.

      Ryan’s nominating committee evaluates a potential nominee by considering whether the potential nominee meets the minimum qualifications described above, as well as by considering the following factors:

      In addition, with respect to an incumbent director whom the nominating committee is considering as a potential nominee for re-election, Ryan’s nominating committee reviews and considers the incumbent director’s service to Ryan’s during his or her term, including the number of meetings attended, level of participation, and overall contribution to Ryan’s. The manner in which the nominating committee evaluates a potential nominee will not differ based on whether the potential nominee is recommended by a shareholder of Ryan’s.

      Each of the nominees for director at the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is a current director standing for re-election.

      Ryan’s did not pay any fee to any third party to identify or evaluate or assist in identifying or evaluating potential nominees for director at the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Ryan’s independent directors did not receive, by December 13, 2005 (the 120th calendar day before the first anniversary of the date of Ryan’s 2005 proxy statement), any recommended nominee from a shareholder who beneficially owns more than 5% of Ryan’s stock or from a group of shareholders who beneficially own, in the aggregate, more than 5% of Ryan’s stock.

Communications Between Shareholders and Board of Directors

      The Board provides a process for shareholders to send communications to the Board or any of the Directors. Shareholders may send written communications to the Board or any one or more of the individual Directors to Janet J. Gleitz, Ryan’s Secretary, by mail (c/o Janet J. Gleitz, Secretary, Ryan’s Restaurant Group, Inc., Post Office Box 100, Greer, South Carolina 29652) or by e-mail (jjgleitz@ryansinc.com). All written communications will be compiled by Ryan’s Secretary and promptly submitted to the individual Directors being addressed or to the Board (to the attention of Barry L. Edwards, the Chairman of the Audit Committee, for communications relating to financial statements, accounting matters or internal controls, or to the attention of Brian S. MacKenzie, the Lead Director, for communications relating to all other matters). Alternatively, shareholders may e-mail communications directly to the Board. E-mail communications relating to financial statements, accounting matters or internal controls should be addressed to Barry L. Edwards at barryedwards@srcp.com. E-mail communications relating to all other matters should be addressed to Brian S. MacKenzie at mackenzieb@att.net.

Board Member Attendance at Annual Meetings

      It is Ryan’s policy that all of Ryan’s directors and nominees for election as directors at the Annual Meeting attend the Annual Meeting except in cases of extraordinary circumstances. All of the nominees for election at the 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (who constituted all directors) attended the 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Ryan’s expects all nominees and directors to attend the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Code of Ethics

      Ryan’s has adopted a Code of Financial Ethics that applies to Ryan’s Chief Executive Officer, all other executive officers, and all key financial and accounting personnel. In addition, Ryan’s has a Code of Conduct that applies to corporate office and store management personnel. The Code of Financial Ethics and Code of Conduct are posted on Ryan’s web site at www.ryans.com.

Compensation of Directors

      During 2005, Ryan’s paid to each non-management director a quarterly retainer of $6,250 ($25,000 per year per director), plus $1,500 for each Board meeting attended, $1,000 ($1,500 for chairman) for each committee meeting attended in person, and $500 for each committee meeting attended by teleconference. In addition, the Chairman of the Audit Committee and the Lead Director each received a quarterly retainer of $2,500 ($10,000 per year per position). On July 1, 2005, directors’ fees were changed and Ryan’s paid to each non-management director a quarterly retainer of $7,000 ($28,000 per year per director), plus $1,500 for each Board meeting attended and $1,000 for each committee meeting attended in person. Attendance by conference call is paid at one-half the normal fee. In addition, the chairman of the Audit Committee and the Lead Director each received a quarterly retainer of $2,500 ($10,000 per year per position). Chairs of the Compensation Committee, Nominating Committee, Executive Committee and Governance Committee each received a quarterly retainer of $1,250 ($5,000 per year per position). Under this arrangement, directors were paid as follows during fiscal 2005: Mr. Edwards, $51,000; Mr. MacKenzie, $55,750; Mr. Roberts, $43,000; Mr. Shoemaker, $37,000; and Ms. Wong, $33,000. Directors who are also officers received no payments for attending Board or committee meetings.

      In accordance with the 2002 Stock Option Plan, on October 31, 2005, Ryan’s granted options for 5,000 shares of Common Stock to each of Messrs. Edwards, Shoemaker, Roberts and MacKenzie and Ms. Wong. The options had an exercise price of $10.66 per share (the per share market value on the date of grant), were exercisable beginning six months after the grant date and expire on October 31, 2015.

Vote Required To Elect Directors

      Directors will be elected by a plurality of votes cast at the Annual Meeting. Shareholders do not have a right to cumulate their votes for directors. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not counted in determining the votes cast for directors.

      The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the election of each nominee listed in this Proxy Statement.

CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF COMMON STOCK

      To the extent known to Ryan’s, the only persons or groups that beneficially owned 5% or more of the outstanding shares of Ryan’s Common Stock as of February 1, 2006 are shown in the following table:

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

      The following table provides the name, age, position with Ryan’s, years of service as an officer of Ryan’s and Common Stock beneficially owned as of February 1, 2006, by each executive officer of Ryan’s and all executive officers and directors as a group. The executive officers are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, each executive officer has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated.

      In 1996, Ryan’s implemented a policy to encourage executive officers to own more of Ryan’s Common Stock, which would more closely align the personal financial interests of executive officers with shareholders’ interests. The policy provides that, over 13 years, the value of an executive officer’s Common Stock ownership should increase so that by the end of 2008 the value of an individual’s stock holdings of

Ryan’s Common Stock equals 100% of his or her base salary. If an executive officer does not meet the target ownership value in a year, up to one-half of any bonus payable to that officer for that year will be paid in Ryan’s Common Stock.

Background of Executive Officers

      Below is a summary of the backgrounds of Ryan’s executive officers who are not also directors of Ryan’s.

      Fred T. Grant, Jr., a certified public accountant, joined Ryan’s in January 1990 as Director of Finance. He served in that position until April 1990, when he became Vice President-Finance. Mr. Grant served as Vice President-Finance, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary from January 1994 to November 2000, when he was named Senior Vice President-Finance, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary.

      Janet J. Gleitz joined Ryan’s in 1981 and served as Corporate Relations Administrator until June 1988, when she became Secretary.

      James R. Hart joined Ryan’s in 1979 and served as a store manager until September 1983. From that time, he served as Director of Human Resources until April 1988, when he became Vice President-Human Resources.

      Michael Rick Kirk joined Ryan’s in 1986 and served as a store manager until being promoted to Supervisor in 1988, in which position he served until 1993. From 1993 to 1994 he served as Director of Franchise Operations. He became a Regional Director of Operations in 1994 and was promoted to Regional Vice President-Operations in 1999. In September 2004 he was promoted to Vice President-Operations.

      Richard D. Sieradzki, a certified public accountant, joined Ryan’s in October 1988 as Controller. He served in that position until October 2003 when he was promoted to Vice President-Accounting and Corporate Controller.

      Edward R. Tallon, Sr., joined Ryan’s in the Internal Audit Department in July 1991 as Senior Asset Protection Agent. In June 1995, he became the Director of Internal Audit and Security. In October 2003, Mr. Tallon was promoted to the position of Vice President-Internal Audit and Loss Prevention.

      Ilene T. Turbow joined Ryan’s in April 1993 as Director of Marketing. She served in that position until August 1995, when she became Vice President-Marketing.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION

Summary of Cash and Certain Other Compensation

      The following table shows for the fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003 the cash compensation paid by Ryan’s and its subsidiaries, as well as certain other compensation paid or accrued for those years, to the chief executive officer and the four other executive officers with the highest total salaries and bonuses in 2005 (collectively the “Named Executive Officers”):

Summary Compensation Table

Summary of Option Grants, Option Exercises and Holdings

      The following table illustrates the value of the stock options granted to the Named Executive Officers during fiscal 2005:

Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year

      The following table shows option exercises, the unexercised options held as of the end of fiscal 2005 and the value of unexercised options for each Named Executive Officer.

Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Option Values

Deferred Compensation — Salary Continuation Agreement

      Ryan’s is party to a Deferred Compensation — Salary Continuation Agreement with Mr. Way. The agreement provides for cash payments of $60,000 per year for each of the 20 years following Mr. Way’s retirement, death or total disability, with retirement age set at 55. These benefits began vesting 10% per annum in 1987 and are now fully vested. The total deferred compensation liability as of December 28, 2005 relating to this agreement was $552,276. An aggregate of $35,726 of deferred compensation was accrued under this agreement for the benefit of Mr. Way during fiscal 2005. Ryan’s is the owner and beneficiary of a life insurance policy on the life of Mr. Way. Ryan’s expects that the benefits under this arrangement will be funded through a combination of general corporate funds and the cash surrender value of the insurance policy.

Executive Employment Agreements

      In February 2001, each of Messrs. Way, McCranie, Grant and Hart and Ms. Gleitz and Ms. Turbow (each an “Executive”) entered into an Employment, Noncompetition and Severance Agreement with Ryan’s. Each agreement specified a base annual salary for the officer, subject to annual review by Ryan’s Board of Directors. In addition to annual salary, each agreement provides for participation in Ryan’s Executive Bonus Plan, discretionary stock option grants and other executive-level benefits.

      Each agreement contains an “evergreen” term provision so that, until an Executive is 60 years old, the term of the agreement runs for the next two-year period. Either Ryan’s or the Executive may cause the term to become fixed to a two-year term from the date of notice. At age 60, the term converts to a five-year period, with the agreement expiring at age 65.

      The agreement also contains noncompetition provisions. Each Executive is prohibited from hiring current and certain former Ryan’s employees and from working for a competing restaurant business for a period of two years following termination of employment at Ryan’s.

      Each Executive is also eligible for severance payments resulting from certain termination circumstances. Severance payments, when applicable, will be based on the sum of Executive’s most recent annual salary and the average of the most recent three years of bonus payments (this sum is referred to as “Annual Compensation”). If an Executive is terminated by Ryan’s for reasons other than “cause” (or for “cause” after a change of control, as defined in the agreement), the severance payment will be equal to one times Annual Compensation or, for termination without cause after a change of control, two times Annual Compensation. “Cause” includes material criminal fraud, material dereliction of duties, intentional material damage to Ryan’s property or business, commission of a material felony or repeated failure to carry out the Board’s or the CEO’s reasonable directions. Following a change of control, an “involuntary termination” by the Executive results in a severance payment equal to two times Annual Compensation, while a voluntary termination by the Executive after a change of control results in a severance payment equal to one times Annual Compensation. “Involuntary termination” is defined as a termination by the Executive following a change of control due to a change in the Executive’s position, authority, status or duties, change in the agreement’s terms (including the rolling two-year termination date), reduction in compensation or benefits, forced relocation outside the Greenville, South Carolina metropolitan area or significant increase in travel requirements. In addition, termination by the Executive due to a material breach of the agreement by Ryan’s (after notice and a cure period) results in a severance payment equal to two times Annual Compensation. All other termination circumstances do not result in any severance payment.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

      Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires Ryan’s directors, executive officers, and greater-than-10% shareholders to file reports with the SEC on changes in their beneficial ownership of Ryan’s Common Stock and to provide Ryan’s with copies of the reports. Based on review of these reports and of certifications furnished to Ryan’s, Ryan’s believes that all of these reporting persons complied with their filing requirements for 2005.

REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

      The Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors periodically submits to the Board recommendations respecting the salary, bonus and other compensation to be provided to Ryan’s executive officers and grants options for shares of Ryan’s Common Stock to Ryan’s executive officers and employees. The Committee is composed entirely of independent directors, as defined by Nasdaq listing standards, who have no interlocking relationships, as defined by the SEC. The Committee provides the following report.

Compensation of Executive Officers

      The Committee attempts to act on the shareholders’ behalf in establishing executive compensation programs, for our shareholders ultimately bear the cost of these programs. Ryan’s adopts and administers its executive compensation policies and specific executive compensation programs in accordance with that objective. The Committee annually reviews Ryan’s corporate performance and that of its executive officers to determine appropriate compensation. The Committee seeks to achieve a balance between our need to attract and retain qualified and motivated executives, on the one hand, and maximizing our operating performance, on the other.

      The Committee’s executive compensation philosophy is to set compensation levels in its discretion that provide for compensation opportunities that reflect company and individual performances. Ryan’s current executive compensation structure consists of base salary, incentive cash bonuses and stock options.

      The Committee has attempted to set executive officer cash compensation amounts at levels comparable to what the Committee believes are prevailing levels within the restaurant industry and has complemented these cash amounts with significant stock option grants.

      The Committee adjusted the salaries for all executive officers except Mr. Way in 2005 based upon the recommendations of Mr. Way. Mr. Way considered factors that were generally subjective, such as his perception of individual performance and the level of individual responsibility. Mr. Way recommended increases in the base salaries of executive officers ranging from 3% to 5%. The Committee determined that these increases were appropriate to compensate executive officers for the increased level of responsibility associated with the increase in Ryan’s size. In addition, the Committee considered the salary increases awarded during 2004 of $39,000 for Mr. McCranie when he was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer and of $90,000 for Mr. Kirk when he was promoted to Vice President-Operations.

      The Committee generally grants stock options on an annual basis at an exercise price equal to the stock market price at the time of grant. The grants provide Ryan’s executive officers and key employees with an equity ownership opportunity in Ryan’s and with incentives to maximize shareholder value. The Committee can grant stock options at its discretion and is not required to award grants within any given 12-month period. Stock options were not granted to any executive officer during 2004. During 2005, the Committee made two option grants to each executive officer shown in the table titled “Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year.” The February 2005 grant was made in lieu of the grant that normally would have been made in late-2004. The October 2005 grant represents the normal year-end grant for 2005. In determining the size of any stock option grant, the Committee considers the following qualitative factors: the Committee’s perception of Ryan’s overall performance; the individual’s performance; the potential effect that the individual’s future performance may have on Ryan’s; and the number of options previously granted to the individual. The Committee gives each of these factors approximately equal weight.

      During 2005, the Committee continued an Executive Bonus Plan to provide additional cash incentives to its executive officers. Pursuant to the Executive Bonus Plan, each year the Committee establishes a percentage of each participating executive’s annual base salary, ranging from 20% to 40%, as a starting bonus amount. Each participant’s starting bonus amount is subject to adjustment upwards or downwards based on a point scale with three categories for points: (1) Ryan’s same-store sales growth, (2) Ryan’s earnings per share growth and (3) the participant’s attainment of pre-determined departmental and personal objectives. In 2005, the Committee established a total point maximum of 284 with the following weights among the three categories: 56% for same-store growth, 28% for earnings per share growth and 16% for departmental and personal goals. The Committee also establishes minimum thresholds for points awards. For 2005, if there was no increase in same-store sales or if earnings per share did not increase by at least 10%, no points were awarded for that particular category.

      Once the points have been determined, the starting bonus amount is multiplied by the points, expressed as a percentage (e.g., 100 points equals 100%), and the product is the final bonus amount. Because the total point maximum for 2005 was 284, the maximum bonus amount was 284% of the starting bonus amount for each participant.

      For 2005, all participants in the Executive Bonus Plan received no points for same-store sales growth (which were down 2.6% from the prior year) and no points for earnings per share growth (which were down 43.1% from the prior year). When combined with the performance of departmental and personal objectives, the bonus payouts for all executive officers were 16% of their maximum bonus amounts. In addition, the Compensation Committee awarded an additional $10,000 bonus to Mr. Kirk in order to recognize his dedication and excellent performance as Vice President-Operations.

      The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 denies publicly traded companies the ability to deduct for federal income tax purposes certain compensation paid (including income on certain exercised stock option grants) to top executive officers in excess of $1 million per person. The Committee intends to administer Ryan’s executive compensation programs in such a way that anticipated compensation to executive officers will be fully deductible under the Internal Revenue Code, including submitting plans for shareholder approval where necessary and determining compensation on an objective basis where necessary.

Compensation of Chief Executive Officer

      Mr. Way joined Ryan’s in 1979, served as its President and Chief Executive Officer since 1989 and became Chairman of the Board in 1992. In 2004, Mr. McCranie was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer, resulting in Mr. Way’s current positions as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at December 28, 2005. In setting Mr. Way’s compensation, the Committee tends to set a relatively low base salary for an individual with Mr. Way’s responsibilities and emphasize stock option grants as a component of his overall compensation package. The Committee believes that this approach to Mr. Way’s compensation has resulted in an appropriate alignment of his long-term rewards from Ryan’s with the interests of shareholders.

      During 2005, the Committee adjusted Mr. Way’s base salary upward by approximately 2%. In making this adjustment, the Committee considered subjective factors including the perception of the Committee as to Mr. Way’s overall performance and objective factors such as Ryan’s earnings per share, operating margins, and return on equity. Each of these factors was given approximately equal weight. In addition, Mr. Way received a bonus of $80,960 pursuant to the Executive Bonus Plan described above.

      As noted above, the Committee did not grant stock options to any executive officer, including Mr. Way, during 2004. In February and October 2005, all executive officers received option grants of which Mr. Way received options representing a total of 80,000 shares. In determining the size of this grant, the Committee considered the following qualitative factors: the Committee’s perception of Ryan’s overall performance; Mr. Way’s performance; the potential effect of his future performance on Ryan’s; and the number of options previously granted to him. Each of these factors was given approximately equal weight. At fiscal 2005 year-end, the value of Mr. Way’s outstanding exercisable in-the-money stock options was $83,000 as compared to $506,600 at the end of 2004, a decrease of 83.6%. The Committee believes that the stock options provide Mr. Way with appropriate incentives to promote long-term shareholder value.

Compensation Committee

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

      Brian S. MacKenzie, Barry L. Edwards and Harold K. Roberts, Jr., served on Ryan’s Compensation Committee during the entirety of 2005. None of the members of the Committee has served as an officer of Ryan’s, and none has any interlocking relationships, as defined by SEC regulations.

      The following report does not constitute soliciting material and is not considered filed or incorporated by reference into any other filing by Ryan’s under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, unless Ryan’s expressly states otherwise.

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

      The Audit Committee is comprised of three non-employee directors, all of whom are independent as defined in Rule 4200(a)(15) of the National Association of Securities Dealers’ listing standards. The Audit Committee has a written charter, which is available on Ryan’s website at www.ryans.com.

      In carrying out its responsibilities, the Audit Committee has:

      In addition, the Audit Committee reviewed the financial statements for the first, second and third quarters of 2005 and discussed these statements with the independent registered public accounting firm. The chair of the Committee also reviewed and discussed the SAS 61 matters with the independent registered public accounting firm.

      Based on the review and discussions described above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in Ryan’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2005, for filing with the SEC.

      All members of the Audit Committee concur in this report.

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

      Below is a line graph comparing the cumulative, total shareholder return on the Common Stock of Ryan’s Restaurant Group, Inc. for the last five fiscal years with the cumulative total returns of a peer group consisting of all publicly traded companies whose SIC code was 5812, the code for retail eating places, on December 28, 2005, and of the Nasdaq Market Index over the same period (assuming a $100 initial investment and dividend reinvestment). If you are a shareholder of record on February 1, 2006, Ryan’s will promptly furnish to you without charge the identity of the companies included in the peer group. You may send requests to Janet J. Gleitz, Ryan’s Secretary, by mail (Ryan’s, Post Office Box 100, Greer, South Carolina 29652; Attention: Janet J. Gleitz) or by e-mail (jjgleitz@ryansinc.com).

      Note: The stock price performance shown on the graph below does not necessarily indicate future price performance.

COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS

AMONG RYAN’S RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.,

SIC RESTAURANT INDEX AND NASDAQ MARKET INDEX FOR THE

FIVE-YEAR PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2005 (YEAR-END 2005)

RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT

REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

(Item #2 on the Proxy)

      The Board has appointed KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for Ryan’s for the current fiscal year and to examine and report to shareholders on the financial statements as of and for the year ending January 3, 2007, and has requested that shareholders ratify the appointment. Representatives of KPMG LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting. They will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions that the shareholders may have. KPMG LLP has acted for Ryan’s in this capacity since 1981, and neither the firm nor any of its members has any relation with Ryan’s except in the firm’s capacity as the independent registered public accounting firm for Ryan’s.

Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

      The following table lists all fees that were either paid to or expected to be billed by KPMG LLP, Ryan’s independent registered public accounting firm, for services performed in 2005 and 2004:

      Audit fees include billings for the annual audit of Ryan’s consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, quarterly reviews and the review of all related SEC filings. Audit-related fees consist of billings for the annual audit of Ryan’s 401(k) plan. There were no tax or other fees billed by KMPG LLP during the years presented. All audit and audit-related services were pre-approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has not adopted pre-approval policies and procedures pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i) of Regulation S-X.

      The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of these services is compatible with maintaining KPMG LLP’s independence.

Vote Required

      Ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for Ryan’s will require that, of the shares present at the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy and voting on the matter, there be more positive votes than negative votes. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted.

      The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the ratification of KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for Ryan’s.

SOLICITATION OF PROXIES

      Ryan’s will pay for soliciting proxies. Officers and other regular employees of Ryan’s may solicit proxies by telephone, e-mail, telegram or personal interview for no additional compensation. Ryan’s has engaged W. F. Doring & Company to solicit proxies and distribute materials to brokerage houses, banks, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for a fee of approximately $10,000. Ryan’s will reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding solicitation materials to shareholders.

PROPOSALS OF SHAREHOLDERS

      Any shareholder who wishes to present a proposal at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and have his or her proposal included in the proxy statement and proxy card relating to that meeting must deliver such proposal to Ryan’s no later than October 30, 2006. The proposal must comply with the rules of the SEC relating to shareholder proposals. Shareholders desiring to recommend a person or persons for consideration as a nominee for election to the Board of Directors should deliver a notice in the manner described under the heading “Director Nominations” no later than October 30, 2006. With respect to a shareholder proposal for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders that is not intended to be included in the proxy materials relating to the meeting, the proposal must be received by Ryan’s at least forty-five (45) days prior to the shareholders meeting at which the proposal is to be presented. After that date, the proposal will not be considered timely. Shareholders may send their proposals to Ryan’s, Attention: Janet J. Gleitz, Post Office Box 100, Greer, South Carolina 29652.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

      Ryan’s 2005 Annual Report is enclosed. This document includes the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K (without exhibits), including financial statements and financial statement schedules, if any, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Shareholders may direct requests for additional copies to Ryan’s Restaurant Group, Inc., 405 Lancaster Avenue, Greer, South Carolina 29650, or Post Office Box 100, Greer, South Carolina 29652, Attention: Janet J. Gleitz, Secretary. Requests can also be made through Ryan’s website at www.ryans.com.

OTHER BUSINESS

      As of the date of this Proxy Statement, management was not aware that any business not described above would be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other business properly comes before the meeting, the shares represented by proxies will be voted according to the best judgment of the person voting them.

Greer, South Carolina

March 13, 2006

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF

RYAN’S RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

April 10, 2006

Please date, sign and mail
your proxy card in the
envelope provided as soon
as possible.

Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided.

1.	Elect as directors the seven nominees listed below to serve until the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in the year 2007 and until their successors are elected and qualified.

THIS PROXY CARD, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSALS.

In its discretion, the proxy is authorized to vote upon such other business as properly may come before the Annual Meeting and any and all adjournments thereof and on matters incident to the conduct of the meeting.

If any other business is presented at the Annual Meeting, this proxy card will be voted by the person(s) appointed proxy in his or their best judgment. At the present time, the Board of Directors knows of no other business to be presented at the Annual Meeting.

TO INCLUDE ANY COMMENTS, USE THE COMMENTS BOX ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CARD.

 

RYAN’S RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

The undersigned shareholder of Ryan’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby revoking all previous proxies, hereby appoints Charles D. Way and G. Edwin McCranie and either of them, the attorney or attorneys or proxy or proxies, with full power of substitution to act for and in the name of the undersigned to vote all shares of Common Stock of the Company that the undersigned shall be entitled to vote, at the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company, to be held at the Greenville Marriott, Greenville, South Carolina, on Monday, April 10, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. local time, and at any and all adjournments thereof, as set forth on the reverse side.

Receipt of the Notice of the Meeting, the accompanying Proxy Statement and the Annual Report to Shareholders is hereby acknowledged.

PLEASE VOTE, DATE AND SIGN ON REVERSE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE.

(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)