History of Ruth's Chris Steak House in Timeline

Ruth's Chris Steak House, originally Darden Concepts, Inc., is a steakhouse chain with over 100 locations in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Rebranded as Ruth's Hospitality Group after acquiring Mitchell's Fish Market in 2008, the company is headquartered in Winter Park, Florida. Darden Restaurants later acquired the chain. Known for its high-end dining experience, Ruth's Chris is a prominent player in the restaurant industry.

February 27, 1927: Chris' Steak House Founded

On February 27, 1927, Chris' Steak House was founded by New Orleans entrepreneur Chris Matulich at 1100 North Broad Street, near the Fair Grounds Race Course. It had a seating capacity of 60 people and lacked a parking lot.

May 24, 1965: Ruth Fertel's First Day

On May 24, 1965, Ruth Fertel sold 35 steaks at $5 each on her first day after purchasing Chris' Steak House.

1977: First Franchised Restaurant Opened

In 1977, the first franchised Ruth's Chris Steak House was opened in Baton Rouge by Thomas J. "T. J." Moran, a loyal customer.

1995: Sterling's Seafood Steakhouse in Business

Sterling's Seafood Steakhouse was in business from 1995 to 2018, before Ruth's Chris opened at the Silver Legacy in Reno, Nevada.

August 1999: Fertel Sells Interest in Chain

In August 1999, Ruth Fertel, facing lung cancer, sold a 79.3 percent interest in Ruth's Chris Steak House to Madison Dearborn Partners.

2002: Ruth Fertel's Death

Ruth Fertel, the founder of Ruth's Chris Steak House, died in 2002.

August 9, 2005: Ruth's Chris Steak House Goes Public

On August 9, 2005, Ruth's Chris Steak House, under President and CEO Craig Miller, became a public company after a successful IPO, valuing the company at $235 million.

August 2005: Headquarters Moved Due to Hurricane Katrina

In late August 2005, due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, Ruth's Chris Steak House moved its corporate headquarters to Heathrow, Florida.

2006: Stock Price Fell

In 2006, the stock price fell from $22 to under $5 and company debts rose to $185 million.

February 2008: Ruth's Chris Purchases Mitchell's Fish Restaurant

In February 2008, Ruth's Chris purchased Mitchell's Fish Restaurant and Columbus Fish Market brands from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants for $92 million.

May 2008: Ruth's Hospitality Group Rebranding

In May 2008, Ruth's Chris Steak House underwent rebranding and became part of Ruth's Hospitality Group after its acquisition of Mitchell's Fish Market.

May 2008: Ruth's Chris Reopens in New Orleans

In May 2008, Ruth's Chris reopened in New Orleans, relocating downtown in Harrah's Hotel after the original location was closed due to Hurricane Katrina.

2009: Las Vegas Location Closes

In 2009, Ruth's Chris' previous Las Vegas location on Flamingo closed.

2012: Tulane Community Health Center Opening

In 2012, Tulane University remodeled and reopened the old flagship Ruth's Chris location on Broad Street as the Ruth U. Fertel/Tulane Community Health Center.

January 2013: New Restaurant Opens in Las Vegas

In January 2013, Ruth's Chris opened a new restaurant in Harrah's casino in Las Vegas.

February 2013: RHGI Reports Increased Sales

In February 2013, RHGI reported that fourth quarter sales at Ruth's Chris restaurants were up by 7.0 percent on the previous year, marking the 11th consecutive quarterly increase in sales.

2015: Restaurant Expansion into Albuquerque Announced

In 2015, it was announced that Ruth's Chris was expanding into Albuquerque, New Mexico.

2015: Thomas J. "T.J." Moran Death

Thomas J. "T.J." Moran, the first Ruth's Chris Steak House franchisee, passed away in 2015.

2016: Ruth's Chris Opens in Odenton, Maryland

In 2016, Ruth's Chris opened its restaurant in Odenton, Maryland.

2018: Ruth's Chris Opens in Reno, Nevada

In 2018, Ruth's Chris opened at the Silver Legacy in Reno, Nevada.

April 17, 2020: Subsidiaries Receive Paycheck Protection Program Loans

On April 17, 2020, two of Ruth's Hospitality Group's subsidiaries each received $10 million in forgivable loans from the Paycheck Protection Program.

April 24, 2020: Loans Repaid to Treasury Department

On April 24, 2020, it was reported that Ruth's Hospitality Group would repay the $20 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans to the Treasury Department following public controversy.