Here's The Truth About Ruth's Chris Steak House

After its founding in 1965, Ruth's Chris Steak House grew from one New Orleans location to more than 150 restaurants all over the world, thanks to the talent and vision of Ruth Fertel. Fertel, who died in 2002, turned Southern hospitality and sizzling steaks into an empire.

Ruth's Chris is typically in the news for announcements of new restaurant openings or a creative menu promotion. But in 2020, the chain saw a massive backlash when it became engulfed in controversy over taking federal loans meant for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ruth's Chris Steak House's history is as eccentric and exciting as the city where it was born. There's a lot even the chain's biggest fans may not know about it, like where that weird name came from. So here's the truth about Ruth's Chris Steak House.

#Steak #RuthsChris #Restaurant

Born in New Orleans | 0:00
The truth behind that name | 1:26
Building an empire | 2:27
All-female staff | 3:29
Signature sizzle | 4:32
Creamed spinach origins | 5:35
Dry-aged to wet-aged | 6:31
Hurricane Katrina fallout | 7:29
Free steaks | 8:15
Pandemic controversy | 9:23

[MashedFood]

What do you think about Ruth's Chris Steak House?

[jeremyweaver]

The day I arrived home from a combat tour in Iraq in 2007, my then wife, took me to Ruth's Chris, for the first time. I was in uniform, because we stopped there straight from the Armory, on our way home. As we were waiting for a table, the hostess, asked if I was on active duty, I said I had literally gotten off the plane from Iraq not more than an hour earlier. Not only was my meal comp'd, every staff member came to my table and either shook my hand or gave me a hug to welcome me home. It was a very pleasant experience.

[crashnj]

Was fortunate to meet her when I was on the opening staff of the first location in the NYC market. I think the staff did not know what to make of her this older southern woman. That first day she went into the kitchen to cook staff meal for us. Well I not being shy and curious approached her and asked what she was cooking."Gumbo" she replied. "What's Gumbo?" I inquired. " Well you make it with okra" I said Ms Fertell you're in NJ we have no idea and she laughed and explained the dish to me. I became a fan of NOLA cooking after meeting her. Visited there around 20 times including several Mardi Gras and eventually managed a NOLA inspired restaurant and jazz place. Thank You Ms Fertell you were an inspiration.

[signalsoldier]

Back when the Iraq War was raging, I came home to Atlanta on R&R and the night before I was to fly out and return back... The waiter overheard that we were celebrating that. Without ever asking the manager comes out with a package with every single item on the desert menu for me to enjoy that night and enough to take on the plane the next day.
That meant a lot to me and I am still honored. Shout out to Ruth's Chris!

[Grisbi]

After viewing this post, Ruth's Chris Steak House is A+ in my grade book. I wish them continued success.

[djkrushinphx]

I barely got one minute into the video but hats off to Ruth's Chris in Las Vegas in the Harrah's Casino. I had a reservation for 7 people then later found that 6 more of our family made a separate reservation same time (my daughter's 21st birthday just this past summer 2021). When we approached the host and asked if by chance we can be seated within the same proximity they went a step above. There was a single private room they allowed us to dine together as a family and we all thought it was a nice gesture by the establishment to provide that. The visit was so on point with the service and food! We look forward to another visit soon!

[claykemper]

Try to appreciate what Ruth accomplished. A single mom, unknowlegable in running the top failing business category in the country, struggled, mortgaged her home, and created perhaps the preeminent steak house. It is a movie-worthy story.

[beverlysteiger]

Our favorite restaurant for special occasions. They never disappoint. Even their carry-outs are exceptional.

[debbiel]

My favorite Steak House! Wish we could afford to go all the time but, I look forward to those 'special occasion' dinners.

[stevekourtakis]

I usually don't comment, this is the best steak house, my kid is thrilled when i say we are going to Ruth Chris. Also i love the way you think about your employees, no wonder every time we go there everyone that works for Ruth's is courteous and happy to work there.

[montanalafleur]

I just went for my birthday & that was the best dining experience I’ve had. I’ve been to various fine dining establishments. But they made my birthday extremely special 🥰

[timbradley]

I've always loved Ruth's Chris. But now I am definitely a fan for life. Loved the story.

[boone]

From Hawaii to NYC, the ability to have the same quality in the service and food is amazing! My wife and I always look for a Ruth’s franchise whenever we’re on a trip away from our home!

[lisaroy]

This is a great tribute to a great woman capatalist who was a massive help to women and to an industry that served mostly men in the beginning. I love the story presented here until the 9:00 moment and the fallout of the covid assistance. She deserves the credit for her entrepreneur spirit.

[zkedkdb]

Let’s hear it for Ruth. She knew how to treat customers.

[texas]

Mom asked to go on her 80th. Yes! It was fabulous and mom had a great time!

[dylanpeterson]

While stationed in 29 Palms, they came out offering free steaks, but hardly anyone showed up because it was a "family fun day".
Needless to say, I ate fillets until I was nearly sick. Probably the best part of my stay at the stumps.

[jimzecca]

I've eaten at several Ruth's Chris Steak Houses over the years and I've always had a good experience and good food there. I find them similar/on par with Mortens.

[gmoops]

Wow! What a great story. I see now what it must be like for an employer to have concern for their workers.

[VroomAndPew]

We celebrated our 10th anniversary there in San Diego a couple weeks ago. I had the most amazing Ribeye - charred on the outside and medium rare on the inside. So perfect and so delicious. They even brought out a special dessert for us and put little confetti hearts on our table. Amazing food and an awesome environment.