FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Ruth’s Story
A BRIEF HISTORY
In 1965, a time when most women couldn’t even apply for a bank card without their husband’s signature, our founder Ruth Fertel risked it all and mortgaged her home to buy a small steak house in New Orleans. As a single mom with two boys, Ruth taught herself the restaurant business, endured countless challenges and, in the process, redefined hospitality.
FOUNDED IN NEW ORLEANS IN 1965
FIRST FRANCHISE OPENED IN 1977
SERVING 21 COUNTRIES TODAY
Our Name
WHY “RUTH’S CHRIS”?
When a kitchen fire destroyed Chris Steak House in 1976, Ruth was forced to relocate her business, but the Chris Steak House name wasn’t allowed to come along. Short on time, Ruth improvised, adding her own name to the sign. That made it “Ruth’s Chris Steak house” and our legendary name was born.