February 23, 2009
Ruth’s Chris Steak House Debuts in Greenville, South Carolina at the Crowne Plaza
Greenville, SC – February 23, 2009 – Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Inc.(Nasdaq: RUTH) announces the opening of its newest restaurant inGreenville, South Carolina. The franchise-owned restaurant, located inthe lobby of the newly renovated Crowne Plaza hotel just off I-385,opened its doors earlier this month. The fine-dining steak house willbe operated by Ruth’s Chris franchisees Phil Brooks, Jim Brooks andNancy and Mark Oswald. The Brooks-Oswald franchise currently owns andoperates three Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants in Atlanta,Georgia, two in Alabama (Birmingham and Huntsville), and another inColumbia, South Carolina. Managing Partner Mark Oswald commented: “We look forward to workingtogether with the Crowne Plaza to provide a superior dining experiencefor both Greenville residents and visitors to the Upstate. Thislocation joins our other six restaurants located within hotels, asynergy that has been successful and welcomed.” Added Dan Hannah, Vice President of New Business Development for Ruth’sChris Steak House: “Greenville is a strong addition to our worldwidegroup of restaurants. I am pleased that the Oswalds and the Brooks, whohave been franchisees since 1986, have agreed to continue theircommitment to grow Ruth’s Chris Steak House in this new market.” At the intersection of Congaree and Roper Mountain Roads, the10,000 square foot restaurant will include patio dining as weatherpermits. Works of art by internationally acclaimed artists CliffordBailey and Todd White, whose paintings evoke the era and ambiance ofthe roaring twenties with a modern twist, decorate the handsomelyappointed restaurant. Invited guests and local Greenville dignitaries, including Mayor KnoxWhite, celebrated the arrival of the new Ruth’s Chris restaurant duringpre-opening charity events where $10,000.00 was raised for SouthCarolina’s own Hospitality Association Educational Foundation. KirkWatkins, General Manager of Ruth’s Chris Greenville, noted “it was aspecial honor to be able to contribute to South Carolina’s workforcedevelopment programs and to contribute to college scholarships for ourstate’s culinary students.” Tom Sponseller, President and Chief Executive Officer of theHospitality Association of South Carolina, echoed Watkins’ remarks andsaluted Ruth’s Chris Steak House “for helping to foster hospitalityeducation statewide and enabling the South Carolina high schoolProStart program to continue to grow and prosper.” Ruth’s Chris Greenville boasts three in-restaurant private rooms aswell as numerous meeting and banquet facilities. In addition to therestaurant, Ruth’s Chris provides food service for the Crowne Plaza’sbanquet facilities, which include a 6,000 square foot ballroom as wellas four private board rooms. Private dining options accommodate from 10to 325 guests. Guests in Greenville will now be able to enjoy New Orleans-inspiredappetizers, the finest U.S.D.A. Prime steaks, fresh seafood and classicdesserts, all complemented by an award-winning wine list. Ruth’s ChrisSteak House Greenville is open daily from 5 p.m. on. Reservations maybe made by calling the restaurant directly, (864) 248-1700 or on-lineat www.ruthschris.com. About Ruth’s Chris Steak House To experience fine dining at its prime . . . just follow the sizzle toRuth's Chris Steak House. For information, reservations, and giftcards, visit www.RuthsChris.com or call 1-800-544-0808. About Ruth's Hospitality Group For further information about our restaurants, to make reservations, or to purchase gift cards, please visit: www.RuthsChris.com, www.MitchellsFishMarket.com, www.MitchellsSteakhouse.com and www.Camerons-Steakhouse.com. For more information about Ruth’s Hospitality Group, please visit www.rhgi.com.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House is a part of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.Founded in New Orleans by Ruth Fertel in 1965, Ruth’s Chris specializesin USDA Prime grade steaks served in Ruth’s Chris signature fashion …“sizzling.”
Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: RUTH) is a leading restaurantcompany focused exclusively on the upscale dining segment. The Companyowns the Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Mitchell’s Fish Market, Mitchell’sSteakhouse and Cameron’s Steakhouse concepts. With more than 150company- and franchisee-owned locations worldwide, Ruth’s HospitalityGroup was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Heathrow, Fla.