
As a working mom with a family to support on her own, our founder, Ruth Fertel, mortgaged her home to buy a small, 60-seat restaurant in New Orleans named Chris Steak House. It was a bold move, especially in 1965, when most women couldn’t even apply for a bank card without their husband’s signature.
Ruth was determined to provide a better life for her family. Even after a fire forced her to move, her enthusiasm and perseverance helped her dream take flight – this time, with her own name on the door: Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
From humble beginnings to one of the world’s most legendary steak houses, Ruth’s Chris now brings that signature sizzle that made Ruth famous to more than 150 locations around the world and growing.
If you've ever had a filet this good, welcome back.
When a kitchen fire destroyed Chris Steak House in 1976, Ruth was forced to relocate the restaurant to stay in business. But the Chris Steak House name wasn't allowed to move with it. So, with little time and a mischievous smile, Ruth added her own name to the sign, making it “Ruth’s Chris Steak House.” And it worked—that tongue-twister of a name was born.