Established
1965
Franchise Units
120
Minimum Investment
$2,500,000
Franchise Fee
$150,000
Total Investment Range
$5,000,000
Home Based
No
Description
Ruth's Chris Steak House is one of the most iconic names in the American fine-dining landscape, globally recognized for its uncompromising quality, timeless elegance, and legendary sizzling steaks served on 500-degree plates. Positioned firmly in the premium steakhouse segment, the brand blends upscale dining with a warm, celebratory atmosphere that attracts business professionals, affluent diners, tourists, and special-occasion guests year-round.
For decades, Ruth’s Chris Steak House has defined what guests expect from a luxury steakhouse experience—prime cuts of beef, meticulous preparation, polished service, and refined interiors. This consistency has allowed the brand to command strong average unit volumes, premium pricing power, and exceptional brand loyalty across major metropolitan and destination markets in the United States.
From power lunches to milestone celebrations and corporate entertaining, Ruth’s Chris occupies a coveted niche where indulgence meets reliability. For investors seeking entry into a high-end, proven restaurant concept with national recognition and long-term demand, Ruth’s Chris Steak House represents a compelling franchise opportunity in the U.S. market.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in Ruth’s Chris Steak House means aligning with a brand that has already earned the trust of upscale diners across generations.
Key reasons franchisees are drawn to this concept include:
-
Prestige brand recognition with decades of credibility in fine dining
-
Premium positioning that supports strong per-guest spend and margins
-
Proven operating model refined across hundreds of locations
-
Consistent demand driven by celebrations, business dining, and tourism
-
Scalable footprint suitable for urban cores, upscale suburbs, and hospitality hubs
-
Strong corporate infrastructure supporting franchise partners at every stage
Background
Established Year
Ruth’s Chris Steak House was founded in 1965.
Franchise Active Units (USA):
Ruth's Chris Steak House operates approximately 120+ active restaurant units across the United States, spanning major metropolitan markets, upscale suburban locations, and destination hubs.
Founders
The brand was founded by Ruth Fertel, a pioneering entrepreneur who famously purchased a small New Orleans steakhouse and transformed it into a nationally admired fine-dining institution.
Brand Journey & Company History
What began as a single location in New Orleans grew steadily through disciplined expansion and a relentless focus on product excellence. The brand’s signature USDA Prime steaks, proprietary broiling process, and distinctive presentation became hallmarks that set it apart from competitors.
Over the decades, Ruth’s Chris expanded across the United States and internationally, establishing a presence in major cities, resort destinations, and high-traffic business districts. Its reputation for consistency allowed it to become a staple for corporate events, celebrations, and upscale casual dining alike.
Ownership & Market Presence
Ruth’s Chris Steak House operates through a combination of company-owned and franchised restaurants, with a significant footprint across the United States. The brand is widely regarded as a leader in the fine-dining steakhouse category, competing at the highest tier of the casual-luxury restaurant segment.
Industry Category
-
Fine Dining
-
Premium Steakhouse
-
Upscale Casual / Luxury Dining
Support Training
Ruth’s Chris Steak House offers comprehensive, hands-on support designed to help franchise partners execute the brand to its exacting standards.
Pre-Launch Support
-
Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
-
Restaurant design, layout, and build-out specifications
-
Vendor sourcing and equipment standards
-
Pre-opening staffing strategies and hiring support
Training Programs
-
In-depth management and culinary training at certified training locations
-
Front-of-house service excellence and hospitality standards
-
Food safety, quality control, and inventory management systems
-
Financial management, cost controls, and reporting procedures
Operational Support
-
Ongoing field support and operational audits
-
Standardized operating manuals and systems
-
Supply chain access to approved vendors and premium ingredients
-
Continuous menu refinement and culinary innovation
Marketing & Brand Support
-
National brand marketing initiatives and brand campaigns
-
Local store marketing guidance and promotional calendars
-
Digital presence support and brand-approved creative assets
-
Public relations and reputation management strategies
This end-to-end support structure allows franchisees to focus on execution, guest experience, and financial performance while maintaining brand consistency nationwide.
Ideal Candidate
Ruth’s Chris Steak House is best suited for sophisticated investors and operators who understand the demands of premium hospitality.
The ideal franchisee typically has:
-
Strong multi-unit restaurant or hospitality experience
-
A passion for luxury service, food quality, and guest experience
-
The financial capacity to support a high-investment restaurant model
-
Experience managing large teams and complex operations
-
A preference for major metro, affluent suburban, or destination markets
This opportunity is particularly attractive to seasoned restaurant groups, hospitality investors, and operators seeking to add a flagship luxury brand to their portfolio.
Financial Detail
| Cost / Fee Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | ~$150,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | ~$2.5 million – $5.0+ million |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | ~$1,000,000+ |
| Net Worth Requirement | ~$2.5 million+ |
| Real Estate & Leasehold Improvements | $1.2 million – $2.5 million |
| Kitchen Equipment & Fixtures | $500,000 – $900,000 |
| Furniture, Décor & Signage | $300,000 – $600,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $75,000 – $150,000 |
| Pre-Opening Marketing & Training | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $200,000 – $400,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~5% of Gross Sales |
| National Marketing Fee | ~2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 3 – 5 Years |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Private Dining, Catering, Alcohol Sales |
| Average Unit Volume Potential | High (Premium Fine-Dining Segment) |
