Popular upscale steakhouse chain opens new Sarasota restaurant location
After making an announcement nearly two years ago, one of the country's most popular steakhouse chains has now opened its new location in Sarasota County.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House, famous for serving steaks on 500-degree sizzling plates in an upscale setting, opened its newest location in Lakewood Ranch's Center Point development.
Located at 6490 University Parkway, the new Ruth's Chris is a 7,016-square-foot restaurant that features one main dining room, one casual dining room, a bar and lounge, a patio with seating, and two private dining rooms that can be reserved for special occasions.
As part of the pre-opening celebration for their newest restaurant, Ruth’s Chris noted in a press release that they hosted a special VIP dinner with community leaders, business owners, and Ruth’s Chris executives, during which 100% of the proceeds from the evening were donated to All Faiths Food Bank.
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Ruth's Chris Steak House opens Lakewood Ranch location on University Parkway featuring steaks, seafood and happy hour
“The Lakewood Ranch location is our 16th in the state of Florida, representing an exciting expansion in the region that further entrenches us in this area’s fine dining scene,” said Cheryl Henry, president of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, in a statement. “We’re thrilled to continue to serve this community and look forward to more expansion opportunities in the future.”
Ruth’s Chris also has a restaurant at 6700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, which is about 15 miles southwest of the Lakewood Ranch establishment.
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Founded by Ruth Fertel, Ruth’s Chris debuted in New Orleans in 1965. The company notes that its "perfected broiling method and seasoning techniques ensure each cut of USDA Prime beef arrives cooked to perfection and sizzling on a 500-degree plate. Representing the highest-quality beef, these cuts are well marbled and hand-selected for thickness and tenderness."
Ruth’s Chris also serves fresh seafood, scratch-made side dishes and desserts, as well as craft cocktails and high-end wines. The Lakewood Ranch location will offer happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. every Sunday through Friday. Full-size appetizers, hand-crafted cocktails and wine start at $9 during this time.
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Ruth’s Chris is part of Orlando-based Darden Restaurants, which completed its acquisition of Ruth's Hospitality Group in June. Darden's large portfolio also includes the upscale sports bar Yard House, which recently opened in the University Town Center near Darden restaurants Seasons 52 and the popular steak house The Capital Grille. The new Ruth's Chris in Lakewood Ranch is located about two and a half miles from The Capital Grille, found inside The Mall at University Town Center.
Ruth's Chris Steak House's new location is at 6490 University Parkway, Sarasota. For more information, call 941-315-6669 or visit ruthschris.com/lakewood-ranch.
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Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Popular steakhouse Ruth's Chris opens new Sarasota restaurant
