Ruth’s Chris Steak House to Relocate to Annapolis Town Center in Late 2026 Ruth’s Chris Steak House is set to expand its presence in Maryland by opening a new location at Annapolis Town Center, a mixed-use development in the heart of Annapolis, in late fall 2026. The move marks the closure of the restaurant’s longtime Eastport location and positions the brand as a new anchor in the growing retail and dining hub. Federal Realty Investment Trust, the developer behind Annapolis Town Center, announced that the steakhouse will occupy a 10,150-square-foot space previously held by the Chop House. The new venue will feature a ground-level entrance with stairs and an elevator leading to a second-floor dining area offering views of the entertainment green, enhancing the space’s appeal for both casual and formal dining. The relocation is part of Ruth’s Chris’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint, which includes over 160 locations worldwide. The brand is renowned for its signature 1,800-degree broiler and its tradition of serving steaks on 500-degree sizzling plates, a hallmark of its fine-dining experience. The new Annapolis Town Center location is designed to complement the existing retail and dining options at the site, which already attracts shoppers, families, and tourists. According to Steve de Castro, the restaurant’s owner and franchisee, the decision to relocate was driven by the opportunity to serve a broader audience in a central location where customers already spend time. “Annapolis Town Center presented the ideal opportunity to open our restaurant to an easily accessible area where we know our diners are already spending time,” de Castro said.#ruths_chris_steak_house #annapolis_town_center #federal_realty_investment_trust #steve_de_castro #stuart_biel
Ruth's Chris Steak House dress code sparks online debate over 'proper attire' Ruth's Chris Steak House has become a focal point of online discussion after enforcing its "business casual" dress code, which requires guests to adhere to specific attire guidelines. The policy, which includes restrictions on items like tank tops, gym wear, and hats, has prompted mixed reactions from diners and critics. The restaurant’s website states that guests wearing ball caps are asked to dine in the bar or lounge area, while other items such as revealing clothing or offensive graphics are explicitly prohibited from dining rooms. The controversy has resurfaced as the restaurant, now part of Darden Restaurants, continues to position itself within the fine-dining space. Darden, which acquired Ruth's Chris in a 2023 deal, operates over 2,100 restaurants across multiple chains, including Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. Some diners argue that the dress code is an attempt to maintain a more refined atmosphere, while others claim it alienates customers, particularly in warmer climates where hats and tank tops are common. The policy has been in place for years, according to internet archives, suggesting the recent debate may stem from increased enforcement or viral social media discussions rather than a new rule. Critics have pointed out inconsistencies in how the policy is applied, with some noting that similar dress codes exist across Darden’s portfolio but are enforced differently. For example, Capital Grille encourages elegant attire without explicitly banning hats, though it still restricts athletic wear and overly revealing clothing. The debate reflects broader tensions in modern dining culture, with some diners supporting the policy as a return to decorum in an increasingly casual society.#ruths_chris_steak_house #darden_restaurants #capital_grille #marvin_sapp #fine_dining
Ruth’s Chris Steak House Enforces New Dress Code for Dining Rooms Ruth’s Chris Steak House has implemented a stricter dress code for customers dining in its restaurants, requiring patrons to adhere to a business-appropriate attire standard. The policy, which emphasizes formal dress, has been communicated through a notice posted on the restaurant’s website. According to the guidelines, guests are instructed to remove hats before entering the dining area. Those who arrive wearing hats will be directed to the bar, lounge, or outdoor spaces instead of the main dining room. The updated policy prohibits several types of casual clothing, including gym wear, swimwear, and garments featuring offensive language or imagery. Additionally, revealing attire such as tank tops and exposed undergarments is no longer permitted in the dining room. These restrictions align with the restaurant’s broader effort to maintain a refined and professional atmosphere for diners. The dress code change comes as Ruth’s Chris Steak House is part of Darden Restaurants, a major restaurant chain that acquired the parent company of Ruth’s Chris for approximately $715 million. Darden operates a diverse portfolio of restaurants, each with its own dress code policies. For example, its other brands, such as Olive Garden and The Capital Grille, have varying standards for customer attire. This suggests that the new policy at Ruth’s Chris is part of a larger strategy to standardize or enhance the dining experience across its affiliated establishments. The restaurant’s decision to enforce stricter dress code rules reflects a growing trend among upscale dining venues to set clear expectations for patrons.#ruths_chris_steak_house #darden_restaurants #olive_garden #the_capital_grille #dining_room
