GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel (AGPH) today announced that it will transform The 1913 Room restaurant into a Ruth’s Chris Steak House by early fall 2011. The iconic, AAA Five Diamond, award-winning 1913 Room will remain open through late spring. Plans to begin construction of Ruth’s Chris Steak House are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. All associates of The 1913 Room will be offered positions with Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
Founded in New Orleans by Ruth Fertel in 1965, Ruth’s Chris is the largest, family of upscale steak houses in the world with more than 130 locations, including New York, Portland, Atlanta, Chicago, New Orleans and Dubai.
“This is another exciting step forward in adding to the vibrancy of our hotel and downtown,” said Joe Tomaselli, president and CEO of the Amway Hotel Corporation. “Ruth’s Chris is an internationally recognized brand and we’re especially thrilled to bring this `big city’ dining experience to the area, providing another solid attraction for local residents as well as the growing number of business and leisure travelers staying downtown.”
“The redevelopment of The 1913 Room to Ruth’s Chris Steak House reflects the hotel’s efforts throughout its history to continually look for opportunities to enhance guest experiences while adding to the vision of the downtown,” said Tomaselli. The new Ruth’s Chris restaurant is expected to open around the same time as the AGPH celebrates its 30-year anniversary in September 2011.
Conversations between AGPH and Ruth’s Chris executives began several years ago as Grand Rapids emerged on its radar of growing, progressive cities.
“Grand Rapids is well-positioned for our globally recognized brand,” said Michael P. O’Donnell, chairman and CEO of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. “We’re thrilled to introduce Ruth’s Chris to new diners as well as those local residents and hotel guests who are already acquainted with the Ruth’s Chris dining experience.”
Tomaselli said Ruth’s Chris’ reputation for extraordinary food and impeccable service were important considerations in the decision. Additionally, the Amway Hotel Corporation will own and operate the new Ruth’s Chris restaurant. This will be the second Michigan location for Ruth’s Chris. The first Michigan Ruth’s Chris opened in Troy in 1997.
“Ruth’s Chris guests can anticipate the same high service standards and quality that they have come to expect from The 1913 Room,” Tomaselli said.
Current plans call for The 1913 Room to remain open through late spring, maintaining its regular hours of operation; reservations are accepted at (616) 774-2000.
The 1913 Room opened in 1981, quickly earning rave reviews for its continental cuisine with a French influence, combined with exceptional service and a warm, luxurious setting. To pay tribute to this longstanding restaurant, the new Ruth’s Chris will feature a special private dining room called The 1913 Room.
“This is another milestone for downtown,” said Tomaselli.
About Amway Hotel Corporation
Amway Hotel Corp. owns and operates three hotel properties: the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, JW Marriott Grand Rapids and the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Amway Hotel Corp. is a division of Amway Corporate Enterprises, a subsidiary of Amway Inc.
About Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris Steak House, owned and operated by Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc., is the largest family of upscale steak houses in the world with more than 130 restaurant locations around the globe. Founded in New Orleans by Ruth Fertel in 1965, Ruth’s Chris specializes in USDA prime grade steaks, served in their signature “sizzling” style.
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