WOW Reopens Ruth's Chris Steak House at InterContinental San Juan

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. December 02, 2009

NOVEMBER 30, 2009 - Ruth's Chris Steak House in Isla Verde famous for its aged USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts, all complemented by an award-winning wine list has reopened under new management. Local restaurateurs, WOW Restaurant Group, have acquired the Ruth's Chris Steak House franchise rights at the InterContinental San Juan Resort & Casino in Isla Verde.

WOW Restaurant Group, who has over 20 years of experience operating restaurants in Puerto Rico, own La Piccola Fontana Restaurant at El San Juan Hotel and Piccola Fontana and Drakes Martini & Rum bar at El Conquistador Resort as well as Trattoria Galeria Restaurant at El San Juan Hotel and Aqua Bar & Grill Restaurant at the Conrad Condado Plaza.

“We couldn't have found a better fit for Ruth's Chris,” said Michael Herrmann, general manager at the InterContinental San Juan. “We are excited for the hotel and the local tourism industry to have a management team at the restaurant with local ties who knows the market well.”

WOW Restaurant Group has invested $500,000 to refurbish the popular steakhouse, which closed in September after the parent company of Ruth's Chris decided to convert most locations into franchise-owned and operated establishments. The restaurant had been a culinary draw for over 15 years in Puerto Rico.

“We want to reposition Ruth's Chris Steak House in Isla Verde to its glory when personalized service was provided by its management,” said Francisco Rivera, who along with partner Edwin Torre, runs WOW Restaurant Group. “We are here to deliver the highest quality of food, beverages and service in a warm and inviting atmosphere.”

The local entrepreneurs are making history by becoming the first Latin (Puerto Rican) Ruth Chris franchise operators. The renovation includes new carpentry, seating areas, wallpaper, kitchen fixtures, and marble floor maintenance among others in order to guarantee an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere.

The restaurant's management team has undergone extensive training at the company's central offices in Florida to make sure the restaurant's menu is served with Ruth's Chris core values and signature fashion.

“I wanted to know every intricate detail. It's been exciting to learn how to make everything,” Rivera said.

To make this a reality, the franchise owners obtained financing to renovate the facilities through Eurobank. “We are proud to sponsor Puerto Rican entrepreneurs like Francisco and Edwin, and assist them in the re-opening of Ruth's Chris Steak House.” said Jose L. Cotto, Vice President and Assistant Lending Officer of Eurobank. Eurobank is a full-service bank with a 25 branch network and its main focus is to provide one-on-one services to small and mid-sized businesses in Puerto Rico.

Even though the management is new, 90% of Ruth's Chris original 80 employees were rehired. Domingo Rosa is the General Manager of the restaurant and Jason Gonzalez, who worked at Ruth's Chris in Boston, is the Acting Executive Chef.

The menu will remain the same with some minor modifications such as a 12 ounce Churrasco Skirt Steak (that has never been on a Ruth's Chris list of options) and Tempura Onion Rings were added.

Ruth's Chris Steak House will open daily from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. For reservations, please call (787) 253-1717.