Before it became a nationwide steak empire with a tongue-twisting name known for impressing in-laws and celebrating big raises, there was Chris, a sizzling steak, and a small restaurant in New Orleans. That was until a savvy businesswoman named Ruth transformed it all.

Discover the beefy, buttery, slightly charred origin story of Ruth’s Chris Steak House—a name so perplexing, it might seem like someone lost a bet. But the true story is even more fascinating.