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South Bend/Mishawaka’s Ruth’s Chris Steak House veteran general manager Tim Ruys to pass torch after 12 years
The location welcomes Kaitlyn Patterson as its new general manager
South Bend, IN (June 12, 2023) –– After nearly two decades of service with the Ruth’s Chris Steak House brand and 12 years of leading Prime Hospitality Group’s (PHG) Ruth’s Chris South Bend/Mishawaka location, General Manager Tim Ruys is retiring, and Kaitlyn Patterson will step into the role.
“Tim has been an incredible asset to the franchise, and we are so fortunate to have worked with him in the capacity that we have. He has made a positive impact for both our company and the community, and I am thrilled for his next chapter,” said PHG’s President Kristy Rans. “I know Kaitlyn will do an excellent job as our new General Manager and I am excited to see what she will accomplish as she continues to grow and develop our team.”
Ruys served as the General Manager and Operating Partner for PHG’s family-owned South Bend/Mishawaka Ruth’s Chris Steak House location since 2011 and has been a part of the Ruth’s Chris brand for over 18 years. Along with serving as General Manager and Operating Partner, he was the Regional Beverage Manager for PHG’s Ruth’s Chris Steak House locations. Ruys’ career with Ruth’s Chris Steak House developed through the years, as he began as a Manager and was promoted to General Manager and Team Leader, where he helped open five Ruth’s Chris Steak House locations throughout the United States and Canada. Before joining Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Ruys owned a group of restaurants throughout the Southeastern U.S. and worked for several national hospitality brands, including Metro Hotels, Holiday Corp, Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse and T.G.I. Friday’s.
“I have worked with Ruth’s Chris for as long as I have because it’s one of the best brands out there. The company’s core values, quality of the restaurants and leadership made me want to come to work every day,” said Ruys. “I was inspired seeing our Team Members win through serving our guests with great food, amazing hospitality and teamwork that you just never see anywhere else.”
Under his leadership, the South Bend location was recognized as “Store of the Year” by Ruth’s Chris Steak House in 2018. Ruys’ operational excellence and dedication to his local community was a key reason for this award. During his time as General Manager, he provided free etiquette classes for youths and hosted multi-course lunches at Ruth’s Chris Steak House for students at local schools. He also was responsible for hosting many fundraising benefits for local causes including, Men of Heart and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana.
Patterson will be taking on the role of General Manager for the South Bend location. She previously served as the restaurant’s Assistant General Manager before being promoted. Patterson officially joined the PHG and Ruth’s Chris Steak House in 2018 and worked her way up as a Banquet Captain, Opening Server Trainer, Front-of-House Manager and Assistant General Manager across three different PHG Ruth’s Chris Steak House locations.
“I am looking forward to continuing a great legacy and providing our community with extraordinary hospitality,” said Patterson. “I am also excited to lead, develop and support our team as they grow and continue to excel.”
About Prime Hospitality Group, LLC
Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Prime Hospitality Group (PHG) is the largest Ruth’s Chris Steak House franchisee with 12 locations in Indiana, Arkansas, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina and Iowa. PHG also owns and operates Bin 23 Bistro, a traditional European Bistro serving French-influenced favorites, and The Exchange, a craft cocktail and whiskey bar. The PHG brands are built on delivering best in market experiences by providing elevated hospitality to its guests. Visit primehg.com to learn more and follow @primehospitalitygroup on LinkedIn.
About Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris Steak House was founded in 1965 by Ruth Fertel in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ruth had a recipe for everything – from how to prepare her signature sizzling steaks to how to treat her guests. This timeless formula is a testament to how one neighborhood eatery has become the largest collection of upscale steak houses in the world, with more than 150 restaurant locations around the globe. Ruth’s Chris remains true to its heritage, helping guests make their best memories on 500-degree sizzling plates.
