This week, a family looking to celebrate a birthday at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in the Bay Area was denied entry, claiming they faced discrimination regarding the dress code.
A TikTok creator, with a following of 1.3 million, expressed frustration that the popular restaurant tends to “discriminate and choose when and on whom to enforce its ‘policy'” after her 13-year-old son and several others were turned away due to alleged dress code infractions.
The creator pointed out that dress code rules seemed to be applied inconsistently, mentioning that her sister was not allowed to wear a tracksuit even though she had worn it before without a problem.
In a video titled “Ruth Chris Walnut Creek Ruined My Sons’ 13th Birthday Dinner,” the creator converses with an employee at the restaurant, questioning why tracksuits are not included in the dress code guidelines. Signs indicate that items like baseball caps, gym wear, tank tops, and clothing that is revealing or contains offensive language are prohibited.
The employee responded that there was no specific mention of tracksuits in the dress code. Ruth’s Chris in Walnut Creek confirmed they maintain a business casual dress code that prohibits items like sweatpants and athletic wear.
The creator declined an alternative offer to move to the bar area, stating that separating from her family was not an acceptable option. She criticized the restaurant’s environment and planned to share her experience online.
Commenters on the video seemed to have mixed opinions, with some agreeing with the creator while others supported the restaurant’s policies, labeling tracksuits as athletic wear and stating the family was wrong in their complaint.
Recently, Ruth’s Chris has begun to enforce stricter dress codes, with parent company Darden Restaurants emphasizing the necessity of “appropriate attire” for their establishments.
The chain, famous for its commitment to quality steaks and customer service, has garnered attention for its dress code regulations, leaving patrons divided on the expectations.
The California Post has reached out to Ruth’s Chris and the TikTok creator for further comments.
