Partners Open Ruth?s Chris Location

Governor Mike Beebe doesn’t comment every time a new restaurant opens, but Ruth’s Chris Steak House is no ordinary restaurant.

Landing one of the upscale steakhouses is a sign a metro area has “arrived,” and the Ruth’s Chris opening on Nov. 12 has been one of the most anticipated of all the recent amenities that have come to Rogers.

“To have a Ruth’s Chris gives our city instant credibility when talking to America’s leading companies looking to expand in this region,” said Rogers mayor Steve Womack. “I know Ruth’s Chris will be an instant success in Rogers.”

Arkansas Chops LLC, the holding company for the eatery, is made up of partners Barry Pelts, Andy Woodman, David Cohn and Billy Orgel.

Pelts, from Memphis along with brother-in-law Woodman, said Northwest Arkansas is a “hidden jewel” that made it an easy choice for their first Ruth’s Chris.

The restaurant seats 200 and has two private dining rooms, a private wine cellar dining room, a patio and a luxury bar and lounge.

Beebe welcomed Ruth’s Chris and said he looks “forward to visiting soon.”

Ruth’s Chris requires owners to buy at least three franchises and Beebe will have to visit Rogers for now until the next Ruth’s Chris in Arkansas opens in Little Rock. The third will open in Tulsa.

The company Web site says owners must have net liquid assets of at least $1 million, pay $150,000 per restaurant and 7 percent of monthly gross sales for advertising and royalty fees.