Ruth's Chris Steak House, Hiton: No fear on menu for competitors, restaurant, hotel owners say

Bring on your $35 filets and $7 mashed potatoes, Ruth's Chris Steak House.

Columbia's high-end restaurants can take the competition, their owners say.

"They're a steak house. We're not," said Leigh Talmadge, co-owner of the Hampton Street Vineyard. "I don't see why everybody should make a big fuss about it."

When Ruth's Chris throws open its doors Aug. 20, it will be the first name-brand, white-tablecloth restaurant in town.

Ruth's Chris will be inside the new Hilton Hotel, another national brand known for its quality. However, Columbia's hoteliers, like their restaurant brethren, say they don't fear the arrival of another chain.

"We're not sweating bullets or anything," said Elaine Taylor, front office manager at The Whitney on Woodrow Street.

With steaks costing as much as $79.97 for the Porterhouse for Two, Ruth's Chris will draw visitors with corporate credit cards in their wallets and locals looking to splurge for a special occasion.

But will it steal customers from established, locally owned fine dining places such as Hampton Street Vineyard, Motor Supply Co. Bistro or Dianne's on Devine?

Their owners and chefs don't think so.

"Ruth's Chris doesn't bother me at all," said Tim Peters, chef at Motor Supply in the Vista. "I prefer them to do well. If restaurants around us are doing well, then everyone is doing well."

Dianne Light, owner of Dianne's on Devine, said she wants to be gracious toward the newcomers.

"People will try it and then they'll come back" to Dianne's, Light predicted. "I'd like to think there's room for everybody."

She admitted to being a little bit nervous but said it was her personality as a business owner.

"You can ask all of my employees," she said. "If a McDonald's opens up down the street, I get nervous. This is my livelihood."

Talmadge is curious to see how Columbia diners will react when they see Ruth's Chris prices. The steaks are not only expensive, but salads and side dishes are served a la carte.

"It'll be interesting to see if people in Columbia are ready to spend $5 to $6 on side dishes," he said.

Hampton Street, Dianne's and other local upper-crust restaurants have expensive steaks, but their sides are included in the price.

Dianne's, for example, sells a filet for $32.95, but the entree comes with salad, bread and a side dish.

Nancy Oswald, one of four franchise owners of the new Ruth's Chris, predicts Columbia will embrace the restaurant's menu and prices.

"This is not a steak you can go get in a grocery store," Oswald said. "It's a superior product."

Columbia's locally owned restaurants said they will be able to compete with Ruth's Chris because they have different niches.

Ruth's Chris is known for its steaks. The others stake their reputations on more varied menus, including seasonal dishes.

The Hampton Street Vineyards of the world can change their menus with ease, thanks to local owners and chefs. A corporate chain's lineup will be the same for years whether someone eats at the restaurant in Chicago, Nashville or Columbia.

There's room for both styles in Columbia, said Michael Brizek, associate professor at USC's School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management.

"There's people who don't want a steak and want a little more selection of a full menu," Brizek said.

At the same time, Ruth's Chris will draw out-of-town visitors who recognize the name.

"They feel comfortable because they know what they're getting with that brand," Brizek said.

If anything, Ruth's Chris will boost Columbia's image as a place to find good food, he said.

As for the hotels, other large establishments such as the Marriott, Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, and The Whitney have completed renovations although none say it was in anticipation of the Hilton's arrival.

"It's pretty exciting for the city of Columbia," said Peter Austin, general manger of the Marriott Columbia Hotel on Main Street.

Taylor, at The Whitney, said her hotel is designed for long-term customers who stay a week or more at a time. All 74 rooms are suites.

The Whitney's presidential suites are about $189 a night. During the legislative session, as many as four politicians can share one for a week, she said.

A night at the Hilton can cost $169 or more for a standard room and $199 for a junior suite, according to the hotel's online reservation system.

Still, the Whitney's Taylor wonders if the Hilton name will tempt USC football fans or corporate clients.

"We'd be lying if we said we weren't concerned because we do a little corporate business," Taylor said.

Reach Phillips at (803) 771- 8307. Reporter Allison Askins contributed to this report.