\Ruth’s Chris Steak House won’t close during renovations of its Downtown Southbank restaurant and expects to complete the work in the second quarter, which ends in June.
The Winter Park-based company said in a statement it will renovate the restaurant “to better suit the needs and style of the Jacksonville area.”
“Our restaurant will remain open during the renovation and will not interfere” with operations, it said.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House operates in the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront at 1201 Riverplace Blvd. The restaurant opened in the fall of 1997 when the property was the Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront.
The city issued a permit last week for CBH General Contracting LLC to remodel the restaurant at a cost of $662,700.
Ruth’s Chris plans to renovate the bar, lobby and dining areas. The work includes new floor finishes; wall covering and finishes; paint; curtains; lighting fixtures; tables, chairs and stools in selected areas; and minor millwork and floor tile revisions. No kitchen or exterior work is included.
Of the 8,614-square-foot restaurant, 5,698 square feet will be altered, according to the permit. Plans show 263 seats, comprising 172 in the main dining room, 34 in the lounge, nine at the bar, and 24 each in two private dining rooms.
The restaurant is owned by Ruth’s Hospitality Group Inc. of Winter Park.