DLA+ was hired to design the renovation and expansion to the original family-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House at 6 PPG Place. The restaurant expanded into a vacant tenant space which allowed for a one third space increase of the dining area, bringing seating to 284. Additionally, it resulted in a larger bar area with 30 barstools and 20 booth seats.
The second-generation family ownership challenged DLA+ to design the first major renovation since its opening 30 years ago. The project took the original 5,900 SF restaurant to 8,600 SF. The main goals of the project were to expand the restaurant’s three different seating areas, add access for exterior dining space, and update the existing décor to a more contemporary look. It was also important to improve staff traffic from the kitchen to dining areas to improve service.
The completed restaurant accomplishes the goals of expansion, including expanding and updating the kitchen to accommodate the increased seating capacity. Two distinct sized banquet rooms, one with seating for 24 and the other with seating for 32, are separated by a retracting operable acoustic wall. Both are equipped with technology to ensure multipurpose use. The expanded dining area features a new operable window wall that opens it to an exterior plaza dining space with seating for 32, providing views to PPG Plaza fountain. The new bar area becomes the focal point as you enter the restaurant with a lighted wine wall that sets the backdrop to the booth seating. The renovated restaurant has received rave reviews since the new space’s opening just in time for the holiday season.