Ruth Fertel
1927–2002 (age 75)
Restaurateur
Biography
Ruth Fertel founded a beloved restaurant empire by infusing the dining table with warmth, precision, and a belief that exceptional fare should be paired with gracious hospitality. She built Ruth's Chris Steak House into a national institution while championing excellence in the culinary arts.
Her success opened doors for many aspiring chefs, and her philanthropic support of culinary education communities ensured that her generosity would continue to ripple through kitchens and hearts alike.