A woman in California has accused Ruth’s Chris Steak House of discrimination after she and her group were allegedly turned away from the restaurant because one member was wearing a tracksuit.
According to the woman, she claims she visited Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Walnut Creek with her group to celebrate her son’s 13th birthday. She said the evening was ruined after one member of her party, her sister, was wearing a tracksuit. She claimed that a manager told them this violated the restaurant’s dress policy and refused entry which led her to believe the decision amounted to discrimination.
In her caption, the woman accused Ruth’s Chris of not consistently enforcing its dress policy. She claimed that she had previously visited the restaurant in February wearing the same tracksuit without being denied entry. She also said she had worn casual clothing on several occasions at the restaurant without issue.
The woman alleged that upon entering the establishment, the manager looked them over and then asked whether her sister was part of their group. When they confirmed she was, the manager reportedly told them they could not be seated in the dining area because of the sister’s attire. The woman said she then asked what had changed since her visit in February, but claimed her question was not addressed.
After this, she said she noticed another guest in the dining area wearing a black hoodie, which she believed also violated the restaurant’s dress code. She felt that this inconsistency made the situation worse. When she pointed out to the manager that tracksuits were not specifically mentioned in the policy, she alleged that the manager responded that they “don’t have to be that detailed.”
The woman added that she tried to explain to another manager that her group frequently visits the restaurant and that the dress code had never been enforced against them before. She said the only alternative offered was seating in the bar area, which would have separated her party. She ultimately refused the offer and wrote, “Needless to say I’ll never spend another $1 with this establishment ever again!”
In addition to her caption, the woman shared a video of her encounter with the initial manager at the restaurant. In the clip, the manager can be seen holding up the restaurant’s policy document while covering her face behind it. The manager pointed out that the dress code policy is clearly displayed from the moment guests enter the restaurant.
When the woman argued that the word “tracksuit” was not explicitly included in the policy, the manager reportedly responded that it could be added. The manager also stated that she did not give permission to be recorded. The video then showed part of a conversation with a second manager. That part appeared to support the woman’s account described in her caption. She told the second manager that she would not return to the restaurant. She also mentioned that she planned to share a public video about the incident. Before the clip ended, she told the manager that the policy should specifically include the word “tracksuit.”
In another video, the woman made additional claims about the Walnut Creek location of Ruth’s Chris Steak House. She alleged that the location “picks and chooses” when to enforce its rules and suggested that it may be less willing to serve minority customers in larger groups, implying her experience was influenced by her identity as a Black woman. After sharing the videos, she did not receive widespread support online.
Viewers Criticizing California Woman Following Videos
The video sparked reactions online. Majority of viewers were against the California woman. Many sided with the restaurant and its enforcement of the dress code policy. One person wrote, “I have a feeling you were wrong.” Another commenter said, “I love this Ruths Chris location! Amazing restaurant. I can’t tell you how many wonderful experiences I’ve had here. Birthdays, holidays, etc..” In response, the woman again referenced race in her replies, writing, “That area & your color : of course. Walnut Creek was a sun down town. I love RC don’t get me wrong but this location is notorious for being selective on who they want to serve.”
More viewers criticized the woman’s account, with some questioning her version of events. One person wrote, “Did you happen to record the other person wearing the almost identical outfit as you ? If so can you please post it.” Another commenter showed support for the restaurant, writing, “Thank you Ruth Chris‼‼”
The incident involving Ruth’s Chris Steak House drew mixed reactions online. Many viewers ultimately criticized the woman’s account and supported the restaurant’s enforcement of its dress code policy.
