Olive Garden proprietor bans hats at sister chain Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Think twice earlier than topping off your outfit with a baseball cap on the steakhouse.

The company proprietor behind the famed Ruth’s Chris Steak House is cracking down on diners, rolling out a strict gown code that bans hats on the desk and requires diners to indicate up in “proper attire.”

Parent firm Darden Restaurants, which operates 162 eating places throughout the globe, warned its company that the vibe is strictly “business casual.”

The upscale steakhouse says anybody carrying a hat could also be requested to take away it or relocate to the bar or lounge as an alternative of the primary eating room.

And hats aren’t the one vogue fake pas.

Ruth’s Chris additionally blacklists an extended checklist of wardrobe selections, together with “gym wear, pool attire, tank tops, clothes with offensive graphics or language, revealing outfits, and exposed undergarments.”

Curiously, one other steakhouse in the identical company household, The Capital Grille — typically thought-about even fancier — doesn’t outright ban hats.

But don’t count on a free-for-all there both.

The Capital Grille nonetheless bars “athletic shorts, uncovered sports bras, bra-style tops, excessively revealing outfits, exposed underwear, and clothing with offensive language or imagery.” It additionally warns company that the restaurant maintains an “elegant atmosphere” and requires males’s shirts to have sleeves.

The dress-code drama comes as Darden — a restaurant powerhouse working greater than 2,100 eateries and using roughly 200,000 employees — retains increasing its sprawling empire.

The firm additionally owns chains like LongHorn Steakhouse, Seasons 52 and Eddie V’s Prime Seafood.

Meanwhile, its largest model, Olive Garden, which boasts over 900 places nationwide, is making an attempt a distinct tactic to lure diners: smaller, cheaper plates.

The Italian chain lately rolled out a “Lighter Portions” menu throughout the US, providing scaled-down servings of fan favorites like Chicken Parmigiana, Eggplant Parmigiana, Cheese Ravioli, Fettuccine Alfredo, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, Spaghetti and Meatballs, and Lasagna Classico.

The new dishes, priced between $12.99 and $13.99 relying on location, are roughly half the price of full-size entrees that may run diners as excessive as $25.

CEO Rick Cardenas stated prospects who tried the smaller plates reported considerably increased perceptions of affordability — and had been extra prone to return.

“Olive Garden has seen a double-digit increase in affordability perceptions from guests who order from the lighter portions menu,” Cardenas stated, noting that these diners are additionally coming again extra typically.

Still, one factor’s clear: for those who’re heading to Ruth’s Chris for a ribeye, go away the ball cap at residence.