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Sunday, May 10, 2015

Fire At Ruth's Chris Steakhouse In Berlin

The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a commercial structure fire located at 11501 Maid at Arms Lane, Berlin, Maryland in Worcester County. 

At approximately 3 pm on May 4, 2015 the Berlin Volunteer Fire Company was alerted for a reported outside fire at the above mentioned address which is the location of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. Upon their arrival, they observed smoke extending from the front door of a two story commercial building. Upon further investigation, fire had extended into an exterior wall. The fire was quickly extinguished and contained to the vehicle of origin. No injuries were reported. The Berlin Volunteer Fire Company was assisted by the Ocean Pines, Ocean City, and Showell Volunteer Fire Companies when the incident was upgraded to a commercial structure fire. 

The fire originated in a mulched area on the exterior of the building and extended into an adjacent exterior wall. The Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse was closed for the remainder of the day and hopes to reopen on May 5, 2015. The cause of the fire is listed as accidental. Anyone with additional questions is asked to contact Chief Deputy Matthew Owens at 410-632-5666 or by email at mowens@wcfmo.org.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Does anybody know what the name "Ruth's Chris" means? It sure is an awkward and goofy sounding name for a restaurant or anything else, I've always wondered.

Anonymous said...

It is the lady who founded its name.

Anonymous said...

anon 11:53,you ever hear of google?

Anonymous said...

I would understand if it was "Ruth's" steakhouse, but what exactly does "RUTH'S CHRIS" mean? It doesn't make any sense! It's even hard to say.

Anonymous said...

who can afford to even go there?
no locals

Anonymous said...

Founded in New Orleans by Ruth Chris.

Anonymous said...

Actually it was Chris' Steak House. Ruth bought it and decided to keep the original name with a slight twist thus Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.

Anonymous said...

I believe it is a combination of one time owners names. Ruth Fertel and Chris Matilich?
Great place to eat. Wonderful food and service

Anonymous said...

Chris Steak House was opened in 1927 in New Orleans by Chris Matulich.
Ruth Fertel purchased the restaurant in 1965
In early 1976, a fire destroyed the building.
Ruth relocated the restaurant to its new location a few blocks away
The sales agreement with Matulich prevented Ruth from using the original name at any other address, so she named the new restaurant Ruth's Chris Steak House
In 1999, Fertel, then 72, diagnosed with lung cancer. sold a 79.3 percent interest of her chain of restaurant franchises to Madison Dearborn Partners of Chicago, remaining as a shareholder until her death in 2002

Mighty fine service and food but you need a fat wallet to partake of the fare;

Anonymous said...

Too high priced for normal folks, you get a better deal, and better taste at Texas Road House! The waitresses are better looking too!

Anonymous said...

worth every penny

Anonymous said...

Delicious and we love it.

Anonymous said...

Does Tom Ruark still own it?

Anonymous said...

Matt Owens is a joke! Slob had a fire going with a fiber glass boat and tar soaked pilings behind the fire house in powellville. He was ordered to put it out and did so. Only to light it again. I believe he was a fire marshal at the time. He is a liability. Knows his crap but does what he wants. If you work with him beware. CYA!

Anonymous said...

McDonalds is way cheaper and faster than Lone Star....welcome to Hicksbury!

Anonymous said...

He is just waiting for jeff to retire to get the top spot and he should be made to move in the county to get it. Drives that county vehicle all around Wicomico county wasting my parent's Worcester tax dollars

Anonymous said...

Change the fire marshal office like they did in Wicomico---save lots of money--let the State do the investigations, etc. and just to the inspections, etc. no need for guns, badges, and the like--merge it in the planning department as they have taken so many people away from that dept...Mr. Tudor can handle it--he has been the only one year after year to reduce his budget like asked and no complaining.

Anonymous said...

4:38 p.m.

Yes it is still owned by Tom Ruark.