An adored steakhouse is set to leave its longtime home and relocate to a major retail destination, in a move being framed as an expansion even as much of the restaurant industry faces ongoing pressure. Ruth's Chris Steak House has signed a 10,150-square-foot lease at Maryland's Annapolis Town Center, the development's owner, Federal Realty Investment Trust, announced Thursday. The move will see the restaurant shift from its current waterfront-adjacent Eastport site to the busy mixed-use retail hub. Franchisee Steve de Castro said he expects the new restaurant to open in late fall of 2026. He will also close his current location at 301 Severn Ave. in late 2026, according to a Federal Realty spokesperson.

In a statement, de Castro called the move an expansion and said the location made sense for his customer base. 'Annapolis Town Center presented the ideal opportunity to open our restaurant to an easily accessible area where we know our diners are already spending time,' he said. 'We're looking forward to welcoming new and current guests into our expanded dining and entertaining space late fall 2026.' De Castro's current Severn Avenue restaurant sits just one block off the Severn River in Eastport, an area known for its waterfront dining and historic charm. The steakhouse's great success comes as many other restaurants in the same industry struggle to draw in customers.

Americans are losing their appetite for expensive cuts of beef, leaving many steakhouses scrambling for customers . Sales have slumped and closures have mounted across the sector. Steakhouse chains like Texas Roadhouse , Outback Steakhouse , and other casual dining spots like Cracker Barrel and Olive Garden are all seeing profits drop. Meanwhile, the success of Ruth's Chris House is seemingly only climbing. A spokesperson for Bethesda-based Federal Realty said the Annapolis Town Center location will have 60 staff, and all employees from the Eastport location will be able to transfer. The new restaurant will be located on the second floor of the development, overlooking its central green space.

Diners will enter via the first floor, where both stairs and an elevator will provide access. The upscale steak franchise is one of several new tenants Federal Realty has attracted to the 500,000-square-foot retail portion of the mixed-use project since purchasing it from PGIM Real Estate last year for $187 million. Other incoming businesses include furniture retailer Lovesac, home goods chain West Elm, and the Greater Annapolis Ballet studio, according to the Annapolis Town Center website. 'The addition of Ruth's Chris Steak House is a perfect complement to the sophisticated and upscale experience that Annapolis Town Center offers,' Kari Glinski, vice president of asset management at Federal Realty, said in a statement.

'Residents and visitors to the shopping center value a premium experience and this addition helps to further bring that experience to life.' The development already features a range of dining options including P.F. Chang's, Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Tatte Cafe & Bakery, and others. Ruth's Chris Steak House was founded in 1965 in New Orleans and now operates roughly 150 locations worldwide. Though a franchise, it sits at the higher end of the dining market, with some filet steaks priced above $60 and a chilled seafood tower costing more than $100. The brand currently operates five other Maryland locations outside Annapolis, including sites in Baltimore's Pier 5 Hotel, Berlin, Gaithersburg, Odenton, and Pikesville.