Kevin Gaudreau has been named general manager of Ruth’s Chris Steak House. In his most recent post, as executive chef, he developed and managed the entire culinary team and played a critical role in a major milestone: the opening of the 100th Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Gaudreau recently was recognized as an offsite externship mentor for America’s premier culinary institution, The Culinary Institute of America.
PBN: What are you most looking forward to in your new position at Ruth’s Chris?
GAUDREAU: I am looking forward to promoting the Ruth’s brand in this thriving restaurant market and utilizing my previous experience as a chef-owner and operator to transition from the kitchen into my new role as general manager. It is great to be out in the dining room and see the happy faces of those tasting the great food my culinary team has created.
Rhode Island's Market Has Changed. Developers, Builders, Investors and Sellers Must Change With It.
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PBN: There are a number of steak houses in Downtown Providence – what will make Ruth’s Chris stand out from the rest?
GAUDREAU: We all have our own twist on a great piece of steak. Ruth’s Chris uses prime beef, which is the top 20 percent of steak sold to the United States. We broil it in 1800 degree broilers, and then top it off with a pat of butter to create that signature sizzle that you won’t find anywhere else. We like to say it’s the steak that speaks for itself.
PBN: Prior to joining Ruth’s Chris you worked at Trattoria Simpatico in Jamestown. What about your work there received national attention?
GAUDREAU: Aside from mentoring many future chefs, including Joe Haffner at Graci’e, the spinach salad at Simpatico is still spoken about as a treasure, and will soon be featured in a national culinary magazine. I also represented Rhode Island in the Great America Seafood Cookoff in New Orleans in 2007, and I hope to attend again this year.
PBN: What charities will you be involved in during 2008?
GAUDREAU: Ruth’s Chris supports many local and national charities. Aside from the two mentioned, we will also be supporting Zoobilee, participating in the Jimmy Fund Golf Outing in Massachusetts, and we will also be doing some fund raising for Multiple Sclerosis research, the American Cancer Society and breast cancer awareness. •
