20 Ruth’s Chris Steak House Interview Questions and Answers

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is a fine dining restaurant chain specializing in steak. The company was founded in 1965 by Ruth Fertel, and as of 2019, there are over 150 locations worldwide.

If you’re applying for a job at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, work history, and availability. In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of Ruth’s Chris Steak House interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Interview Process

The interview process at Ruth’s Chris Steak House is relatively quick and easy, with most applicants being able to complete the process within a week or two. However, some positions (such as bartenders and servers) may require a more extensive interview process.

For most positions, applicants will first need to submit a resume and then complete an initial phone screening. From there, selected candidates will be invited to come in for an in-person interview. This interview will typically be conducted by a manager, who will ask questions about your experience and qualifications.

In some cases, a second interview may be required. For server and bartender positions, applicants may need to take a skills assessment test. Overall, the interview process is fairly straightforward and should not be too difficult for most applicants.

1. How would you describe your customer service style?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would interact with customers at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Describe your customer service style in relation to the job description and highlight any relevant skills or experience that relate to this position.

Example: “I believe that providing excellent customer service is a matter of showing genuine interest in my guests’ experiences. I am always looking for ways to make their dining experience more enjoyable, whether it’s by recommending an appetizer they might enjoy or finding out if there are any dietary restrictions they have so I can ensure they get the best meal possible. I also think it’s important to be friendly but not overbearing, which is why I try to strike a balance between being attentive and giving them space.”

2. Describe a time when you had to deal with an upset or angry customer.

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and challenging situations. Use examples from your previous experience to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Example: “In my last role as a server at a high-end restaurant, I had an upset customer who was dissatisfied with their meal. The guest was very loud and rude in front of other customers, so I calmly asked them to step outside the dining room so we could talk privately. Once we were alone, I apologized for their poor service and offered to remake their meal or give them a discount on their bill. They agreed to have another meal made, which they enjoyed more than the first.”

3. Are you familiar with the menu items at Ruth’s Chris Steak House?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with the menu and how well you can describe each item. Use your answer to highlight any specific dishes or drinks that you’ve tried in the past, and explain why you enjoyed them.

Example: “I am familiar with the Ruth’s Chris Steak House menu, as I’ve been a fan of their food for quite some time. My favorite dish is the surf and turf, which includes filet mignon and lobster tail. The steak is always cooked perfectly, and the lobster is so tender it melts in my mouth. For an appetizer, I love the crab cakes. They’re served with a delicious remoulade sauce, and they are one of the best crab cakes I’ve ever had.”

4. What is your experience working as a server, hostess, busser, runner, bartender, etc.?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience in the hospitality industry. Use this opportunity to highlight any unique experiences you’ve had working in the restaurant business, such as training new servers or bartenders, managing large groups of customers and handling difficult situations with ease.

Example: “I have worked as a server at several restaurants throughout my career. I find that each position has its own challenges, but I enjoy learning how to work efficiently in different roles. For example, when I was working as a bartender, I learned how to make many different types of drinks so I could help out other bartenders who were busy.”

5. Why do you want to work at Ruth’s Chris Steak House?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of interest in working at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. They may also want to know if you have done any research on the company and its culture. When preparing for this interview, read through the job description and look at the company website. Consider what aspects of these things appeal to you and use them as talking points during your interview.

Example: “I am very interested in working at Ruth’s Chris Steak House because I love steak and seafood. I think it would be a lot of fun to work in an environment where we serve delicious food. I also really like that Ruth’s Chris Steak House is a family-owned business with locations all over the country. I feel like this could provide me with many opportunities for advancement.”

6. Do you have any knowledge of wine and other alcoholic beverages?

This question is often asked to determine your knowledge of wine and other alcoholic beverages. It’s important for servers at a steakhouse to know about the different types of wines, beers and liquors that are available on their menu. You can use this opportunity to show the interviewer you have some experience with alcohol by describing what you’ve learned in the past or how you plan to learn more if you don’t already know much.

Example: “I do not have any formal training when it comes to wine, but I am always eager to learn more. In my last position as a server, I noticed many customers ordered wine with their meals. So, I started asking questions about the different kinds of wine they were ordering so I could recommend similar ones to other customers.”

7. Are you comfortable handling money and operating a cash register?

This question is often asked to determine if you have previous experience working with cash and handling money. If you do, the interviewer will want to know how comfortable you are with it. If you don’t have any experience, they’ll want to know if you’re willing to learn.

Example: “I’ve worked as a server for five years now, so I’m very familiar with handling cash and operating a register. In fact, I was my restaurant’s top salesperson last month. I enjoy helping customers find what they’re looking for and making sure they leave happy.”

8. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to answer honestly. Employers ask this question because they want to know what you’re good at and where you can improve. When answering this question, think about your most recent performance review or self-evaluation. If you haven’t done either of these things recently, consider the skills that are most important for the job.

Example: “I’m very organized and detail-oriented, which makes me great at managing my time and prioritizing tasks. I also have excellent communication skills, so I’m able to work well with others and explain complex ideas clearly. My weakness is that sometimes I get overwhelmed by large projects. To overcome this, I break down big projects into smaller ones and set deadlines for myself.”

9. Have you had experience taking orders from customers over the phone? If so, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working in a busy environment and how you handled it. Use examples from your previous job to show that you’re capable of handling this task, even if you haven’t done so at Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

Example: “At my last restaurant job, I was responsible for taking orders over the phone. It was usually during peak hours when there were long lines at the front desk. I would take down the customer’s name, their order and any special requests they had. Then, I would repeat back the order to make sure I got everything right. Afterward, I would give them an estimated wait time and thank them for ordering with us.”

10. Tell me about a time where you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are willing to go the extra mile for customers. It also shows them how you can help their business succeed. When answering this question, think of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer. Explain what motivated you to do so and why it was important to you.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, we had a regular customer who came in every Friday night with his family. He always ordered the same thing, but one day he didn’t come in. We were worried about him because he never missed a week. My manager called his home, and his wife said he was sick. She asked if we could bring food to him.

I volunteered to take the food to him. I brought him his usual order and some soup. He was very happy to see me and thanked me for coming by. After that, he started coming back into the restaurant more often.”

11. Do you have experience serving more than one table at once?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience multitasking and balancing multiple responsibilities. Use your answer to highlight your ability to work efficiently under pressure, prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.

Example: “In my previous role as a server at an upscale restaurant, I often had to serve two tables at once. This helped me develop my multitasking skills and learn how to balance serving multiple customers while still providing excellent service. I also learned how to communicate with other servers when one of us was busy so we could ensure our guests received their food in a timely manner.”

12. Can you tell me about a time when you were working on a team project and there was conflict, how did you handle it?

Working in a restaurant can often require teamwork, so employers ask this question to make sure you’re able to work well with others. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you can be a team player and resolve conflict.

Example: “When I was working as a server at a small steakhouse, the hostess had scheduled me for two tables at once. This meant I would have to split my attention between both tables, which is something we were not supposed to do. I went over to the hostess and told her about the situation, and she moved one of the tables to another server. She also gave me an extra tip because she knew I handled the situation well.”

13. We’d like our servers to be able to work independently. Do you think you would be a good fit for that type of environment?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to get an idea of how you feel about working in a team-oriented environment. In your answer, it’s important to show that you understand the importance of teamwork and collaboration while also highlighting your ability to work independently when necessary.

Example: “I think I would be a good fit for this type of environment because I’m used to working on my own at times but also enjoy collaborating with others. For example, during my last shift, one of our servers was out sick so I had to cover their tables as well as my own. It was a little overwhelming at first, but I quickly got into a rhythm and was able to serve all of our customers without any issues.”

14. Which shift are you available to work?

This question is a way for the interviewer to learn more about your availability. They may also want to know if you have any scheduling preferences, such as working only on weekends or wanting to work during peak hours. When answering this question, be honest and clear about which shifts you are available to work. If you prefer one shift over another, it’s okay to say so.

Example: “I am available to work all three of Ruth’s Chris Steak House’s dinner shifts. I would prefer to work the evening shift because that’s when most people come in for their meals. However, I’m flexible and willing to work other shifts if needed.”

15. What skills can you bring to this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and how they can benefit their company. Before your interview, make a list of the skills you have that relate to this position. Consider including soft skills like communication and teamwork as well as hard skills like cooking or customer service.

Example: “I believe my most valuable skill is my ability to work with others. I am always looking for ways to help my coworkers and support them in any way I can. In my previous role, I noticed that one server was having trouble remembering orders. So, I offered to write down all of her tables so she could focus on delivering great service. This helped both our customers and the employee.”

16. Do you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions?

If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to mention them in your application. Ruth’s Chris Steak House is a steakhouse that serves seafood and other meat dishes, so if you are allergic to shellfish or certain meats, it may not be the best place for you.

Example: “I am allergic to shellfish, but I can eat most types of fish and chicken. I also prefer to avoid pork.”

17. When was the last time you had to deal with a difficult customer or situation?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and pressure. It’s important to show that you’re willing to take responsibility for your actions, apologize when necessary and learn from the experience.

Example: “I once had a customer who was upset because they didn’t receive their food quickly enough. I apologized and explained that we were very busy at the time. The customer seemed satisfied with my response, but I also offered them a free dessert on our house as an apology. They accepted and left happy.”

18. What do you know about Ruth’s Chris Steak House?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to see how much you know about their company. It’s important that you do your research before going into an interview, and this question can help you show the employer that you’re serious about getting the job. In your answer, try to include information that shows you’ve done your research on the company as well as what you think makes it unique.

Example: “I know Ruth’s Chris Steak House has been around since 1978. I also know that it was founded by Ruth Fertel, who started out with one restaurant in New Orleans. She eventually grew her business to over 100 locations across the country. The restaurants are known for their high-quality steaks and seafood.”

19. What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful server?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the qualities they look for in their servers. They may want to know that you are friendly, attentive and organized. You can answer this question by listing several qualities that you feel are important for a server.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities is being able to multitask. I am always working on multiple things at once while serving customers, so it’s important that I’m able to keep track of everything I need to do. Another quality I think is important is having excellent communication skills. As a server, I need to be able to clearly communicate with my coworkers and customers. It’s also important to me that I am friendly and welcoming.”

20. Are you prepared to work in a fast-paced environment?

Working in a restaurant can be hectic at times, especially when the restaurant is busy. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re prepared for that type of environment and know how to handle it. In your answer, explain what makes you a good fit for working in a fast-paced environment. Share an example of a time when you were able to work quickly while still maintaining quality results.

Example: “I am definitely prepared to work in a fast-paced environment. I have worked in restaurants before where we got very busy during dinner service. During those times, I had to multitask quite a bit. For instance, I would take orders from customers, prepare their food and then deliver it to them all within a short amount of time. I learned how to do all of these things simultaneously so that I could keep up with the high volume of customers.”