Asheville, NC — Ruth’s Chris Steak House has announced plans for an Asheville location, opening December 2011 in Biltmore Village. The official groundbreaking took place on February 3rd, marking a two-year effort to bring the internationally renowned brand to the Western North Carolina market.

Asheville Prime LLC, the ownership group, consists of local developer and entrepreneur John Bell III, CEO of Biltmore Property Group LLC, and Ruth’s Chris franchisee Paula Conway. Paula and her husband Jeff, former CFO of Ruth’s Chris Steak House Inc., formed Charlotte Prime LLC in 2005 when offered the rare opportunity to become franchise owners. Since then, they have opened three restaurants, two in Charlotte, NC and one in historic Savannah, GA.

The restaurant, which will be located at 26 All Souls Crescent, has building plans that are harmonious with the architecture to the surrounding Biltmore Village area. Bell , known as a pioneer in the revitalization of Biltmore Village, recognizes this importance. “Biltmore Village is a special place, one where we plan to keep the integrity of the historical architectural surroundings very much alive and intact,” says Bell. Local contracting company, Beverly- Grant Inc., will manage the construction process.

With seating for over 200, there are plans to employ approximately 70 people as well as philanthropically give back to the Asheville community. “Jeff and I are committed to Asheville and have plans to be actively involved.”, says franchisee Paula Conway. “We strongly recognize the importance of local partnerships. That’s why we are excited to have John Bell as our developer and partner. We have entered into a long-term, 30-year lease arrangement, one that we are eager to get underway.”

About Ruth’s Chris Steak House Ruth’s Chris Steak House is a part of Ruth’s Hospitality Group Inc. Founded in New Orleans by Ruth Fertel in 1965, Ruth’s Chris specializes in USDA Prime grade steaks served in Ruth’s Chris signature fashion … “sizzling.” To experience fine dining at its prime …just follow the sizzle to Ruth’s Chris Steak House. For additional information, please visit www.RuthsChris.com.

About Biltmore Property Group, LLC Biltmore Property Group was formed in 2009 to direct, manage and expand the real estate development efforts of The Columbus Group Inc. and its affiliates (CGI). CGI, Biltmore Property Group’s parent company, was formed in 1996 to leverage the unique heritage, expertise and holdings of the Bell Family as well as Directors and Principals, John August Batt and John Fenner French.

About Charlotte Prime, LLC Charlotte Prime was formed by Paula and Jeff Conway when they received the opportunity to become franchise owners. With assistance from partners David Halpern and Gary Solomon, Charlotte Prime opened their initial Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Charlotte’s SouthPark area in 2005. The group now owns and operates three Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses; two in Charlotte, with the second opening having occurred in Uptown in March 2007, and the third, which opened in Savannah, GA in November 2008.