Tonight's Special
Photo by Shae Combs
In the City of Cincinnati, the Ruby name is synonymous with exceptional steak and service.
“I knew from an early age that this was what I wanted to do, says Dillon Ruby, the executive vice president of Jeff Ruby Entertainment and the president of the Jeff Ruby Foundation. “Every time I was in the restaurants, I just had so much fun, so much joy. It sounds cliché, but you find something you love to do and you’ll never work a day in your life. I truly feel I haven’t worked a day in my life.”
If you think being the boss’s son had anything to do with his title, you’d be wrong. Ruby has worked at almost every position within the restaurant – from washing dishes to server assistant, and valet to server, before working in management.
“It was something I worked really hard for. My father told me ‘You’ll never get into management until after college’,” says Ruby. “So I learned every position, started from the ground up.”
That process was important to Ruby, as well as continuing to live by the values of Jeff Ruby Entertainment.
“We live by our values,” which Ruby explains are be exceptional, true to self, hustle, servant’s heart and change the game.
“Those are family values that my dad instilled from his childhood,” he says. “So, we try to live those out every day.”
The restaurant group also continues to work toward diversity and inclusion.
“It’s one thing to have diversity but what are you doing to keep those folks? So, creating that inclusive environment which goes back to our core values has been great for us,” he says.
Everyone has their favorite spot to bring friends and family to celebrate special moments. One of the most popular local spots is The Precinct, the longest running fine dining restaurant.
“It’s an honor – 41 years has been a great ride. My job now is not to screw it up!” says Ruby.
While The Precinct is a constant, Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse downtown is relocating this Fall to The Foundry at Fountain Square. Plans for the new space include a grand patio, live entertainment, art deco décor, crystal chandeliers and a legacy room that pays homage to Cincinnati legends.
“My dad is calling it his legacy restaurant,” says Ruby. “Our city doesn’t have (the blueprint) of what we’ve done in cities like Lexingtonand Nashville, so, we’re excited to bring that here. It’s a really exciting feeling to bring it home. ”
– Kathrine Nero