Ruths Hospitality (RUTH) 10-Q 2005 Q3 Quarterly report

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 25, 2005

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from            to            

Commission File Number 000-51485

Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	72-1060618
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.
500 International Parkway, Heathrow, FL	32746
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip code)

(407) 333-7440

Registrants telephone number, including area code

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of November 14, 2005, was 23,015,788.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page
Part I -Financial Information
Item 1.Financial Statements:
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 26, 2004 and September 25, 2005	1
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements for the Thirteen and Thirty-nine Week Periods ended September 26, 2004 and September 25, 2005	2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity (Deficit) as of December 26, 2004 and September 25, 2005	3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thirty-nine Week Periods ended September 26, 2004 and September 25, 2005	4
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	5
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	9
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	15
Item 4.Controls and Procedures	17
Part II -Other Information
Item 1.Legal Proceedings	18
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	18
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities	18
Item 4.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders	18
Item 5.Other Information	18
Item 6.Exhibits	18
Signatures	19

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE “SAFE HARBOR” PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the materials incorporated by reference contain “forward-looking statements” that reflect, when made, the Company’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements frequently are identified by the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” or other similar words and phrases. Similarly, statements herein that describe our objectives, plans or goals also are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected, implied or anticipated by the Company’s forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the impact of adverse weather conditions, including the impact of Hurricane Katrina, on the Company’s operations; changes in economic conditions and trends generally; changes in consumer preferences or discretionary spending; the effect of competition in the restaurant industry; the Company’s ability to achieve market acceptance, particularly in new

ii

markets; the Company’s ability to achieve and manage its planned expansion; the Company’s ability to execute its business strategy effectively; health concerns about beef or other food products; reductions in the availability of, or increases in the cost of, USDA Prime grade beef and other food items; labor shortages or increases in labor costs; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations relating to Company employees, the sale or preparation of food, the sale of alcoholic beverages and the opening of new restaurants; harmful actions taken by the Company’s franchisees; the Company’s ability to protect its name and logo and other proprietary information; the impact of litigation; and the loss of key management personnel. For a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-124285) filed by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as such Registration Statement became effective on August 8, 2005, as well as the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), all of which are available on the SECs website at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

Unless the context otherwise indicates, all references in this report to the “Company,” “Ruth’s Chris,” “we,” “us” or “our” or similar words are to Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Inc., and its direct wholly owned subsidiaries. Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Inc. is a Delaware corporation, and was founded in 1965.

In August 2005, we completed a 20.75281-for-1 split of our common stock. All prior share and per share amounts included in this report give retroactive effect to the stock split.

Stockholders and other security holders or buyers of our securities or our other creditors should not assume that material events subsequent to the date of this report have not occurred.

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PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

	December 26, 2004			September 25, 2005
				(unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,906		12,616
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts 2004 - $275; 2005 - $328 (unaudited)		5,030		11,786
Inventory		3,665		3,400
Prepaid expenses and other		2,179		2,308
Deferred income taxes		771		817
Total current assets		15,551		30,927
Property and equipment, net		52,739		58,131
Goodwill		30,533		30,533
Deferred income taxes		9,278		8,563
Assets held for sale		2,100		—
Other assets		3,281		2,168
Total assets	$	113,482		130,322
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	—		—
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		18,577		31,096
Deferred revenue		14,692		11,901
Other current liabilities		452		534
Total current liabilities		33,721		43,531
Long-term debt		80,931		38,500
Mandatorily redeemable senior preferred stock (liquidation preference of $39,986 at December 26, 2004 and $0 at September 25, 2005 (unaudited))		39,857		—
Deferred rent		9,767		11,490
Other liabilities		719		266
Total liabilities		164,995		93,787
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)
Shareholders’ equity (deficit):
Junior preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; 92,000 shares authorized, 72,537 shares issued and outstanding at December 26, 2004 and no shares authorized, issued and outstanding at September 25, 2005 (unaudited)		72,537		—
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 11,543,889 shares issued and outstanding at December 26, 2004, 23,015,788 shares issued and outstanding at September 25, 2005 (unaudited)		115		230
Additional paid-in capital		5,548		163,169
Accumulated deficit		(129,713	)	(126,864	)
Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)		(51,513	)	36,535
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity (deficit)	$	113,482		130,322

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

1

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Income Statements - Unaudited

(dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

	13 Weeks Ending					39 Weeks Ending
	September 26, 2004			September 25, 2005		September 26, 2004			September 25, 2005
Revenues:
Restaurant sales	$	40,058		43,862		$	132,449		147,639
Franchise income		2,080		2,509			6,851		7,790
Other operating income		76		104			293		366
Total revenues		42,214		46,475			139,593		155,795
Costs and expenses:
Food and beverage costs		13,313		13,678			45,682		45,838
Restaurant operating expenses		19,427		21,677			60,708		68,039
Marketing and advertising		1,607		586			5,153		5,254
General and administrative costs		2,813		3,726			7,945		10,448
Depreciation and amortization expenses		1,571		1,612			4,830		4,829
Hurricane and relocation costs		—		1,191			—		1,191
Pre-opening costs		192		665			223		905
Operating income		3,291		3,340			15,052		19,291
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net		(2,168	)	(1,437	)		(7,978	)	(7,205	)
Accrued dividends and accretion on mandatorily redeemable senior preferred stock		(1,194	)	(305	)		(3,582	)	(1,891	)
Other		46		59			185		139
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense		(25	)	1,657			3,677		10,334
Income tax expense (benefit)		(3	)	741			381		3,307
Income (loss) from continuing operations		(22	)	916			3,296		7,027
Discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit		3,282		(313	)		3,685		426
Net income (loss)	$	(3,304	)	1,229		$	(389	)	6,601
Less dividends earned on junior preferred stock and warrant expense		1,317		861			3,951		3,706
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	(4,621	)	368		$	(4,340	)	2,895
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations	$	(0.11	)	—		$	(0.06	)	0.20
Discontinued operations		(0.28	)	0.02			(0.31	)	(0.03	)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.39	)	0.02		$	(0.37	)	0.17
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations	$	(0.11	)	—		$	(0.06	)	0.20
Discontinued operations		(0.28	)	0.02			(0.31	)	(0.03	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.39	)	0.02		$	(0.37	)	0.17
Shares used in computing net income (loss) per common share:
Basic		11,746,868		22,730,834			11,746,868		16,268,775
Diluted		11,746,868		23,338,454			11,746,868		16,876,395

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)

(dollar and share amounts in thousands)

	Junior Preferred Stock					Common Stock			Additional paid-in capital			Accumulated Deficit			Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)
	Shares		Value			Shares	Value
Balance at December 28, 2003	67		$	67,164		10,376	$	104	$	5,556		$	(126,782	)	$	(53,958	)
Net income	—			—		—		—		—			2,442			2,442
Dividends	—			—		—		—		—			(5,373	)		(5,373	)
Issuance of junior preferred shares	5			5,373		—		—		—			—			5,373
Issuance of restricted common stock	—			—		1,168		11		(8	)		—			3
Balance at December 26, 2004	72			72,537		11,544		115		5,548			(129,713	)		(51,513	)
(unaudited)
Net income	—			—		—		—		—			6,601			6,601
Dividends	—			—		—		—		—			(3,706	)		(3,706	)
Issuance of junior preferred shares	4			3,706		—		—		—			—			3,706
Redemption of junior preferred shares	(76	)		(76,243	)	—		—		—			—			(76,243	)
Warrant expense	—			—		—		—		46			(46	)		—
Exercise of warrants	—			—		1,494		15		(6	)		—			9
Exercise of stock options	—			—		603		6		285			—			291
Income tax benefits credited to equity	—			—		—		—		2,960			—			2,960
Issuance of common stock, net	—			—		9,375		94		154,243			—			154,337
Compensation expense	—			—		—		—		93			—			93
Balance at September 25, 2005	—		$	—		23,016	$	230	$	163,169		$	(126,864	)	$	36,535

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Unaudited

(dollar amounts in thousands)

	39 Weeks Ending
	September 26, 2004			September 25, 2005
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(389	)	6,601
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		4,830		4,829
Deferred income taxes		(245	)	675
Non-cash interest expense		1,318		2,138
Non-cash compensation expense		—		93
Loss on sale or disposition of assets		8		79
Loss on impairment		5,297		—
Accrued dividends and accretion on mandatorily redeemable senior preferred stock		3,582		1,891
Income tax benefits credited to equity		—		2,960
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables		211		(5,424	)
Inventory		59		265
Prepaid expenses and other		(180	)	(131	)
Other assets		(46	)	(165	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		246		12,850
Deferred revenue		(2,161	)	(2,791	)
Deferred rent		(216	)	2,388
Other liabilities		(3,090	)	(938	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		9,224		25,320
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment		(2,360	)	(11,842	)
Proceeds on sale or disposition of fixed assets		—		2,102
Increase in notes receivable		—		(226	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(2,360	)	(9,966	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal repayments on long-term debt		(74,683	)	(159,500	)
Proceeds from long-term financing		66,200		117,000
Redemption of senior preferred stock		—		(41,747	)
Redemption of junior preferred stock		—		(76,243	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants		—		300
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock		—		154,337
Deferred financing costs		(2,041	)	(791	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(10,524	)	(6,644	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(3,660	)	8,710
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		5,130		3,906
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	1,470		12,616
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	$	6,512		5,698
Income taxes	$	1,062		2,009

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(1) Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Inc. and its subsidiaries (together, the “Company”) as of September 25, 2005 and December 26, 2004 and for the quarters and nine months ended September 25, 2005 and September 26, 2004 have been prepared by the Company, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reporting of revenue and expenses during the period to prepare these condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amount of property and equipment, goodwill, and obligations related to workers’ compensation, general liability and property insurance. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the operating results for the respective periods. The interim results of operations for the fiscal quarters ended September 25, 2005 and September 26, 2004, respectively, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally presented in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-124285) filed by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as such registration became effective on August 8, 2005, and all of the Company’s other filings with the SEC from August 8, 2005 through the current date pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

The Company operates on a 52 or 53 week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in December. The fiscal quarters ended September 25, 2005 and September 26, 2004 each contained 13 weeks and are referred to herein as the third quarter of fiscal 2005 and the third quarter of fiscal 2004, respectively. When combined, the first, second and third quarters of each fiscal year are referred to as the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2005 and the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2004, respectively.

(2) Stock-Based Employee Compensation

The Company applies the intrinsic-value-based method of accounting prescribed by the Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, (“APB No. 25”) and related interpretations including Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 44, Accounting for Certain Transactions involving Stock Compensation, an interpretation of APB Opinion No. 25, to account for its fixed-plan stock options. Under this method, compensation expense is recorded on the date of grant only if the current market price of the underlying stock exceeded the exercise price. SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, (“SFAS No. 123”) and SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure, established accounting and disclosure requirements using a fair-value-based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation plans. As allowed by existing accounting standards, the Company has elected to continue to apply the intrinsic-value-based method of accounting described above, and has adopted only the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123, as amended. The following table illustrates the effect on net income adjusted for pro forma provision for income taxes if the fair-value-based method had been applied to all outstanding and unvested awards in each period.

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RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

	13 Weeks Ending					39 Weeks Ending
	September 26, 2004			September 25, 2005		September 26, 2004			September 25, 2005
	(unaudited)					(unaudited)
Net income (loss), as reported	$	(3,304	)	1,229		$	(389	)	6,601
Stock-based employee compensation expense		(3	)	(19	)		(9	)	(20	)
Pro-forma net income (loss)	$	(3,307	)	1,210		$	(398	)	6,581

(3) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December of 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” which replaces the requirements under SFAS No. 123 and APB No. 25. The statement sets accounting requirements for “share-based” compensation to employees, including employee stock purchase plans, and requires all share-based payments, including employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair value. It carries forward prior guidance on accounting for awards to non-employees. The accounting for employee stock ownership plan transactions will continue to be accounted for in accordance with Statement of Position (SOP) 93-6, while awards to most non-employee directors will be accounted for as employee awards. This Statement is effective for public companies that do not file as small business issuers as of the beginning of their first annual period beginning after June 15, 2005 (effective December 26, 2005 for the Company). The Company has not yet determined the effect the new Statement will have on the consolidated financial statements as it has not completed its analysis; however, the Company expects the adoption of this Statement to result in a reduction of net income that may be material.

In May, 2005, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 154 “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections: a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3.” Statement 154 requires retrospective application for voluntary changes in accounting principle unless it is impracticable to do so. The requirements are effective for accounting changes made in fiscal years beginning after December 12, 2005. The Company has assessed the impact of Statement 154, and does not expect it to have an impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

(4) Notes Payable and Long-term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

	December 26, 2004		September 25, 2005
			(unaudited)
New Senior Credit Facilities:
Term loan facility	$	—	35,500
Revolving credit facility		—	3,000
2004 Senior Credit Facility:
Term loan facility		20,000	—
Revolving credit facility		41,000	—
Senior subordinated notes		19,931	—
		80,931	38,500
Less current maturities		—	—
Long-term debt	$	80,931	38,500

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RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

On March 11, 2005, the Company entered into a financing agreement with a syndicate of commercial banks and other institutional lenders. The financing consisted of a $105.0 million term loan facility and a $15.0 million revolving credit facility. At September 25, 2005, the interest rates on the term loan facility and revolving credit facility were 6.25%. The term loan interest and fees are payable monthly and the principal is payable in quarterly payments ranging from $829 to $2,579 commencing June 30, 2005, with the remaining unpaid balance due on March 11, 2011. The revolving credit facility interest and fees are payable monthly and all outstanding amounts are due upon maturity at March 11, 2010.

As of September 25, 2005, there were $35.5 million of borrowings outstanding under the term loan facility and $3.0 million of borrowings under the revolving credit facility. The Company had approximately $10.7 million of borrowings available under its revolving credit facility, net of outstanding letters of credit of approximately $1.3 million. The Company is required to maintain certain financial covenants and is also subject to restrictive covenants under its borrowings. The Company was in compliance with all such covenants at September 25, 2005. The Company’s obligations under these credit facilities are guaranteed by each of its existing and future subsidiaries and are secured by substantially all of its assets and the capital stock of its subsidiaries.

(5) Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings per common share were computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the applicable period. Basic and diluted earnings per common share were determined on the assumption that all outstanding warrants were exercised as of the beginning of each period. For the quarter and thirty-nine weeks ended September 26, 2004, options to purchase 1,133,925 shares of the Company’s common stock at a weighted average price of $0.48 per share were not included in the calculation of weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share because their effects were anti-dilutive.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:

	13 Weeks Ending				39 Weeks Ending
	September 26, 2004			September 25, 2005	September 26, 2004			September 25, 2005
	(unaudited)				(unaudited)
Income (loss) available to common stockholders	$	(4,621	)	368	$	(4,340	)	2,895
Shares:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding		11,746,868		22,730,834		11,746,868		16,268,775
Dilutive stock options		—		607,620		—		607,620
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding		11,746,868		23,338,454		11,746,868		16,876,395
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations	$	(0.11	)	—	$	(0.06	)	0.20
Discontinued operations		(0.28	)	0.02		(0.31	)	(0.03	)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.39	)	0.02	$	(0.37	)	0.17
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations	$	(0.11	)	—	$	(0.06	)	0.20
Discontinued operations		(0.28	)	0.02		(0.31	)	(0.03	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.39	)	0.02	$	(0.37	)	0.17

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RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

On August 1, 2005, the Company completed a 20.75281-for-1 split of the Company’s common stock. Accordingly, basic and diluted shares for all periods have also been calculated based on the weighted average shares outstanding, as adjusted for the stock split.

(6) Commitments and Contingencies

The Company has guaranteed the operating lease for the franchisee-owned restaurant in Detroit, Michigan. The operating lease requires annual minimum lease payments of $0.2 million through August 2010, the expiration of the first renewal term, and through one subsequent renewal term, which option may be exercised by the franchisee.

The Company is subject to other various claims, possible legal actions, and other matters arising in the normal course of business. Management does not expect disposition of these other matters to have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

(7) Discontinued Operations

On December 24, 2004, the Company closed its Manhattan-UN operation, one of its two Ruth’s Chris Steak House locations in Manhattan, New York. Prior to and including 2004, the Company experienced operating losses at its Manhattan-UN restaurant location, which leased the property on which it operated. During August 2005, the Company entered into an agreement with the landlord whereby: (1) the Company made a one-time payment of $0.3 million to the landlord for rent, commission on replacement lease, and attorneys fees; (2) the existing lease was terminated; (3) the Company allowed the landlord to contract with a third party replacement tenant; and (4) adjusted the remaining contingent lease term from eleven years to six years. Under the agreement, after the third anniversary, if the replacement tenant defaults on the new lease anytime during the remaining six years, the Company will be required to enter into a new agreement with the landlord for the remaining term. At September 25, 2005, the Company maintained a contingent lease liability of $0.2 million related to this property.

In October 2004, the Company announced its plan to close its Ruth’s Chris Steak House location in Sugar Land, Texas, where it owned the property on which it operated. The Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $80 as a result of loss due to impairment in order to reduce the assets related to this location to net realizable value. Subsequent to year-end, the Company sold this property for $2.1 million.

The Company accounts for its closed restaurants in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 144. Therefore, when a restaurant is closed, and the restaurant is either held for sale or abandoned, the restaurant’s operations are eliminated from the ongoing operations. Accordingly, the operations of such restaurants, net of applicable income taxes, are presented as discontinued operations and prior period operations of such restaurants, net of applicable income taxes, are reclassified.

Discontinued operations consist of the following:

	13 Weeks Ending					39 Weeks Ending
	September 26, 2004			September 25, 2005		September 26, 2004			September 25, 2005
	(unaudited)					(unaudited)
Revenues	$	1,513		—		$	3,143		—
Income (loss) before income tax		(465	)	(359	)		(819	)	626
Income (loss) from operations of discontinued restaurants, net of income tax expense		(3,282	)	(313	)		(3,685	)	426

8

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(8) Subsequent Events

On September 27, 2005, the Company entered into a new credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, Bank of America, N.A., as documentation agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as co-lead arrangers and Wachovia Bank, N.A. The Company used the $38.5 million funded at closing under the Credit Agreement to prepay and retire borrowings under its previous credit facility and to pay related fees and expenses. In conjunction with the Credit Agreement, the Company will expense approximately $0.8 million in deferred issuance cost from the prior credit facilities.

At September 27, 2005, interest rates on the revolving credit facility, were 5.54%. The Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain certain financial covenants and the Company is also subject to certain restrictive covenants. The Company was in compliance with all such covenants at September 27, 2005. The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by each of its existing and future subsidiaries and are secured by substantially all of its assets and the capital stock of its subsidiaries.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

The Company is an owner, operator and franchisor of upscale steakhouses. As of September 25, 2005, there were 88 (excluding the two New Orleans, Louisiana area restaurants closed due to Hurricane Katrina) Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants, of which 39 are company-owned and 49 are franchisee-owned, including ten international franchisee-owned restaurants in Mexico, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Canada.

The Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-124285), filed by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as such registration statement became effective on August 8, 2005, provides additional information about the Company’s business, operations and financial condition.

Initial Public Offering

In August 2005, the Company and selling shareholders completed an initial public offering of 9,375,000 and 5,575,000 shares of common stock, respectively, at $18.00 per share. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $154.3 million from the sale of shares of its common stock in the offering after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by it. The Company used the net proceeds of the offering as follows: (1) approximately $11.7 million was used to redeem all of its outstanding mandatorily redeemable Series A senior cumulative preferred stock (the “Senior Preferred Stock”), (2) approximately $76.2 million to redeem or repurchase all of its outstanding Series B junior cumulative preferred stock (the “Junior Preferred Stock”), (3) approximately $65.5 million was used to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under its senior credit facilities and (4) $0.8 million was used for general working capital needs of the Company.

Hurricane and Relocation Costs.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company’s corporate office building in Metairie, Louisiana was damaged by Hurricane Katrina and the Company subsequently relocated its corporate offices to Orlando, Florida. The Company’s restaurants in New Orleans and Metairie, Louisiana, also received damage from the hurricane and have not yet reopened. The Company completed the construction and preopening activities for a new restaurant in Biloxi, Mississippi, which was also lost due to Hurricane Katrina. Related to these events, the Company incurred expenses of $1.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. These expenses include severance and relocation payments to employees and insurance deductibles for the two New Orleans, Louisiana area restaurants; severance payments, insurance deductibles and preopening costs associated with the Biloxi, Mississippi location; and temporary living and relocation costs for the Company’s relocation from Metairie, Louisiana to Orlando, Florida. The Company expects the total costs of the hurricane and relocation to be approximately $2.2 million excluding proceeds from business interruption insurance.

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Results of Operations

The table below sets forth certain operating data expressed as a percentage of total revenues for the periods indicated. The Company’s historical results are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that may be expected in the future.

	13 Weeks Ending				39 Weeks Ending
	September 26, 2004		September 25, 2005		September 26, 2004		September 25, 2005
Revenues:
Restaurant sales	94.9	%	94.4	%	94.9	%	94.8	%
Franchise income	4.9	%	5.4	%	4.9	%	5.0	%
Other operating income	0.2	%	0.2	%	0.2	%	0.2	%
Total revenues	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Costs and expenses:
Food and beverage costs (percentage of restaurant sales)	33.2	%	31.2	%	34.5	%	31.0	%
Restaurant operating expenses (percentage of restaurant sales)	48.5	%	49.4	%	45.8	%	46.1	%
Marketing and advertising	3.8	%	1.3	%	3.7	%	3.4	%
General and administrative costs	6.7	%	8.0	%	5.7	%	6.7	%
Depreciation and amortization expenses	3.7	%	3.5	%	3.5	%	3.1	%
Hurricane and relocation costs	0.0	%	2.6	%	0.0	%	0.8	%
Pre-opening costs	0.5	%	1.4	%	0.2	%	0.6	%
Operating income	7.8	%	7.2	%	10.8	%	12.4	%
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	-5.1	%	-3.1	%	-5.7	%	-4.6	%
Accrued dividends and accretion on mandatorily redeemable senior preferred stock	-2.8	%	-0.7	%	-2.6	%	-1.2	%
Other	0.1	%	0.1	%	0.1	%	0.1	%
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense	-0.1	%	3.6	%	2.6	%	6.6	%
Income tax expense	0.0	%	1.6	%	0.3	%	2.1	%
Income from continuing operations	-0.1	%	2.0	%	2.4	%	4.5	%
Discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit	7.8	%	-0.7	%	2.6	%	0.3	%
Net income	-7.8	%	2.6	%	-0.3	%	4.2	%

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2005 (13 Weeks) Compared to Third Quarter of Fiscal 2004 (13 Weeks)

Restaurant Sales. Restaurant sales increased $3.8 million, or 9.5%, to $43.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from $40.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. The increase in restaurant sales was due primarily to a $4.0 million increase in sales from restaurants open throughout both periods, representing comparable company-owned restaurant sales growth of 10.7%, together with $0.3 million from the opening of one company-owned restaurant, and partially offset by the closing of two restaurants in New Orleans, Louisiana, due to Hurricane Katrina. Approximately 40% of this increase in comparable company-owned restaurant sales was attributable to increased entrée volume, with the remainder caused by increased per entrée spending driven by a shift in meal period and mix as well as an approximate 3% pricing increase during August 2005.

Franchise Income. Franchise income increased $0.4 million, or 19.0%, to $2.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from $2.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. The increase in franchise income was due to a $1.2 million increase in franchisee-owned restaurant sales from the franchisee-owned restaurants open throughout both periods,

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representing a comparable franchisee-owned restaurant sales growth of 3.0%, an $1.0 million sales increase from two relocated franchisee-owned restaurants, and an additional $2.5 million of sales from the opening of three new franchisee-owned restaurants.

Food and Beverage Costs. Food and beverage costs increased $0.4 million, or 2.8%, to $13.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from $13.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. As a percentage of restaurant sales, food and beverage costs decreased to 31.2% in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from 33.2% in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. This decrease in food and beverage costs as a percentage of restaurant sales was due to lower meat, dairy and produce costs.

Restaurant Operating Expenses. Restaurant operating expenses increased $2.3 million, or 11.9%, to $21.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from $19.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. The increase was due to higher restaurant sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2005, increased management staffing related to new restaurant openings, employee benefit costs, and utility costs. As a result, restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales increased to 49.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from 48.5% in the third quarter of fiscal 2004.

Marketing and Advertising. Marketing and advertising expenses decreased $1.0 million, or 63.5%, to $0.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from $1.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. Marketing and advertising expenses as a percentage of total revenues decreased to 1.3% in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from 3.8% in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. This decrease was due primarily to reduced national radio advertising during the third quarter of fiscal 2005.

General and Administrative. General and administrative costs increased $0.9 million, or 32.1%, to $3.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from $2.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. General and administrative costs as a percentage of total revenues increased to 8.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from 6.7% in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. This increase was primarily due to the recruitment and hiring of several key management personnel in the areas of construction, franchise relations and marketing in the later part of fiscal 2004 as well as the addition of certain public-company expenses.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense remained constant during the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from the third quarter of fiscal 2004 at $1.6 million. This stability was due primarily to the fact that levels of new investment in furniture and equipment were similar to levels of previously purchased furniture and equipment becoming fully depreciated, as well as the fact that the Company did not open any restaurants during fiscal 2004.

Interest Expense, net. Interest expense, net of interest income, decreased $0.8 million, or 33.7%, to $1.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from $2.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. This decrease was primarily due to the refinancing of the Company’s credit facility in March 2005 that resulted in a lower weighted average interest rate and lower average borrowings outstanding during the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from the third quarter of fiscal 2004. Total debt decreased by $50.5 million from September 26, 2004 to September 25, 2005.

Accrued Dividends and Accretion on Mandatorily Redeemable Senior Preferred Stock. Accrued dividends and accretion on mandatorily redeemable senior preferred stock decreased $0.9 million, or 74.5%, to $0.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from $1.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. This decrease was primarily due to the redemption of $30.0 million of Senior Preferred Stock in March 2005 and the redemption of the remaining $11.7 million in August 2005.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense increased to $0.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from a $3 thousand income tax benefit in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 due to an increase in income before income tax and an increase in the estimated annual effective tax rate resulting from changes to certain state tax laws impacting deferred tax assets.

Income from Continuing Operations. Income from continuing operations increased $0.9 million to $0.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from $21 thousand net loss in the third quarter of fiscal 2004.

Discontinued Operations, net of Income Tax Benefit. Discontinued operations provided a $0.3 million recovery in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from a $3.3 million expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. During August 2005, the Company entered into an agreement with the Manhattan-UN, New York landlord whereby: (1) the Company

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made a one-time payment of $0.3 million to the landlord for rent, commission on replacement lease, and attorneys fees; (2) the existing lease was terminated; (3) the Company allowed the landlord to contract with a third party replacement tenant; and (4) adjusted the remaining contingent lease term from eleven years to six years. Under the agreement, after the third anniversary, if the replacement tenant defaults on the new lease anytime during the remaining six years, the Company will be required to enter into a new agreement with the landlord for the remaining term. This agreement resulted in a reduction of previously recorded rental liability providing a $0.3 million recovery. At September 25, 2005, the Company maintained a contingent lease liability of $0.2 million related to this property. The $3.3 million expense during the third quarter of fiscal 2004 related to impairments recognized related to Manhattan-UN, New York.

First Thirty-nine Weeks of Fiscal 2005 Compared to First Thirty-nine Weeks of Fiscal 2004

Restaurant Sales. Restaurant sales increased $15.2 million, or 11.5%, to $147.6 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2005 from $132.4 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2004. The increase in restaurant sales was due primarily to a $13.7 million increase in sales from restaurants open throughout both periods, representing comparable company-owned restaurant sales growth of 11.0%, together with $1.3 million attributable to one restaurant acquired in April 2004, $0.3 million from the opening of one company-owned restaurant in September 2005, and partially offset by the closing of two restaurants in New Orleans, Louisiana, due to Hurricane Katrina. Approximately 40% of this increase in comparable company-owned restaurant sales was attributable to increased entrée volume with the remainder caused by increased per entrée spending, particularly caused by increased wine and beverage spending.

Franchise Income. Franchise income increased $0.9 million, or 13.0%, to $7.8 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2005 from $6.9 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2004. The increase in franchise income was due to a $6.4 million increase in franchisee-owned restaurant sales from the franchisee-owned restaurants open throughout both periods, representing a comparable franchisee-owned restaurant sales growth of 4.8%, a $2.4 million increase from two relocated franchisee-owned restaurants, and an additional $3.6 million from the opening of three new franchisee-owned restaurants. This increase was partially offset by the Company’s acquisition of one franchisee-owned restaurant and the closing of another franchisee-owned restaurant in April 2004.

Food and Beverage Costs. Food and beverage costs increased $0.1 million, or 0.3%, to $45.8 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2005 from $45.7 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2004. As a percentage of restaurant sales, food and beverage costs decreased to 31.0% in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2005 from 34.5% in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2004. This decrease in food and beverage costs as a percentage of restaurant sales was primarily due to lower meat and dairy costs.

Restaurant Operating Expenses. Restaurant operating expenses increased $7.3 million, or 12.0%, to $68.0 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2005 from $60.7 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2004. The increase was primarily due to higher restaurant sales in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2005, increased management costs, increased benefit costs due to higher participation rates and a non-recurring charge to enhance each restaurant’s small-wares inventory. Restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales increased to 46.1% in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2005 from 45.8% in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2004. Excluding the non-recurring charge to enhance the restaurant’s small-wares inventory, restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales remained constant at 45.8%.

Marketing and Advertising. Marketing and advertising expenses increased $0.1 million, or 2.0%, to $5.3 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2005 from $5.2 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2004. Marketing and advertising expenses as a percentage of total revenues decreased to 3.4% in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2005 from 3.5% in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2004.

General and Administrative. General and administrative costs increased $2.5 million, or 31.5%, to $10.4 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2005 from $7.9 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2004. General and administrative costs as a percentage of total revenues increased to 6.7% in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2005 from 5.7% in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2004. This increase was primarily due to the recruitment and hiring of a new President and Chief Executive Officer as well as several other key management personnel in the areas of human resources, construction, franchise relations and marketing in the latter part of fiscal 2004 as well as the addition of certain public-company expenses.

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Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense remained constant during the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2005 from the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2004 at $4.8 million. This stability was due primarily to the fact that levels of new investment in furniture and equipment were similar to levels of previously purchased furniture and equipment becoming fully depreciated, as well as the fact that the Company did not open any new restaurants during fiscal 2004.

Interest Expense, net. Interest expense, net of interest income, decreased $0.8 million, or 9.7%, to $7.2 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2005 from $8.0 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2004. This decrease was primarily due to the refinancing of the Company’s credit facility in March 2005, which resulted in a lower weighted average interest rate and lower average borrowings outstanding during the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2005 from the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2004. Total debt decreased by $50.5 million from September 26, 2004 to September 25, 2005. The decrease in interest expense was partially offset by a $1.7 million write-off of remaining debt issuance costs in the first quarter of fiscal 2005.

Accrued Dividends and Accretion on Mandatorily Redeemable Senior Preferred Stock. Accrued dividends and accretion on mandatorily redeemable senior preferred stock decreased $1.7 million, or 47.2%, to $1.9 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2005 from $3.6 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2004. This decrease was primarily due to the redemption of $30.0 million of Senior Preferred Stock in March 2005 and the redemption of the remaining $11.7 million in August 2005.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense increased by $2.9 million to $3.3 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2005 from $0.4 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2004 due to an increase in income before income tax and an increase in the estimated annual effective tax rate resulting from changes to certain state tax laws impacting deferred tax assets.

Income from Continuing Operations. Income from continuing operations increased $3.7 million to $7.0 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2005 from $3.3 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2004.

Discontinued Operations, net of Income Tax Benefit. Discontinued operations decreased $3.3 million to $0.4 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2005 from $3.7 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2004. This decrease was primarily due to impairment charges recognized during the third quarter of fiscal 2004 related to Manhattan-UN, New York that closed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table presents a summary of the Company’s net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities:

	39 Weeks Ending
	September 26, 2004			September 25, 2005
	(unaudited)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	9,224		25,320
Net cash used in investing activities		(2,360	)	(9,966	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(10,524	)	(6,644	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	(3,660	)	8,710

The Company’s principal sources of cash during the thirty-nine week period ended September 25, 2005 was cash generated from operations, borrowings under its credit facilities and proceeds from its initial public offering. Principal uses of cash during the thirty-nine week period ended September 25, 2005 included capital expenditures, the redemption of preferred stock and debt service. The Company expects that its principal uses of cash in the future will be to finance capital expenditures and to service debt.

The Company’s operations have not required significant working capital and, like many restaurant companies, it has been able to operate with negative working capital. Restaurant sales are primarily for cash or by credit card, and

13

restaurant operations do not require significant inventories or receivables. In addition, the Company receives trade credit for the purchase of food, beverage and supplies, thereby reducing the need for incremental working capital to support growth.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $25.3 million in the thirty-nine week period ended September 25, 2005, compared to $9.2 million in the thirty-nine week period ended September 26, 2004. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was due to higher net income and an increase in current liabilities due to delayed processing time resulting from Hurricane Katrina and the Company’s relocation of its corporate office.

Net cash used in investing activities was $10.0 million in the thirty-nine week period ended September 25, 2005, compared to $2.4 million in the thirty-nine week period ended September 26, 2004. The increase was the result of increased capital expenditures related to major remodels, capital expenditures of existing restaurants and expenditures associated with new restaurant construction partially offset by proceeds from the sale or disposition of fixed assets.

Net cash used in financing activities was $6.6 million in the thirty-nine week period ended September 25, 2005, compared to $10.5 million in the thirty-nine week period ended September 26, 2004. During the first quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company entered into a new senior credit facility that allowed it to redeem $30.0 million of Senior Preferred Stock, redeem existing senior subordinated notes and refinance existing debt. During the third quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company and selling shareholders completed an initial public offering of 9,375,000 and 5,575,000 shares of common stock, respectively, at $18.00 per share. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $154.3 million from the sale of shares of its common stock in the offering after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by it. The Company used the net proceeds of the offering as follows: (1) approximately $11.7 million was used to redeem all of its outstanding Senior Preferred Stock, (2) approximately $76.2 million to redeem or repurchase all of its outstanding Junior Preferred Stock, (3) approximately $65.5 million was used to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under its senior credit facilities and (4) $0.8 million was used for general working capital needs of the Company.

Capital expenditures totaled $11.8 million in the thirty-nine week period ended September 25, 2005, compared to $2.4 million in the thirty-nine week period ended September 26, 2004. The increase was primarily due to expenditures to remodel and upgrade existing locations as well as expenditures associated with new restaurant construction.

The Company anticipates capital expenditures in the future will increase to the extent it opens additional company-owned restaurants and opportunistically acquires franchise-owned restaurants and related rights. The Company currently expects to open five to six company-owned restaurants per year in each of the next several years. The Company believes that its net investment in future openings will range between $1.5 million and $4.0 million depending upon underlying individual restaurant economics and its ability to use our resources to obtain its fully-capitalized return-on-investment targets. These capital expenditures will primarily be funded by cash flows from operations and, if necessary, by the use of the Company’s revolving credit facility, depending upon timing of expenditures.

On March 11, 2005, the Company entered into a financing agreement with a syndicate of commercial banks and other institutional lenders. The financing consisted of a $105.0 million term loan facility and a $15.0 million revolving credit facility. At September 25, 2005, the interest rates on the term loan facility and revolving credit facility were 6.25%. The term loan interest and fees are payable monthly and the principal is payable in quarterly payments ranging from $0.8 to $2.6 million commencing June 30, 2005, with the remaining unpaid balance due on March 11, 2011. The revolving credit facility interest and fees are payable monthly and all outstanding amounts are due upon maturity at March 11, 2010.

As of September 25, 2005, there were $35.5 million of borrowings outstanding under the Company’s term loan facility and $3.0 million of borrowings outstanding under its revolving credit facility. The Company had approximately $10.7 million of borrowings available under its revolving credit facility, net of outstanding letters of credit of approximately $1.3 million. Commitments under the Company’s revolving credit facility terminate on March 11, 2010.

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On September 27, 2005, the Company entered into a new credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, Bank of America, N.A., as documentation agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as co-lead arrangers and Wachovia Bank, N.A. The Company used the $38.5 million funded at closing under the Credit Agreement to prepay and retire borrowings under its previous credit facility and to pay related fees and expenses. In conjunction with the Credit Agreement, the Company will expense approximately $0.8 million in deferred issuance cost from the prior credit facilities.

The Company is required to maintain certain financial covenants and is also subject to restrictive covenants under its borrowings. The Company believes that cash flow from operating activities and borrowings under its Credit Agreement will be sufficient to fund currently anticipated working capital, planned capital spending and debt service requirements for the foreseeable future, including at least the next twenty-four months.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has guaranteed the operating lease for the franchisee-owned restaurant in Detroit, Michigan. The operating lease requires annual minimum lease payments of $0.2 million through August 2010, the expiration of the first renewal term, and through one subsequent renewal term, which option may be exercised by the franchisee.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of the Company’s financial statements requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses during the periods presented. The Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-124285) filed by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as such Registration Statement became effective on August 8, 2005, includes a summary of the critical accounting policies the Company believes are the most important to aid in understanding its financial results. There have been no material changes to these critical accounting policies that impacted the Company’s reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues or expenses during the thirty-nine week period ended September 25, 2005.

ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk

The Company is exposed to market risk from fluctuations in interest rates. For fixed rate debt, interest rate changes affect the fair market value of such debt but do not impact earnings or cash flows. Conversely for variable rate debt, including borrowings under the Company’s new senior credit facilities, interest rate changes generally do not affect the fair market value of such debt, but do impact future earnings and cash flows, assuming other factors are held constant. At September 25, 2005, the Company had $38.5 million of variable rate debt. Holding other variables constant (such as foreign exchange rates and debt levels), a hypothetical immediate one percentage point change in interest rates would be expected to have an impact on pre-tax earnings and cash flows for fiscal 2005 of approximately $0.4 million.

Foreign Currency Risk

In accordance with the Company’s franchise agreements relating to the Company’s international locations, it receives royalties from those franchisees in U.S. dollars, and therefore it believes that fluctuations in foreign exchange rates do not present a material risk to its operations.

Commodity Price Risk

The Company is exposed to market price fluctuations in beef and other food product prices. Given the historical volatility of beef and other food product prices, this exposure can impact its food and beverage costs. Because the Company’s restaurants typically set menu prices in advance of beef and other food product purchases, the Company cannot quickly take into account changing costs of beef and other food items. To the extent that it is unable to pass the increased costs on to its guests through price increases, the Company’s results of operations would be adversely affected. The Company currently does not use financial instruments to hedge its risk to market price fluctuations in beef or other food product prices.

15

Effects of Inflation

Components of the Company’s operations subject to inflation include food, beverage, lease and labor costs. The Company’s leases require it to pay taxes, maintenance, repairs, insurance and utilities, all of which are subject to inflationary increases. The Company believes inflation has not had a material impact on its results of operations in recent years.

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

The Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), have concluded that, as of the end of the fiscal quarter covered by this report on Form 10-Q, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries would be made known to them by others within those entities.

(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting.

There was no change in the Company’s “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that occurred during the fiscal quarter covered by this report on Form 10-Q that in our judgment has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time the Company is involved in various disputes and litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. While litigation is subject to uncertainties and the outcome of litigated matters is not predictable with assurance, the Company is not aware of any legal proceedings pending or threatened against it that it expects to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITIES HOLDERS

On August 1, 2005, the Company’s shareholders acted by written consent to approve an amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation providing for a 20.75281-for-1 split of the Company’s common stock and to approve the Company’s 2005 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan. Fully 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of stock of the Company entitled to vote thereon voted in favor of the foregoing.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

31.1	Rule 13a - 14(a) Certifications of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer
31.2	Rule 13a - 14(a) Certifications of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Inc.’s Chief Financial Officer
32.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE, INC.
By	/s/ Craig S. Miller
	Craig S. Miller,
	President and Chief Executive Officer
	(Principal Executive Officer)
By	/s/ Thomas J. Pennison, Jr.
	Thomas J. Pennison, Jr.,
	Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
	(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

November 14, 2005

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