Ruth’s Chris moving to Annapolis Town Center

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is closing its Eastport location and moving to Annapolis Town Center by the end of 2026.

The high-end chain is taking a 10,150-square-foot, two-level space in the mixed-use development, technically in Parole, according to Rosso Commercial Real Estate Services, which represented the restaurant in the lease deal.

Though there is no opening date, Rosso said on social media that the goal is for the Town Center location to open in the fall.

Steve de Castro, a franchisee of Ruth’s Chris with nine locations in the mid-Atlantic, said in a statement that Town Center is an easily accessible destination where customers are already spending.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming new and current guests into our expanded dining and entertaining space,” he said in a statement.

The Eastport location has limited parking and is next door to Lewnes’ Steakhouse, a beloved fine dining restaurant with a long history.

It was not immediately clear when the Eastport Ruth’s Chris location would close its doors.

Alderman Frank Thorp, an Annapolis native who represents Eastport on the City Council, called the closing Ruth’s Chris an “iconic” part of the neighborhood.

The two-story building on the corner of Severn Avenue and Third Street was once home to Marmaduke’s, a world-renowned sailing bar that closed in the late ’90s.

“It’s tough to see any restaurant leave,” Thorp said. “I also think it’s an opportunity. It’s a great location, and it’s a great landlord. I hope the building is filled with an even better opportunity in the future.”

Ruth’s Chris’ moving is not the only dining shake-up to hit Eastport recently. Atlas Restaurant Group, based in Baltimore, acquired a majority stake in Boatyard Bar & Grill, a popular spot for crab cakes and maritime vibes.

And Forward Brewing, a community-oriented restaurant and bar, went through a protracted process to get approved for outdoor dining, a feature that had been a staple of the business since it opened in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.