WITH A PROFOUND UNDERSTANDING FOR THE INTRICATE BALANCE BETWEEN HONORING FAMILY LEGACY AND NURTURING PERSONAL PURPOSE, BRITNEY RUBY MILLER EMERGES AS AN INSPIRATIONAL LEADER GUIDING THE RUBY LEGACY TOWARDS A VIBRANT NEW CHAPTER OF REMARKABILITY.
How has your background and experience within the restaurant industry influenced your leadership style, particularly in creating a positive work environment? To me, one of the most essential leadership qualities is the ability to meet people where they are. It’s about having an empathetic, understanding heart and being an active listener. For instance, I attended culinary school not to become an expert chef but to ensure I could relate to and collaborate effectively with my culinary team. Or, my educational background in Religious Studies has always emphasized the importance of appreciating and understanding various belief systems from around the world. These experiences have been invaluable to me in my journey in the restaurant industry. A good leader can set aside their own personal beliefs and biases and truly connect with their team by saying, “I hear you, and I appreciate where you’re coming from.” This approach fosters a sense of belonging and trust among team members, which is pivotal in creating a positive and thriving work environment. Focusing on this ideology ensures genuine communication and empathy with my team and is returned with appreciation and respect. What is your take on Cincinnati’s restaurant industry? Does a place like Jeff Ruby’s even have competition? In each market we operate in, we’re driven to exceed our competition, and Cincinnati has consistently ranked at the top in terms of positive guest sentiment regarding its dining scene. It’s an exciting challenge for my managers here, with strong contenders like Sotto, Pepp & Dolores, and many other fantastic restaurants that uphold five-star standards. We believe in the philosophy that all boats rise with the tide, and Cincinnati is certainly riding high. What’s truly special is that while it’s a competitive landscape, it doesn’t feel like a cutthroat “competition.” We restaurant owners share a deep hometown pride and sense of community, fostering camaraderie among us. We’re incredibly proud of Cincinnati’s dining scene; it’s on par with, if not surpassing, culinary giants like
touch experience off-premises. Picture Jeff Ruby servers in their distinctive “costumes” serving up exquisite Alaskan King Crab, jumbo shrimp, and mouthwatering wagyu beef - all the signature offerings you’d find at a Jeff Ruby’s restaurant, now ready to be enjoyed at your own special events. It’s a niche offering, but there’s a market eagerly ready for us. Our community’s support and enthusiasm have been incredible, and we can’t wait to keep dreaming up new possibilities with you! So, Ruby’s, Sotto, etc. are highly regarded, but what’s your personal go-to hidden gem restaurant in Cincinnati?
Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. Being part of this thriving scene is an absolute joy and a testament to the city’s culinary excellence. What values and principles lie at the heart of Jeff Ruby’s, and how do they shape the unique experience you aim to provide? I hope that people see Jeff Ruby’s as authentic and world-class, as one of the best steakhouses in America. We are family-owned and operated, committed to delivering unbeatable five-star service. But what sets Jeff Ruby’s apart is just that, Jeff Ruby. The commitment to exceptional design and ensuring each restaurant has a unique story is integral to the extraordinary Ruby experience. Our passion for the restaurant industry goes beyond just growth; it’s fueled by our genuine love for what we do. We firmly believe that the restaurant business is one of America’s most significant industries when done right. We prioritize our guests and dedicated employees while actively giving back to the communities we serve through our foundation. In essence, Jeff Ruby’s is about authenticity, excellence, family ownership, and a long-term commitment to our craft.
Easy - Hibachi Master on Beechmont Avenue. It’s an incredible dive hibachi spot.
Now, let’s get to the burning question. The one everyone is here for - What is your all-time favorite go-to Jeff Ruby order? Oh, the 80-day, dry-aged tomahawk with our Caesar salad. Our Caesar dressing is made in-house with Parmigiano-Reggiano grated over really crisp romaine with a parmesan crisp on top. And for steak, I like a really gamey, dry-aged ribeye. So, I ask for the spinalis, the rib cap. It’s a hard to get cut, but it’s the most flavorful, tender part. They call it meat candy. And I’ll also get some asparagus to balance it all out.
Speaking of passion, let’s talk Lempicka - can you tell us about its purpose and your plans for its future?
Lempicka is like my baby, and it’s an exciting new venture where we bring Jeff Ruby’s white glove experience to private events. Initially, I envisioned it as a space for high-end weddings, and while it has indeed hosted some beautiful weddings, it’s been wonderful to see its versatility. We’ve had everything from bachelorette parties to Kevin Huber’s retirement bash to various nonprofit and Fortune 500 meetings and other celebrations. We’re even gearing up for a magical Christmas Eve experience this year. (Which, as of this interview, had yet to be formally announced.) Currently, we’re in phase one, and things are going great! Phase two is where it gets even more fun. Now that hosting on-premise private events is under our belts, we’re exploring how to bring this high-class, high-
And finally, what’s the most important advice you’d like to share with young entrepreneurs?
I often get asked this and still don’t know the answer. But I think surrounding yourself with people smarter than you and keeping your ego in check is key. Understand that you can’t do it all. In my leadership journey, my first move at our home office was to bring in experts from diverse fields. For instance, Andi’s a true professional in sales, and her experience with the Convention Center is gold. The same applies to my CFO, VP of Marketing, HR Director - the list goes on. They’re the experts we need. And make sure that your team, your investors, and anyone within your circle are individuals that believe in you and empower you to take your passion to the level you aspire. Oh yeah - raise enough capital!
18 RICHTER & PHILLIPS JEWELERS MAGAZINE
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