Jeff Ruby

Growing up fatherless on the New Jersey shore, Jeff Ruby took control of his destiny at the age of 15 when he ran away from home and his problematic, alcoholic mother - an unlikely start to what would become an enormously successful life. Despite his troubled childhood, the young street-smart brawler forged himself into an All-State Football star, a starting linebacker at his dream university - Cornell - and then on to a fledgling corporate career in the Hospitality Industry. With an indomitable spirit and a passion for innovation, impeccability, and extravagance, Jeff set out in 1981 to open what is now Cincinnati's longest running, fine dining restaurant - The Precinct. An empire soon grew. Nearly 4 decades later, Jeff Ruby is one of the most recognizable and iconic restaurateurs in the industry, serving everyone from Prime Ministers, Presidents, and celebrities to countless steak and fine dining connoisseurs. His legendary steakhouses stretching across 3 states are can't-miss destinations for visiting luminaries and hometown fans alike. His is a true rags-to-riches story, built on skill, determination, humor, risk, personal relationships and that now-famous, keen Ruby eye for delivering perfection at every turn. And, while his business successes are what drove his public notoriety, it is perhaps his private philanthropic activity on which his legacy will be built. Ruby is a prolific giver and doer, frequently spearheading efforts to raise funds, create awareness and help those affected by challenging circumstances and injustice. Most notably, for his entire adult life, he has sought out and become a surrogate father to countless teenaged, fatherless boys needing guidance and a principled influencer in their lives. In 2018, the Ruby family formalized these efforts with the launch of The Jeff Ruby Foundation, initially tasked with addressing Child Poverty, Hunger, and particularly the broken Foster Care System in the area. The 1st Annual Fundraising Gala in April raised more than $600,000. Running the restaurant group and Foundation is now a family affair. Ruby's daughter Britney Ruby Miller serves as President of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment while younger sons Brandon and Dillon fill roles as Corporate Directors overseeing Training and Management respectively. The company is in expansion mode, thoughtfully and strategically expanding their footprint most recently with their new steakhouse in Columbus, OH and a brand new one in Lexington, KY in mid-2019.