Ann Arbor Ruth's Chris Steakhouse Makes A Massive Miscalculation With Their Michigan Football Promotion

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Ann Arbor thought it would have a fun promotion.

Instead, it may have bit off more than it can chew — or its patrons can.

The steakhouse started a promotion last week giving Michigan fans a percentage off their total food bill equal to the final winning point differential.

Then Michigan beat Rutgers, 78-0, on Saturday, the largest point differential since 1939, which would mean a 78% discount.

As of Sunday afternoon, the restaurant is already booked through Thursday.

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If Rutgers can claim one victory from this weekend, at least they put this Michigan Ruth’s Chris out of business? I mean getting absolutely curb stomped and humiliated and not getting a first down until 5 minutes left isn’t an ideal way to finish a football game, but, spin zone, your 78 point loss will negatively economically impact an Ann Arbor business, so not all is lost.

But, hold the phone.

How about the balls on Ruth’s Chris??

Ah, but Ruth’s Chris quickly “clarified” — and edited their Facebook post to state — that the promotion was capped at 50%, excluded alcohol, and required purchase of an entree:

Apologies the discount cap at 50% was not clear in this initial post. This amazing promotion was launched with a cap of “up to 50% off” the food portion of the bill and we’ve updated this post to reflect that. [Snopes]

Sneaking into the backend and altering some wording, diabolical advertising move.

People were NOT HAPPY with that.

Their promo mouth was bigger than what the could deliver. If anyone sued over false advertising or changing terms afterwards, they would likely win. You can’t change terms afterwards when it doesn’t go your way. What you SHOULD do is think promotion rules out carefully beforehand, hopefully with a lawyer.

The catches are that it was capped at 50%, ends Thursday (10/13), AND they are FULLY BOOKED … how convenient. Just another empty come-on to bring customers in.

How do we know they are fully booked? And how do we know that the bookings aren’t all employees, friends and family who will not attend or use the discount?

Hey, you originally posted it WITHOUT the 50% discount cap. That’s against Truth In Advertising laws.

I’ve been in the restaurant business for 22 as a chef and manager. You guys are now claiming you are booked AND are violating law. Be prepared for lawsuits aplenty.

You don’t just dangle 78% off in front of people then switch it to 50%. And EXCLUDING ALCOHOL?? (Checks sponsorship list/ad deals) – Fuck Ruth’s Chris.