On July 14, 2015, Aleks Kunov became General Manager of Ruth’s Chris Estero-Bonita Springs restaurant. He remembers first coming to America in 2007 from Bulgaria. “Within a month of my arrival in the US, I started working for Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Walnut Creek, California. My experience with Ruth’s immediately felt special. Ruth’s felt like one big family where everyone cared and helped each other. My wife and I had our first date at Ruth's Chris. Ruth's Chris Bonita Springs was the first GM job I ever had. I work with an incredible team, and we have achieved a lot together. I am very grateful to be part of this team! Ruth's will always hold a special place in my heart.”

If you’ve been to a Ruth’s Chris Steak House, you know about the sizzling steaks and fresh seafood entrees. But Kunov thinks there’s a secret item that’s not on the menu: Escargot, sauteed in red wine, onions, salt, and black pepper and served with garlic butter and toasted bread points. Just ask for it the next time you’re dining in. It’s the perfect hors d'oeuvre.

Because Ruth’s Chris Steak House uses fresh ingredients, the menu is constantly changing to use the best available products. Every few months you’ll notice new additions to the menu. And don’t forget Happy Hour! It’s one of the best in town. From hand-crafted cocktails to glasses of wine or beer, enjoy a beverage on the newly covered patio from 4-6pm every day of the week. You can also enjoy full-size appetizers as you relax and unwind after a long day at work.

On Mother’s Day, the love the community has for Ruth’s Chris showed. Kunov explains that they served 700 guests that weekend. “Holidays are great for us as many guests trust us to deliver an exceptional experience and create memories on those special days! We love it, and our goal is always to deliver the best steak house experience, period.”

In fact, being a part of the Bonita Springs and Estero communities is very important to Kunov. Ruth Fertel, the founder of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, set the standard for being a part of the community. Kunov says, “Two months after she opened her first restaurant, she cooked everything in the kitchen and delivered it to Plaquemines Parish to aid in the relief effort after Hurricane Betsy struck New Orleans in 1965.” This model is what Kunov strives to emulate by hiring and buying locally to support the community. “Being involved in the community and maintaining an active and visible presence in it…is very important to me!”