It is rumored that Ruth's Chris Steak House will replace the former Bank of America branch at Wilshire and Grand in Downtown LA
There are three different sources who all wish to remain anonymous that have informed me that Ruth’s Chris Steak House will be replacing the former Bank of America branch located at 600 Wilshire Blvd. The approximately 9,000 square foot space is currently vacant and sits in the middle of a growing restaurant scene at Wilshire/Grand Ave where the extremely popular Bottega Louie is only one block south at 7th/Grand and the soon-to-open Industriel is only one block north at 6th/Grand. This means that if/when this space is activated by a restaurant, it will act as a solid bridge and pedestrian connection between all the activity on 7th Street with 6th Street to the north making this stretch of Grand Ave much more vibrant than it is today.
One of the most attractive features about this location is the former ATM location for Bank of America on the Grand Ave side (right next to the back exit of Chipotle), which is set back far away from the sidewalk. I believe, even without seeing the official renderings yet, that this will become a remodeled outdoor patio for Ruth’s Chris, which will give Grand Ave a much more lively feel when diners are seated outside. Another reason why this will help bridge the activity on 7th with a new scene forming on 6th.
Awesome — just wish that building wasn’t so ugly.
I suppose this is good news--better than vacant space. But it’s a second-rate, expense-account chain restaurant going into an atrocious building with 1980s Dallas architecture .
Well, I guess I’m one of the few reading this that actually like Ruth’s chris. I think this will be an excellent addition to the neighborhood and having a popular chain in this area will certainly raise more eyebrows. I don’t think there is any question that downtown is giving other popular neighborhoods a run for their money.
I’m with Tony on that thought. This is the shot in the arm that this sort of dead retail zone needs.
DowntownRez -- maybe this will be the shot in the arm this building needs to get the balance of it remodeled into the 21st century, as that reflective mirror exterior is so 80′s
Carter: Fair enough. If they switch out all of that mirrored glass, I’ll eat a steak there.
Agree with Tony & Carter here -- this is a great use of a space that has sat dead and underutilized for so long. It will form a nice bridge between the restaurant scenes on 6th and 7th street and adds a well know, respectable chain to the downtown mix -- overall a great addition to the area.
I also agree that the building is ugly, but as noted, this may provide the impetus needed to consider a remodel. Frankly, the giant surface parking lots south of Grand on 8th street and surrounding the South Park lofts bother me much more than this building. They impede the urban fabric far more than outdated mirrored glass ever could in my opinion.
This is great news and great timing with all that’s opening right around there on Grand Avenue! Regardless what anybody thinks of chains -- downtown needs some more well known names like this. Lots of steaks to choose from downtown, that’s for sure.
As a business owner that’s opening across the street from this space in January -- I’m thrilled!
Clark, are you opening on the corner of 7th and grand? looks like grand is the new restaurant row!
I agree 100% regarding the facade. if i recall correctly, this building was put up for sale a few years back and there was a render of a remodeled facade where the Chipotle now stands. looked a 1000 times better than the mirrored glass.
Never hurts to have a new eatery, even a chain restaurant, in Downtown, even if I won’t be eating there, precisely because it is a chain restaurant… although technically speaking Morton’s is a chain restaurant and I do eat there, so who am I to judge?
I really would have been mad if it were a Mcdonalds or a Kentucky Fried Chicken, but I am very pleased. Still not sold on the Ross on Broadway though!