The next time you dine at Ruth's Chris Steak House, you just might find yourself in the Regas Room.

Craig Miller, CEO of the Florida-based fine-dining chain, was in town last week to dedicate the private room located on the main floor of the downtown waterfront restaurant to the Regas family.

"We want people to embrace it and to consider it a special place. Now, we have an added tie-in with Regas," said Miller, who has long been friends with Bill Regas since their days working together at the National Restaurant Association.

Bill and his cousin, Gus, are the sons of Frank and George Regas, who founded Regas Restaurant, 318 N. Gay St., in 1919. It is the oldest restaurant in Tennessee.

More than a dozen members of the Regas family as well as friends, business and civic leaders celebrated the dedication with a private lunch and champagne toast. (The meal was under $25, Miller said.)

But don't get your hopes up about lunch. There isn't any talk of opening for lunch any time soon.

In fact, Miller said the company recently stopped serving lunch at its Manhattan location.

For all the doubters who wondered whether Knoxville could support such a high-end restaurant, Miller points to the numbers, particularly at a time when the industry has been tight. Sales at the restaurant are 15 percent over original estimates, he said.

He expects business to continue to grow, especially through private-event bookings.

Part of the success, he said, has been the company's efforts to be a part of the community.

Before the restaurant opened in October, Ruth's Chris sponsored the city's first race 15K run entirely on the Knoxville greenway system.

"This location has exceeded our expectations. It's been outstanding, and we still have huge opportunities ahead of us," Miller said.

A great story from Knoxnews!

Probably the best bar in Knoxville and right in the heart of the 4th District. They have anything from pizza, to wings, to sandwhiches and the usual "bar food" items. To go along with this, they have all the tv's you could imagine to enjoy whatever sporting event you care to watch. So go down there, say hello to Bobby the GM, or one of the many nice people working there (Tabitha, Danielle, Cory, Megan, Jersey, etc etc).

Cheers and Enjoy!

Ruth's Chris is a great new addition to Knoxville. I have eaten at Ruth's Chris at least once a week since it's opened, taking clients and the family out. The steaks melt in your mouth and the sides are absolutely delicious. One fellow blogger reports having a not-so great experience, but his meal was free because the manager comped him.

Not everyone that goes to a movie likes it, and not everyone has the same experience at a restaurant or wherever they go. But I must say going to Ruth's Chris in Knoxville has been a great experience for me. Anyone who goes there and doesn't like the meal, I will personally pay for there next meal out wherever they choose. I'm serious.

Great italian food in a relaxed atmosphere. Check out the daily specials. Fabulous bread. Naples has been a Knoxville favorite for 25+ years (in a building which has been there since Kingston Pike was a two-lane road).

Good food in a nice, redecorated atmosphere. Lots of TV's for soccer, sports. I believe the owners also own the Agave Azul in Western Plaza.

The location is probably best known as the original El Charro before it moved accross the street (where it has less atmosphere, but still good food).

Great burgers, sandwiches, fresh cut fries and onion rings. Litton's also has some of the best desserts in Knoxville. Great 'community atmosphere'.

The BBQ is above average, but the side dishes are the best ever. Try the sweet potato chips, sprinkled with brown sugar, and a honey dip.

Our favorite spot for special occasions. Great food (try the pecan crusted catfish, strawberry salad, or the creme brulee), impeccable service, quiet enough for pleasant conversation, but casual enough that it's not stuffy.

Wonderful Crab Bisque and the Prime Rib Is Excellent.

Nice atmosphere, casual elegant, great menu, great food, great service. Moderate to expensive prices. Beer and wine, no liquor.