Joey Kelly Creates New Experience for Valentine's Day and Beyond at Ruth's Chris
Co-authored by Joan Berkman and Grayling Holmes / photos by Ruth’s Chris Steak House Chesterfield
As Valentine’s Day 2026 fast approaches next month, newly appointed general manager Joey Kelly is poised to create an unparalleled experience at Ruth’s Chris Steak House for couples and singles alike for the season of love.
Recently announced as the new General Manager of the Chesterfield location at 16493 Wild Horse Creek Road, Kelly is poised to bring his more than a decade of hospitality expertise to the famed West County eatery.
Ruth’s Chris Chesterfield General Manager is also a certified sommelier with extensive expertise in wine and beverage service.
He began his culinary work as a busser, food runner and trainer at Jake’s Grill and Harborside in Portland in 2017. He continued to work his way up to front of house in 2020 as a server, bartender and trainer while working at Morton’s The Steakhouse. In 2022, Kelly joined the Ruth’s Chris team starting as a server and eventually traveling to support the restaurant’s additional locations with training and operational needs before being appointed the general manager.
Kelly believes great restaurants are built on genuine hospitality and teams that feel steady and supported. His leadership style centers on being present on the floor, coaching with intention, and creating guest experiences that feel personal seamless and memorable.
Before transitioning fully into hospitality, Kelly studied at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, where he strengthened his foundation in management, finance, and organizational strategy. During college, he completed a degree in theatre, drawing on his acting background to develop communication skills, stage presence, and an ability to connect authentically with people—strengths that continue to influence his leadership style today.
“Joey’s ability to blend operational excellence, guest-centric hospitality and his passion for developing high-performing teams has made an enormous impact to the Chesterfield restaurant operation which continues to build strong relationships both within the restaurant and the larger community. We are most fortunate to have his strong leadership to continue to build the Ruth’s Chris brand and its hospitality excellence.” said Kristy Rans, Owner & President, Prime Hospitality Group, LLC (Missouri, Arkansas, Georgia, Indian, North Carolina and Iowa).
Valentine’s Week 2026
Valentine's Day 2026 falls on Saturday, February 14, 2026, making it a weekend celebration perfect for romantic dinner and ways to celebrate love in all its forms.
In recent years, Valentine’s Day does not just belong to couples, rather it is a time where singles might find love too. At Ruth’s Chris in Chesterfield, their tony bar offers an elevated place for singles to mingle on the day of and throughout Valentine’s week.
The days leading up to Valentine's Day also have their own themes:
Wednesday, Feb 11: Promise Day.
Thursday, Feb 12: Hug Day.
Friday, Feb 13: Kiss Day.
Friday, Feb 13: Galentine’s Day
Galentine’s Day
Available on Amazon, Galentine’s Day: A love letter to female friendship, NEW for 2026 Paperback – January 6, 2026 by Rebecca Anderson (Author)
Galentine's Day in 2026 falls on Friday, February 13th, the day before Valentine's Day, as it traditionally celebrates female friendships (gal-pals). While the date is set for the 13th, some women often celebrate on the weekend before or after, with many events popping up around that time for brunches, parties, and other fun outings with friends. Ruth’s Chris has party rooms that can be reserved for such events.
Singles Also Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Singles celebrate Valentine’s Week at Ruth’s Chris’s upscale bar in Chesterfield.
Singles Valentine's Day" often refers to celebrating self-love, friendships (Galentine's Day, Feb 13), or embracing independence with solo activities, with some also recognizing Singles Awareness Day (SAD) on Feb 15 as a protest day for singles, turning focus from romantic partners to personal fulfillment and friendship. Both days encourage enjoyment, whether with a partner, friends, or by oneself, focusing on all forms of love and personal happiness. Many gather at happy hours such as the ones held Monday thru Friday of Valentine’s Week 2026.
Valentine’s Day 2026 is poised to build on record-breaking spending trends from 2025. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers spent a staggering $27.5 billion on Valentine’s Day last year with the categories of jewelry ($6.5 billion), evening out ($5.4 billion), flowers ($2.9 billion), candy ($2.5 billion), and greeting cards ($1.4 billion) leading the way.
As one of the top 20 cities in America, St. Louis is expected to get its flowers with spending at upscale restaurants such as Ruth’s Chris in the affluent suburb of Chesterfield.
Although Saturday the 14th is the season crescendo, some will celebrate throughout the weekend, perhaps even on Sunday to accommodate fluctuating schedules.
When to Celebrate the Season at Ruth’s Chris Chesterfield
Ruth's Chris Steak House in Chesterfield serves lunch on weekdays, weekend brunch, and dinner daily, Weekday and weekend Brunch Hours: Opens at 11:00 am and Dinner begins at 3:00 pm. Go to ruthschrisphg.com/chesterfield for more information.
Valentine's Day Hours: 11:00 am - 11:00 p.m.
What to Expect
Expect various businesses, from hotels to restaurants, to offer themed packages and events, building on past years' trends of substantial spending on gifts and experiences.
About Prime Hospitality Group, LLC
Prime Hospitality Group, LLC is a family-owned hospitality company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, with a growing portfolio of upscale restaurants, bars, hotels, and a café. The company owns and operates 12 Ruth’s Chris Steak House franchise locations across North Carolina, Missouri, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, and Iowa.
About Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris Steak House was founded in 1965 by Ruth Fertel in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ruth had a recipe for everything – from how to prepare her signature sizzling steaks to how to treat her guests. This timeless formula is a testament to how Ruth’s Chris has become the largest collection of upscale steak houses in the world, with more than 150 restaurant locations around the globe. Ruth’s Chris remains true to its heritage, helping guests make their best memories on 500-degree sizzling plates.