Businesses have long learned that a strong social media presence brings clicks. Add a soupcon of controversy with a dust-up between competitors and it becomes the.thing-du-jour. However, the Chili’s v Ruth’s Chris is more than just a study in rage bait.

How it started.

If you’re heading to Ruth’s Chris anytime soon, you may want to think about your outfit before you think about how you want to enjoy your steak. The steakhouse’s dress code is getting fresh attention online,

How it continued.

Chili’s is calling out Ruth’s Chris Steak House after the chain’s dress code sparked backlash online.

The exchange unfolded on X, where Chili’s responded to a post highlighting Ruth’s Chris Steak House’s “business casual” policy, which requires guests to wear what the company describes as “proper attire.”

The casual dining chain quickly jumped into the conversation with a blunt response.

“The only dress code at Chili’s is that you have to be dressed,” the company wrote.

the only dress code at Chili's is that you have to be dressed. https://t.co/7oN2naSrRm

— Chili's Grill & Bar (@Chilis) March 20, 2026

Chili’s makes a snarky comment, x-users join in to take sides but the narrative is picked up by other outlets as dress code FEUD, backlash!, Ruth’s Chris is schooled, and the ever popular oUTraGe!. Say what? Are we dealing with media outlets cynically ginning up traffic with ridiculously over-the-top headlines and copy, or has our culture become so coarse that something as simple as a dress code generates enough heat to be noticed?

Maybe there’s something to be said about using the word “and”.

Because when allegedly right-leaning outlets like NYPost and Fox create pieces that push a narrative about Ruth’s Chris that boils down to “How dare they!” then we’ve moved into the realm of “this is why we can’t have nice stuff”.

A complimentary breakfast buffet may be a favorite perk at many hotel chains nationwide — but these days, not everyone in the buffet line may be a paying guest.

Viral videos making the rounds show buffet crashers strolling into hotel dining rooms, piling up plates with food and heading out — no payment in sight.

Chaser:

New York leftist says she shops online now because everything is locked up at her local drugstore.

This is exactly what she voted for. pic.twitter.com/WTv4R0o0l5

— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) March 17, 2026

Respecting standards — from manners to dress codes to not bogarting the complimentary breakfast you’re not entitled to is all of a piece. It is about a high-trust culture where the stores you patronize allow you to select merchandise at will vs low-trust where merchandise is locked up. A high-trust society where people wouldn’t think twice about wearing Sunday best for fine dining vs low trust where someone figures linen tablecloths and wine goblets are a perfect match with saggy-bottom jeans and a profanity-laced t-shirt.

Then again, what passes for what is offensive to certain restaurant staff is pretty uncultured as of late, too.

This “outrage” over Ruth’s Chris’ entirely reasonable dress code (“business casual” is the least what your grandmother would expect from you in an upper-scale steakhouse) may be not much more than a manufactured kerfuffle. But a general disdain about dressing for the occasion is a bit more indicative of an illness our culture cannot afford to ignore.

A dying culture invariably exhibits personal rudeness. Bad manners. Lack of consideration for others in minor matters. A loss of politeness, of gentle manners, is more significant than is a riot.

Robert A. Heinlein

featured image, cropped, Adobe Stock standard license