This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The devastating telephone call came late on a Saturday evening, just as diners at Donovan's Steaks & Chops were taking the last sips of wine and contemplating dessert. The corporate owners informed the Salt Lake City franchise owners they were shutting down the restaurant at 134 W. Pierpont Ave., after only 18 months in business.
Days after the Oct. 2 news, Donovan's general manager Casey Bulkley was still in shock.
"We had nothing but compliments from customers," said Bulkley, as he doled out final pay checks and contacted other area restaurants hoping to find jobs for the restaurant's 55 employees.
While the closure may have shocked Bulkley, it didn't surprise some Utah diners, who had wondered how downtown Salt Lake City could sustain five high-end steakhouses — all within a six-block radius — in an economic downturn.
Donovan's closure answered their question. Obviously, five couldn't survive.
"It's sad, but the market is saturated and people right now are watching their money," Bulkley said.
While the closure was disappointing for Donovan's investors and employees, the situation is good for cost-conscious consumers. That's because the remaining four downtown steakhouses are offering discounts and deals to attract customers.
"Steakhouses, like other businesses, have had to creatively adapt to the new economy and change some of the ways we do business, like offering discounted items," said Mark Robbins, co-owner of the Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, which opened in May at 275 S. West Temple.
His restaurant, for example, offers a three-course "Ruth's Classic" meal for $39.99. Customers get a choice of soup or salad; a 6-ounce filet mignon with prawns; and a side, plus dessert.
Christopher's Seafood and Steakhouse at 110 W. 300 South is offering similar dining promotions. "We're putting offers out there that we've never put out before," said chef/partner Anthony Bonomini. The restaurant is offering several discounts, from an early-bird prime-rib special to a three-course set meal for $34.99.
"We are really trying to listen to what customers want," Bonomini said. "Even though the economy is down and people are hurting for money, they still have desire to go out and live a little and celebrate a special occasion. That desire hasn't gone away."
Three years ago, managers of these fine-dining restaurants — known for serving top-quality prime beef and charging extra for side dishes, while offering impeccable service and wine lists — never imagined they would have to resort to coupons and discounts to survive.
But times have changed, said Susan Shrum, the operating partner at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. "Everyone is trying to do something to get people into their restaurants, even if it's just for a special occasion."
Restaurants have lowered prices, usually by selling smaller portions or less-expensive cuts, and encourage guests to share side dishes.
So far, the local restaurants haven't resorted to offering lesser-quality steak, which is one of the factors separating higher-priced steakhouses from the ordinary chains.
"Because of the volume on our contracts with purveyors, we are able to pay for top quality that is still affordable for the guests, even on our discount items," said Robbins at Ruth's Chris.
Managers haven't let service falter, either. "We have still kept our intense training program and employees have wine class every Saturday," said Shrum at Fleming's. "They still need to know their stuff in case someone asks them a question."
One thing that helps the high-end steakhouses stay afloat are travelers who come to downtown Salt Lake City for business and pleasure. The percentage of business that comes from travelers ranges from about 30 percent at Ruth's Chris to about 70 percent at Christopher's.
The start of the Utah Jazz basketball season is especially welcome at Fleming's, which is located across from EnergySolutions Arena.
"On a Jazz night, we'll get 200 guests in an hour and half. It's crazy," Shrum said, but she's not complaining.
Steakhouse deals
Steakhouses in downtown Salt Lake City are offering dining deals to attract customers to their restaurants.
Christopher's Seafood and Steakhouse • 110 W. 300 South, Salt Lake City; 801-519-8515 or christophersutah.com. Early-bird special from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. includes choice of prime rib, halibut or sockeye salmon for $19.99 per person. Includes house salad and vanilla ice cream for dessert. The restaurant also offers a prix fixe three-course meal, including a choice of salad, entree and dessert for $34.99.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar • 20 S. 400 West, at The Gateway, Salt Lake City; 801-355-3704 or flemingssteakhouse.com. The restaurant's three-course meal includes an appetizer, choice of entree and dessert for $39.99. It also offers a "5 for 6 until 7" special— five appetizers are priced at $6 each until 7 p.m. nightly.
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse • 275 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City; 801-363-2000 or ruthschrisprime.com. The three-course "Ruth's Classic" meal includes soup or salad; choice of entree with a side and dessert for $39.99. Also, when customers make a reservation for a special occasion (engagement, anniversary or birthday), the restaurant will decorate the table with rose petals, provide a card and pay for dessert.
Spencer's For Steaks & Chops • 255 S. West Temple (inside the Hilton Hotel); Salt Lake City; 801-238-4748 or spencersforsteaksandchops.com. Offers a three-course dinner that includes salad, an 8-ounce rib-eye steak (prime grade) with a side and a dessert for $38.