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 remark quickly gained traction, drawing more than a million views and prompting users to weigh in on the two chains’ very different approaches.

Ruth’s Chris’ policy states that guests who do not meet the dress code may be asked to dine in the bar or lounge area, a move that has drawn criticism from some diners, Fox News Digital previously reported.

The guidelines also say hats should be removed upon entering, with those wearing ball caps directed to sit in the bar instead of the main dining room.

“The following attire is not permitted in our dining rooms: Gym wear, pool attire, tank tops, clothing with offensive graphics or language, revealing clothing or exposed undergarments,” the notice added.

Ruth’s Chris is owned by Darden Restaurants, which also operates Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse and The Capital Grille.

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

The Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse at 148 W51st Street in New York, NY. Christopher Sadowski

Fox News Digital reached out to Darden for comment.

Chili’s response drew a range of reactions on social media.

“I’d rather go to Chili’s,” one user wrote, while others leaned into the chain’s more laid-back approach.

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.” Zoran Zeremski – stock.adobe.com

Others disagreed, pointing to the difference between the two chains.

“Chili’s is not fine dining,” another commenter said, as some users argued that restaurants like Ruth’s Chris should maintain a higher standard.

“I should be able to go have a nice date night with a significant other in a classier steak house with a proper ambiance, and I should also be able to go hang with the boys with some delicious food and ice cold beer in a rowdier and more comfortable environment,” a user noted.

Deirdre Bardolf of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

The post Ruth’s Chris gets schooled by Chili’s in viral dress code feud online appeared first on Our Story Insight.

Jessica Pryde is a member of that rare breed that grew up in Washington, DC, but is happily enjoying the warmer weather of the desert Southwest. While she is still working on what she wants to be when she grows up, she’s enjoying dabbling in librarianship and writing all the things. She’s the editor of Black Love Matters: Real Talk on Romance, Being Seen, and Happily Ever Afters, and her fiction has been published by Generous Press. She can be found drowning in her ever-growing TBR and exclaiming about romance on When in Romance, as well as on social media. Find her exclamations about books and internet ridiculousness on BlueSky (JessIsReading) and instagram/threads (jess_is_reading).

View All posts by Jessica Pryde

Jessica Pryde is a member of that rare breed that grew up in Washington, DC, but is happily enjoying the warmer weather of the desert Southwest. While she is still working on what she wants to be when she grows up, she’s enjoying dabbling in librarianship and writing all the things. She’s the editor of Black Love Matters: Real Talk on Romance, Being Seen, and Happily Ever Afters, and her fiction has been published by Generous Press. She can be found drowning in her ever-growing TBR and exclaiming about romance on When in Romance, as well as on social media. Find her exclamations about books and internet ridiculousness on BlueSky (JessIsReading) and instagram/threads (jess_is_reading).

View All posts by Jessica Pryde

It might not be Con Season, but it’s always a good time to read about people who love cosplay! The creativity, the drama! We love a person of any gender who knows how to handle a sewing machine AND a makeup brush. And on top of that, these are the people who are incredibly passionate about their favorite fandom(s) and aren’t afraid to put themselves out there. If people want to stomp on their joy? Psh. You can’t bring them down.

On top of the messaging that comes from the acceptance and community of the right fannish friends, cosplay and fandom offer great opportunities to land in potential meet-cute (or meet-disaster) situations! Just look at YA novels like Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala and NerdCrush by Alisha Emrich, where themes of confidence and being yourself sit side by side with suuuuper awkward relationship troubles! 

But don’t worry; these adult romances centering on cosplay might only make you want to read between your fingers in secondhand embarrassment a little bit. 

Enter for a chance to snag a brand-new Kindle Paperwhite for carrying a pocketful of stories wherever your holidays may take you.

All Access members, read on for recommendations of cosplay romance books.

Cosplay and Confrontation by Sarah Zane

In a story inspired vaguely by Pride and Prejudice, Lanie and Gwen were once cosplaying besties. But after Gwen broke their mutual friend’s heart and left town, they basically never spoke again. Now, Gwen is back and just wants to get through this big cosplay contest (winning, of course). But the two will have to face their pasts, and Lanie will have to deal with her anger, before the whole event crashes down on their heads. 

Pivot by Anna Pulley

The cosplay doesn’t do as much heavy lifting in this story, but it does lead our two leads to each other in a pretty embarrassing way. When we meet Paula, she is putting the finishing touches on her Plavalaguna costume, preparing to sing “Il Dolce Suono” (not a good harbinger of success, iykyk) as an introduction/supplication to her cosplay crush. It…does not go well, but she does meet Nita, who helps her escape from the situation. They have instant chemistry, but neither is looking for a relationship. Doesn’t mean they can’t be friends, right? And in Nita’s case, it doesn’t mean she can’t use Paula as an interview source for her family’s tanking newspaper. 

Cosplay Worthy by Quiana Glide

Layla loves comics and cosplay, and is excited to meet her favorite comics artist, dressed in cosplay for her favorite character from his work. When they meet, there might be a few fireworks, and the convention weekend leaves them both pretty satisfied. They go their own way at the end, but an online connection leads to them building something real out of the opportunities the internet provides them. But fans can be terrible people, and their relationship might be the next casualty of fandom shenanigans (derogatory). 

If that’s not enough for you, keep an eye out for Lydia San Andres’s Only Friends, her first contemporary romance, about a Times Square cosplayer and model and the screenwriter who gets him to do Regency Thirst Traps for her.  

Looking for more fannish romance? Check out this list of romances with fanfiction themes.

The post Dress Up With These Cosplay Romance Books appeared first on Our Story Insight.