Hanne Olesen-Nahman brings passion and experience to the Ruth’s Chris Steak House tradition of fine beef and fine dining. She began her journey into the world of high-end restaurants 30 years ago and has done it all: bussed and waited tables, been a hostess, been a bartender, washed dishes and cooked.
Hanne worked at Harrop Restaurant in high school for extra money and at Le Rendez-vous Restaurant to pay for travel and university – she attended the University of Toronto and graduated with honours. Her dream to join the diplomatic service after graduation was stalled when The External Affairs Department of the Canadian Government stopped taking candidates – so Hanne continued to work her way up the restaurant career path at Le Rendez-vous to management and traveled during the summer months to destinations far and wide.
She joined Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Toronto as an Assistant General Manager in August 1995, where she had the opportunity to work in marketing and advertising. She was promoted to General Manager four years later. In 2004, Hanne was promoted to Vice President of Operations to look after the Greater Toronto area and the daily operations of both the Toronto and the Mississauga locations. In April of 2007, Hanne was promoted to the position of Executive Vice President of Operations overseeing all four locations owned by Lana Duke. In addition to Toronto and Mississauga, Hanne now oversees two additional locations in San Antonio, Texas.
Hanne believes having filled every job in the restaurant industry puts her at an advantage, “I have worked in every possible capacity and have a very strong operations background. It’s one thing to just come in and manage and another to know what a job is really about and to understand what each position involves.”
This background shaped her management philosophy, which is based on communication and empowering people. “I try very hard to include my staff to get their ideas and to solve problems. Everything we attain we do as a team. I could never do this alone, no one can,” she said. According to her, that teamwork is reflected in a great product and outstanding service for the guest. “It is the great people that are part of our team that is at the root of our success.”
What sets working for Ruth’s Chris Steak House apart? Hanne said it’s the professional level of service and the strong sense of hospitality, “We have the expertise and we provide friendly service but we really strive to go beyond that. Many people mistake good service with pretentious service,” she said. We look for staff that genuinely love to make people happy and who love to work in a team environment. If you treat everyone with respect, it goes a long way.”
If Hanne has a hobby, it is her involvement with Peel Children’s Aid, which helps foster children in need. Ruth’s Chris Steak House works closely with this organization by hosting a variety of charity dinners throughout the year as well as being the lead sponsor of the annual PCA Golf Tournament.
