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<P id=PARA4 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>UNITED STATES </B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA6 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION </B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA7 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 </B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA10 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>FORM 8-K </B></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA14 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>CURRENT REPORT </B></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA16 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 </B></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA18 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):&nbsp;February 2, 2017</B></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA22 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 24pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>RUTH&#8217;S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC. </B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA24 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) </B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA27 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Commission File Number:&nbsp;000-51485 </B></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA30 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Delaware</B></FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA31 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>72-1060618</B></FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA32 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>(State or other jurisdiction of</B></FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA33 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>(IRS Employer</B></FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA34 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>incorporation)</B></FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA35 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Identification No.)</B></FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
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<P id=PARA37 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>1030 W. Canton Avenue, Ste. 100 </B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA39 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Winter Park, FL 32789 </B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA40 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code) </B></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA41 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>(407) 333-7440 </B></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA47 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: </FONT></P>
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<DIV id=PGNUM143  style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center">1</DIV>
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<P id=PARA143.2 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA73 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Item&nbsp;1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA74 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 24.5pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA76 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">On February 2, 2017, Ruth&#8217;s Hospitality Group, Inc. (the &#8220;Company&#8221;) and certain of its subsidiaries (the &#8220;Guarantors&#8221;) entered into a Credit Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2017, with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (the &#8220;Agent&#8221;), issuing lender and swingline lender, the other lenders party thereto and the other parties thereto and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner. </FONT></P>
<P id=PARA77 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA78 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">The Credit Agreement replaces the Company&#8217;s $100 million existing credit facility, dated as of February 14, 2012 (the &#8220;2012 Facility&#8221;), as amended and restated from time to time. As a result of such replacement, all outstanding amounts under the 2012 Facility have been paid in full, and the 2012 Facility has been terminated as of February 2, 2017.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA79 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA80 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">The Credit Agreement provides for&nbsp;a $90.0 million revolving credit facility with $5.0 million subfacility of letters of credit and a $5.0 million subfacility for swingline loans. Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and lender consent, the revolving credit facility may be increased up to a maximum of $150.0 million.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA81 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA82 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">The loans under the Credit Agreement mature on February 2, 2022. The obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Guarantors, and are secured by a lien on substantially all of the Company&#8217;s and the Guarantors&#8217; personal property assets other than any equity interests in current and future subsidiaries of the Company.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA83 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA84 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">At the Company&#8217;s option, revolving loans may bear interest at (i)&nbsp;LIBOR, plus an applicable margin or (ii)&nbsp;the highest of (a) the rate publicly announced by Wells Fargo as its prime rate, (b)&nbsp;the average published federal funds rate in effect on such day plus 0.50% and (c) one&nbsp;month LIBOR plus 1.00%, plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin is subject to adjustment based on the Company&#8217;s leverage. </FONT></P>
<P id=PARA85 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA86 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and affirmative and negative covenants (including limitations on indebtedness and liens) as well as financial covenants limiting the company&#8217;s leverage and requiring a minimum fixed coverage charge ratio. The limits to the Company&#8217;s Consolidated Leverage Ratio are now increased to 2.75 times adjusted EBITDA for the life of the agreement. Borrowing margins have also been reduced by 50 basis points. </FONT></P>
<P id=PARA87 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA88 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">The Credit Agreement also contains events of default customary for credit facilities of this type (with customary grace periods, as applicable), including nonpayment of principal or interest when due; material incorrectness of representations and warranties when made; breach of covenants; bankruptcy and insolvency; unsatisfied ERISA obligations; unstayed material judgment beyond specified periods; default under other material indebtedness; and certain changes of control of the Company. If any event of default occurs and is not cured within the applicable grace period, or waived, the outstanding loans may be accelerated by Lenders holding a majority of the commitments under the Credit Agreement and the Lenders&#8217; commitments may be terminated.</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA91 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA90 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">This description of the Amendment does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Amendment, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA92 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA93 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">At the closing of the Credit Agreement, approximately $15.0 million in revolving loans were drawn thereunder and approximately $4.1 million in letters of credit had been issued thereunder.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA95 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA94 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Item&nbsp;1.02. Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement.</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA97 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA96 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 32.1pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">On February 2, 2017, the Company terminated the 2012 Facility, as more specifically described in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, which description is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.02.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA99 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA98 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Item&nbsp;2.03. Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA101 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA100 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 32.1pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">The discussion of the Credit Agreement set forth under Item&nbsp;1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference in this Item 2.03.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA144.1 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<DIV id=PGBK144  style="WIDTH: 100%; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<DIV id=PGFTR144  style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV id=PGNUM144  style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center">2</DIV>
<HR style="HEIGHT: 2px; WIDTH: 100%; PAGE-BREAK-AFTER: always; COLOR: #000000" noShade>

<DIV id=PGHDR144  style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</DIV></DIV>
<P id=PARA144.2 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA102 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Item&nbsp;9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits </B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA105 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA104 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">(d) Exhibits</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA111 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<TABLE id=MTAB112  style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-INDENT: 0px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0>

<TR>
<TD style="WIDTH: 72pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top"><U>Exhibit No.</U></TD>
<TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top"><U>Description</U></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD style="WIDTH: 72pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD style="WIDTH: 72pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P id=PARA113 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">10.1 </FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P id=PARA114 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Credit Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2017, by and among the Company, the Guarantors, the Lenders and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner.</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P id=PARA115 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B></B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<DIV id=PGBK116  style="WIDTH: 100%; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<DIV id=PGFTR116  style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV id=PGNUM116  style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center">3</DIV>
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<DIV id=PGHDR116  style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</DIV></DIV>
<P id=PARA116.2 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA118 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>SIGNATURES </B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA120 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA119 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 24.5pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. </FONT></P>
<P id=PARA121 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<TABLE id=TBL140  style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-INDENT: 0px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0>

<TR>
<TD style="WIDTH: 45.9%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P id=PARA122 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 4.5%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P id=PARA123 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 49.6%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" colSpan=2>
<P id=PARA124 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>RUTH&#8217;S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC.</B></FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD style="WIDTH: 45.9%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">&nbsp; </TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 4.5%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">&nbsp; </TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 3.4%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">&nbsp; </TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 46.2%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">&nbsp; </TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD style="WIDTH: 45.9%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P id=PARA125 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Date: February 8, 2017</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 4.5%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P id=PARA126 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 3.4%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P id=PARA127 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">By:</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 46.2%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid">
<P id=PARA128 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">/s/ Arne G. Haak</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD style="WIDTH: 45.9%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P id=PARA129 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 4.5%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P id=PARA130 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 3.4%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P id=PARA131 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 46.2%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P id=PARA132 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Arne G. Haak</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD style="WIDTH: 45.9%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P id=PARA133 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 4.5%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">
<P id=PARA134 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 3.4%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P id=PARA135 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 46.2%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">
<P id=PARA136 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P id=PARA141 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25">&nbsp;</P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25">&nbsp;</P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25">4<FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></BODY></HTML>
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ruth20170207_8k.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 2, 2017
RUTH'S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Commission File Number: 000-51485
Delaware
72-1060618
(State or other jurisdiction of
(IRS Employer
incorporation)
Identification No.)
1030 W. Canton Avenue, Ste. 100
Winter Park, FL 32789
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(407) 333-7440
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
☐
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
1
Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
On February 2, 2017, Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc. (the "Company") and certain of its subsidiaries (the "Guarantors") entered into a Credit Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2017, with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (the "Agent"), issuing lender and swingline lender, the other lenders party thereto and the other parties thereto and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner.
The Credit Agreement replaces the Company's $100 million existing credit facility, dated as of February 14, 2012 (the "2012 Facility"), as amended and restated from time to time. As a result of such replacement, all outstanding amounts under the 2012 Facility have been paid in full, and the 2012 Facility has been terminated as of February 2, 2017.
The Credit Agreement provides for a $90.0 million revolving credit facility with $5.0 million subfacility of letters of credit and a $5.0 million subfacility for swingline loans. Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and lender consent, the revolving credit facility may be increased up to a maximum of $150.0 million.
The loans under the Credit Agreement mature on February 2, 2022. The obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Guarantors, and are secured by a lien on substantially all of the Company's and the Guarantors' personal property assets other than any equity interests in current and future subsidiaries of the Company.
At the Company's option, revolving loans may bear interest at (i) LIBOR, plus an applicable margin or (ii) the highest of (a) the rate publicly announced by Wells Fargo as its prime rate, (b) the average published federal funds rate in effect on such day plus 0.50% and (c) one month LIBOR plus 1.00%, plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin is subject to adjustment based on the Company's leverage.
The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and affirmative and negative covenants (including limitations on indebtedness and liens) as well as financial covenants limiting the company's leverage and requiring a minimum fixed coverage charge ratio. The limits to the Company's Consolidated Leverage Ratio are now increased to 2.75 times adjusted EBITDA for the life of the agreement. Borrowing margins have also been reduced by 50 basis points.
The Credit Agreement also contains events of default customary for credit facilities of this type (with customary grace periods, as applicable), including nonpayment of principal or interest when due; material incorrectness of representations and warranties when made; breach of covenants; bankruptcy and insolvency; unsatisfied ERISA obligations; unstayed material judgment beyond specified periods; default under other material indebtedness; and certain changes of control of the Company. If any event of default occurs and is not cured within the applicable grace period, or waived, the outstanding loans may be accelerated by Lenders holding a majority of the commitments under the Credit Agreement and the Lenders' commitments may be terminated.
This description of the Amendment does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Amendment, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
At the closing of the Credit Agreement, approximately $15.0 million in revolving loans were drawn thereunder and approximately $4.1 million in letters of credit had been issued thereunder.
Item 1.02. Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement.
On February 2, 2017, the Company terminated the 2012 Facility, as more specifically described in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, which description is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.02.
Item 2.03. Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.
The discussion of the Credit Agreement set forth under Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference in this Item 2.03.
2
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit No.
Description
10.1
Credit Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2017, by and among the Company, the Guarantors, the Lenders and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner.
3
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
RUTH'S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC.
Date: February 8, 2017
By:
/s/ Arne G. Haak
Arne G. Haak
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
4