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):  08/01/2008
 
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.)
 
500 International Parkway
Heathrow, FL 32746
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
 
(407) 333-7440
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
 
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))
 

 
Item 1.01.    Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
 
On August 1, 2008, Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc. (the "Company") entered into a Multi-Site Sale Leaseback Agreement with Sovereign Investment Company. Proceeds of approximately $17.6 million will be used to pay down a portion of the outstanding balance under the Company's revolving credit facility. The transaction is scheduled to close prior to the end of the third fiscal quarter. Lease terms, purchase price and other terms of individual sites are determined under the terms of the agreement.
 
 
Item 9.01.    Financial Statements and Exhibits
 
10.1 Multi-Site Sale Leaseback Agreement.
 

 

Signature(s)
 
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: August 05, 2008
     
By:
 
/s/    Thomas E. O'Keefe

               
Thomas E. O'Keefe
               
Executive Vice President - Chief Legal and Compliance Officer
 
 


 

Exhibit Index
 
Exhibit No.

  
Description

EX-10.1
  
Multi-Site Sale Leaseback Agreement.
PURCHASE AGREEMENT

    THIS PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is dated as of the 1st day of
August, 2008 (the "Effective Date") between RUTH'S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC.
("Parent"), RCSH OPERATIONS, LLC, a Louisiana limited liability company, RCSH
OPERATIONS, INC., a California corporation and RHG KINGFISH, LLC, a Florida limited
liability company (Parent, and such other entities, collectively, "Seller"), and SOVEREIGN
INVESTMENT COMPANY, a California corporation ("Purchaser").
R E C I T A L S :
      Purchaser desires to purchase, and Seller is willing to sell, the Properties (defined
hereinafter) upon the terms and conditions set out hereinafter.
      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms, covenants and conditions set forth in
this Agreement, Seller and Purchaser hereby agree as follows:
      1.        Agreement to Sell and Convey. Seller hereby agrees to sell and convey to
Purchaser, and Purchaser hereby agrees to purchase from Seller, subject to the terms and
conditions hereinafter set forth, all of those five (5) parcels of land (each a "Parcel" and
collectively, the "Parcels") particularly described on Exhibit A attached hereto, together with all
of Seller's right, title and interest in and to:
            (a)        all buildings, structures, and improvements on a Parcel (the
"Improvements"; together with the Parcel, the "Property"; and all five (5) Properties are
sometimes hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Properties"), including, without limitation,
all fixtures, machinery, apparatus, equipment, fittings and appliances of every kind and nature
whatsoever now or hereafter affixed or attached to or installed in any of the Properties (except as
hereafter provided), including all electrical, anti-pollution, heating, lighting (including hanging
fluorescent lighting), incinerating, power, air cooling, air conditioning, humidification,
sprinkling, plumbing, lifting, cleaning, fire prevention, fire extinguishing and ventilating
systems, devices and machinery and all engines, pipes, pumps, tanks (including exchange tanks
and fuel storage tanks), motors, conduits, ducts, steam circulation coils, blowers, steam lines,
compressors, oil burners, boilers, doors, windows, loading platforms, lavatory facilities,
stairwells, fencing (including cyclone fencing), passenger elevators, together with all additions
thereto, substitutions therefor and replacements thereof (collectively, the "Equipment"), but
excluding the following: Seller's personal property, trade fixtures and free-standing equipment
located on each Parcel which are not deemed to constitute real property fixtures and including
any trademarked items and proprietary warming ovens; and
            (b)        all of the easements benefiting, and rights of access appurtenant to, each
Property; and
            (c)        individually and together, the rights and appurtenances pertaining to each
Property, including any adjacent streets, roads, alleys, accesses, and rights-of-way.
      2.        Purchase Price. Purchaser shall pay Seller the sum of Seventeen Million Five
Hundred Seventy-Eight Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty-Nine Dollars ($17,578,959) for the
Properties (the "Purchase Price") as allocated as set forth on Exhibit B, as follows:
            (a)        Deposit. Within three (3) business days following execution of this
Agreement by Seller and Purchaser (the date of such mutual execution being the "Effective
Date"), Purchaser shall deposit in escrow with the Title Company (defined hereinafter) in
accordance with wire transfer instructions to be provided by the Title Company, the sum of Two
Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) (the "First Installment") which shall be fully
refundable to Purchaser on or before expiration of the Approval Period, and shall be held in an
interest bearing money market account. If Purchaser elects to proceed with its purchase of the
Property pursuant to Section 4(b) hereof, then on or before expiration of the Approval Period,
Purchaser shall deposit in escrow with the Title Company, an additional Two Hundred Fifty
Thousand Dollars ($250,000) (the "Second Installment", together with the First Installment, and
all interest accrued thereon, is hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Deposit"), which
Deposit shall be held in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and applied to the Purchase
Price at Closing (defined below) if the transaction is consummated or paid to Seller or Purchaser
as provided in this Agreement in the event the transaction is not consummated. The Deposit
shall be held in an interest bearing money market account reasonably acceptable to Purchaser
and Seller and all interest earned on the Deposit shall be paid to the party entitled to the Deposit.
            (b)        Balance of Purchase Price. The balance of the Purchase Price shall be
paid, plus or minus closing adjustments, as the case may be, less the Deposit and all accrued
interest thereon, to Seller upon Closing by wire transfer of immediately available U.S. funds in
accordance with wire transfer instructions to be provided by or on behalf of Seller on or prior to
the Closing Date (defined below). Seller acknowledges and agrees that the Purchase Price
allocations set forth on Exhibit B attached to this Agreement are subject to such commercially
reasonable adjustments prior to Closing as Purchaser may reasonably require, so long as the
aggregate Purchase Price remains the same.
      3.        Due Diligence Items. At Seller's sole cost and expense, Seller shall, within five
(5) days of the Effective Date, furnish to Purchaser true, correct and complete copies of the
following items with respect to each Property that are in Seller's possession (collectively, the
"Due Diligence Items"):
            (a)        any title insurance policy, title insurance commitment or preliminary title
report in Seller's possession, including all title exceptions;
            (b)        any survey, plot plan, subdivision plan or site plan in Seller's possession;
            (c)        any documentation regarding the environmental condition of the Property,
including, but not limited to, any Phase I or II environmental studies or reports procured by or on
behalf of Seller, together with reliance letters from the firms that prepared such Phase I or II
environmental studies or reports which reliance letters shall be addressed to Purchaser and
Purchaser's lender (it being understood that the reliance letters may be delivered to Purchaser
within twenty (20) days of the Effective Date);
            (d)        written evidence from the appropriate governmental authority that Seller
exists and, if applicable, is in good standing in its jurisdiction of organization and is qualified to
conduct business and is in good standing in the jurisdictions in which Seller owns Properties;
            (e)        all contracts to which Seller is or will be a party relating to the
Improvements located on each Parcel that will be binding on Purchaser after the Closing;

            (f)        all leases and all amendments thereto, and any agreements conferring
rights to use or occupy the Property ;
            (g)        all as-built plans and specifications for all of the Improvements in Seller's
possession;
            (h)        all written warranties from third parties relating to the Improvements in
Seller's possession (the "Warranties");
            (i)        property condition, engineering and other reports in Seller's possession
relating to the condition of the Property;
            (j)        all requested financial information (the "Financial Statements"),
including (i) operating statements for each Property for the last three (3) years and current year to
date; and (ii) the audited financial statements for the Seller for the last three (3) years, and
current year to date;
            (k)        evidence of existing liability and hazard insurance;
            (l)        certificates of occupancy relating to each Parcel;
            (m)        any soils reports or geotechnical reports in Seller's possession regarding
any Property;
            (n)        sources and uses statement setting out the use of the proceeds of this
transaction;
            (o)        company and store-level financial projections; and
            (p)        any other documents in Seller's possession reasonably requested by
Purchaser relating to the Property and/or the Seller.
Seller has no actual knowledge that any of the documents or written information provided to
Purchaser by Seller or on its behalf in connection with the transaction is materially inaccurate or
incomplete or contains any material untrue statements of fact or omits any material fact.

      4.        Approval Period
            (a)        During the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the
date that is thirty (30) days after the later of (i) the Effective Date, or (ii) the date that Purchaser
receives the Due Diligence Items (the "Approval Period") (and if Purchaser does not terminate
this Agreement on or before expiration of the Approval Period, then at all times thereafter and
prior to the Close of Escrow or earlier termination of this Agreement pursuant to its terms),
Purchaser and its agents, consultants, representatives and employees shall be entitled to enter
upon the Properties and conduct any and all physical inspections of each Property which
Purchaser deems to be appropriate or necessary, including, without limitation, surveys, physical
inspections or examinations of the Improvements, soil tests, environmental studies and tests, and
any other due diligence investigation relating to Purchaser's proposed ownership of the
Properties. Purchaser shall not unreasonably interfere with the ongoing business conducted at
the Properties. As to any such investigation, Purchaser shall restore the Properties to the same
condition as existed prior to any such investigation, provided, however, that Purchaser shall have
no liability for or obligation to remedy any conditions or defects in, on, under or about any
Property (i) not caused by Purchaser, including those conditions and defects discovered during
Purchaser's investigations and inspections; (ii) resulting from the acts or omissions of Seller or
any of Seller's agents, engineers, contractors, consultants, employees or representatives, or other
prospective purchasers of any Property; or (iii) any losses, damages, liabilities, claims, costs and
expenses (including, without limitation, claims for diminution in value) in any way related to the
matters described in (i) and/or (ii) immediately above. Except with respect to the matters
described in subsections (i), (ii) and/or (iii) above, Purchaser agrees to indemnify and hold
harmless Seller from and against, and to reimburse Seller with respect to any and all claims,
demands, causes of action, loss, damage, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable
attorneys' fees and disbursements) asserted against or incurred by Seller by reason of or arising
out of any of Purchaser's on-site investigations. Prior to any entry on the Property by Purchaser
before the Closing, Purchaser shall advise Seller of the date and time of such entry and secure
and maintain a comprehensive general liability and property damage policy in an amount of not
less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000), which will cover the activities of Purchaser and its
agents on the Property and shall name Seller an additional insured thereunder.
            (b)        Prior to expiration of the Approval Period, Purchaser may elect to
terminate this Agreement for any reason or no reason by giving written notice of Purchaser's
election to terminate this Agreement to Seller or by failing to deliver any written notice to
Purchaser. If Purchaser fails to give such termination notice on or prior to the expiration of the
Approval Period, Purchaser shall be deemed to have elected to terminate this Agreement. Upon
such termination, the Deposit and all accrued interest thereon shall be returned to the Purchaser
and thereafter, neither party shall have any obligations or liabilities under this Agreement except
for those expressly intended to survive the termination of this Agreement. In the event Seller
fails to comply with its obligations as provided above or Purchaser elects to terminate this
Agreement as provided above, the Title Company shall upon receipt of a notice from Purchaser
stating either such circumstance, promptly return the Deposit and all interest accrued thereon to
Purchaser without the necessity of further instruction. Thereafter, this Agreement shall be null
and void and neither party shall have any further liability or obligation to the other except for
those obligations expressly intended to survive termination of this Agreement.
            (c)        During the Approval Period, Purchaser shall have the option of obtaining,
at Seller's sole cost and expense, a new title commitment for each Property (the "Title
Commitment") issued by a title company selected by Purchaser ("Title Company") and a new
survey of each Property (the "Survey"). In the event (i) a Survey shows any easement, right-of-
way, encroachment, conflict, protrusion or other matter affecting the Property that is
unacceptable to Purchaser, or (ii) any exceptions appear in any Title Commitment that are
unacceptable to Purchaser, Purchaser shall, within ten (10) days of Purchaser's receipt of the
Title Commitment (together with copies of all underlying documents) and Survey for all of the
Properties, notify Seller in writing of such facts and the reasons therefor (collectively, the
"Purchaser's Objections"). Upon the expiration of the Approval Period, except for Purchaser's
Objections if same are timely raised, Purchaser shall be deemed to have accepted the form and
substance of the Survey and all exceptions to the Title Commitment (except for those items
Seller is obligated to discharge as set forth in this Section 4(c)) and other items shown therein
(the "Permitted Exceptions"). No later than ten (10) days after delivery of Purchaser's
Objections, Seller shall notify Purchaser in writing as to whether Seller intends to take such
actions that are necessary to reasonably address Purchaser's Objections at or before the Closing.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein and except for any mortgages,
judgments, mechanics liens and security interests against any of the Properties (or against
property included within a Property) which Seller shall satisfy and remove at Closing, Seller
shall have no obligations to eliminate or modify any of the Purchaser's Objections (except that
Seller shall be obligated to deliver to the Title Company a customary owner's affidavit, gap
indemnity and such other similar agreements in order to enable the Title Company to insure
title). If Seller is unable or unwilling to eliminate or modify all of Purchaser's Objections to the
reasonable satisfaction of Purchaser, Purchaser may (as its sole and exclusive remedy) terminate
this Agreement by delivering notice thereof in writing to Seller and Title Company on or prior to
the date which is ten (10) days following expiration of the Approval Period, in which event, the
Deposit and all accrued interest thereon will be returned to Purchaser and thereafter, neither
party shall have any obligations or liabilities under this Agreement except for those expressly
intended to survive the termination of this Agreement.
      5.        Leases.
            (a)        Seller or a subsidiary of Seller and Purchaser will enter into a lease at
Closing with respect to each Property, and each such lease shall be on a lease form to be agreed
upon in writing between Seller and Purchaser during the Approval Period and attached hereto as
Exhibit C, with only such changes thereto as may be requested by Landlord's local counsel to
incorporate state-specific lease provisions. All of the leases described in this Section 5(a) are
referred to hereinafter collectively as the "Leases." The entity executing the Lease shall
sometimes be referred to herein as "Tenant."
            (b)        The initial aggregate annual Minimum Rent (as defined in each Lease)
under all of the Leases shall equal $1,485,422.00 and the annual Minimum Rent shall be
allocated among the Properties as more particularly set forth on Exhibit B attached hereto, which
allocation may be adjusted by Purchaser based on Purchaser's review of appraisals and other
factors with respect to each Property. The Annual Minimum Rent shall be subject to increase in
accordance with the terms of the Leases. The annual Minimum Rent under each Lease shall be
increased by four percent (4%) as of the commencement of the third lease year and shall be
increased annually thereafter by one and three-quarter percent (1.75%). The initial term of each
of the Leases shall be set forth on Exhibit B attached hereto and each of the Leases shall have
two (2) five-year extension options.
      6.        Representations and Warranties of Seller; Representations and Warranties
of Purchaser.
        Seller hereby makes all of the following representations and warranties, all of which
Seller represents are true and correct as of the Effective Date and again as of the Closing Date:
            (a)        Seller is duly created, validly existing and in good standing pursuant to the
laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and is duly qualified to do business and is in good
standing in the jurisdictions in which the Properties are situated.
            (b)        Seller is authorized and empowered to enter into this Agreement and
perform all of its obligations under this Agreement without any qualification whatsoever. This
Agreement is legally binding upon Seller and enforceable against Seller in accordance with all of
its provisions. The person signing this Agreement on behalf of Seller has been duly authorized
to sign and deliver this Agreement on behalf of Seller.
            (c)        The execution and delivery of this Agreement, and the performance of
Seller's obligations under this Agreement, will not violate or breach, or conflict with, the terms,
covenants or provisions of any agreement, contract, note, mortgage, indenture or other document
of any kind whatsoever to which Seller is a party or to which any Property is subject.
            (d)        At Closing, Seller will be the sole owner of good and marketable fee
simple title to each Property, subject only to the Permitted Exceptions. Except for the Permitted
Exceptions affecting a particular Property, there are, as of the Effective Date, and there will be,
as of the Closing, no other liens, encumbrances or matters affecting a Property.
            (e)        To Seller's knowledge, there has been no "release" of any hazardous
substances on or about any of the Properties or on or about any real property surrounding any of
the Properties which might affect any of the Properties. For the purposes of this Agreement, the
terms "hazardous substances" and "release" shall have the definitions used in the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 9601 et seq. ("Superfund
Act"); provided, however, that the definition of the term "hazardous substances" shall also
include (if not included within the definition contained in the Superfund Act), petroleum and
related by-products, hydrocarbons, radon, asbestos, urea formaldehyde and polychlorinated
biphenyl compounds ("PCBs"). To Seller's knowledge, none of the following are present on any
of the Properties: (a) any landfill, waste pile, underground storage tank or surface impoundment;
(b) any asbestos-containing materials; or (c) any PCB's.
            (f)        To Seller's knowledge (1) the existing use and condition of each Property
does not violate any zoning, environmental, building, health, fire or similar statute, ordinance,
regulation or code, (2) each Property is in compliance with all governmental permits and current
zoning requirements, including, all parking requirements, and each Property is not a non-
conforming or special use, and (3) each Property includes all rights to any off-site facilities
necessary to ensure compliance with zoning, building, health, fire, water use or similar statutes,
laws, regulations and orders.
            (g)        Seller has received no notice (written or otherwise) from any
governmental agency alleging a violation of any statute, ordinance, regulation or code with
respect to any of the Properties, whether or not such violation has been cured.
            (h)        There are no pending nor, to Seller's knowledge, threatened matters of
litigation, administrative action or examination, government investigation, claim or demand (a
"Claim") relating to the Seller, a Property or Seller's interest in a Property.
            (i)        There is no pending nor, to Seller's knowledge, contemplated or
threatened eminent domain, condemnation or other governmental taking or proceeding relating
to a Property or any part thereof.
            (j)        To Seller's knowledge, there are no public improvements in the nature of
off-site improvements (or otherwise) which have been ordered to be made and/or which have not
previously been assessed and there are no special or general assessments pending against or
affecting a Property which are not disclosed on the public records.
            (k)        Seller is not a party to, and no Property is subject to, any binding contract
or agreement of any kind whatsoever that will be binding on Purchaser after the Closing or that
is a sale or lease agreement pertaining to the Property, written or oral, with respect to such
Property, other than this Agreement.
            (l)        All bills and invoices for labor and material of any kind relating to each
Property have been paid in full and, as of the Closing Date, there will be no liens or other claims
outstanding or available to any party in connection with a Property.
            (m)        Seller has not executed or entered into any other binding agreement to
purchase, sell, option, lease, mortgage or otherwise dispose of or alienate all or any portion of
any of the Properties, other than this Agreement and the Leases.
            (n)        To Seller's knowledge, all of the Improvements on each Property are in
good working order, condition and repair and are not in need of repair or replacement (subject to
ordinary wear and tear).
            (o)        All utility services, including sanitary sewer, water, electric power and
telephone service, and to the extent required by applicable law, storm, are available to each
Property in form, properly sized and with capacity sufficient for the useful enjoyment and
operation of each Property for its intended use and all assessments, impact fees, development
fees, tap-on fees or recapture costs then due and payable in connection therewith will be paid
prior to Closing except the usual and customary charges involved in the ordinary course of
business and specifically identified in the budget that has been approved by Purchaser.
            (p)        No broker, finder, agent or other intermediary has or will have any right or
claim against Purchaser for any commission, finder's fee or similar amount arising in connection
with leases for space in Property entered into prior to the Closing, unless said right or claim is a
result of the actions of Purchaser with respect to such broker in connection with a Property or
unless such commission are both approved in writing by Purchaser.
            (q)        Each Property constitutes one tax parcel which does not include any real
estate other than the Parcel. The Property is not currently subject to a tax abatement. Any tax
rollback or additional tax due or which may become due as the result of a Property's having been
assessed with an agricultural, timber, open use or other special use designation within the
preceding five (5) years shall be paid by Seller or Seller's predecessor in title.
            (r)        Seller is not a "foreign person" as defined in Internal Revenue Code
Section 1445 and any related regulations.
            (s)        Seller and, to Seller's knowledge, no person or entity who owns a direct
interest in Seller is not now nor shall it be at any time during the term of this Agreement a person
or entity with whom a United States citizen or any entity organized under the laws of the United
States or its constituent states, including a financial institution (as defined under applicable
federal codes), is prohibited from transacting business of the type contemplated by this
Agreement, whether such prohibition arises under U.S. law, regulation, executive orders and lists
published by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury ("OFAC")
(including those executive orders and lists published by OFAC with respect to Specially
Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons) or otherwise. Seller represents and warrants that it
is in compliance with any and all applicable provisions of The United and Strengthening
America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of
2001, Pub. L. No. 107-56 (2001) (the "Patriot Act").
            (t)        Seller, nor any holder of a direct interest in Seller, to Seller's knowledge,
(a) is under investigation by any governmental authority for, or has been charged with, or
convicted of, money laundering, drug trafficking, terrorist related activities, any crimes which in
the United States would be predicate crimes to money laundering, or any violation of any Anti
Money Laundering Laws; (b) has been assessed civil or criminal penalties under any Anti Money
Laundering Laws; (c) has been convicted of any crimes involving moral turpitude or tax fraud;
and (d) has had any of its funds seized or forfeited in any action under any Anti Money
Laundering Laws. As used herein, "Anti Money Laundering Laws" means those laws,
regulations and sanctions, state and federal, criminal and civil, that (a) limit the use of and/or
seek the forfeiture of proceeds from illegal transactions; (b) limit commercial transactions with
designated countries or individuals believed to be terrorists, narcotics dealers or otherwise
engaged in activities contrary to the interests of the United States; (c) require identification and
documentation of the parties with whom a Financial Institution conducts business; or (d) are
designed to disrupt the flow of funds to terrorist organizations. Such laws, regulations and
sanctions shall be deemed to include the Patriot Act, the Bank Secrecy Act , the Trading with the
Enemy Act, 50 U.S.C. App. Section 1 et seq., the International Emergency Economic Powers
Act, 50 U.S.C. Section 1701 et seq., and the sanction regulations promulgated pursuant thereto
by the OFAC, as well as laws relating to prevention and detection of money laundering in 18
U.S.C. Sections 1956 and 1957.
Seller acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing representations and warranties constitute a
material inducement to Purchaser to enter into this Agreement. Seller further acknowledges and
agrees that the representations and warranties set forth above shall survive the Closing for a
period of one (1) year from the date of Closing. Seller agrees to indemnify, defend (with counsel
reasonably acceptable to Purchaser) and hold Purchaser harmless from and against all damages,
costs, expenses, claims and liabilities paid or incurred by Purchaser (including, but not limited to
reasonable attorneys fees and costs) as a result of any representation or warranty set forth above
not being true and correct.
        Purchaser hereby makes all of the following representations and warranties, all of
which Purchaser represents are true and correct as of the Effective Date and again as of the
Closing Date:
        (a)        Purchaser is duly created, validly existing and in good standing pursuant
to the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and is duly qualified to do business and is in
good standing in the jurisdictions in which the Properties are situated.
        (b)        Purchaser is authorized and empowered to enter into this Agreement and
perform all of its obligations under this Agreement without any qualification whatsoever. This
Agreement is legally binding upon Purchaser and enforceable against Purchaser in accordance
with all of its provisions. The person signing this Agreement on behalf of Purchaser has been
duly authorized to sign and deliver this Agreement on behalf of Purchaser.
        (c)        The execution and delivery of this Agreement, and the performance of
Purchaser's obligations under this Agreement, will not violate or breach, or conflict with, the
terms, covenants or provisions of any agreement, contract, note, mortgage, indenture or other
document of any kind whatsoever to which Purchaser is a party or to which any Property is
subject.
      7.        Covenants of Seller.
            (a)        Until the Closing, Seller shall operate and/or cause each Property to be
operated in accordance with prudent management and operating standards and practices, and
make or cause to be made all repairs, replacements and maintenance with respect to each
Property such that it is in good condition at Closing without the need at Closing for any repairs.
            (b)        Until the Closing, Seller shall pay on a timely basis all bills and discharge
all obligations arising from ownership, operation, management, repair and maintenance of each
Property.
            (c)        Until the Closing, Seller shall (i) keep (or cause to be kept) each Property
fully insured in accordance with prudent and customary practice; (ii) not alienate, encumber or
transfer any Property or any part thereof in favor of or to any other person or entity, and (iii) not
execute any new lease without Purchaser's prior written consent.
            (d)        From and after the Effective Date until the Closing Date, Seller shall
promptly give Purchaser written notice of any change in the status of title to any Property, and
Seller shall not encumber any Property with any liens, encumbrances or other instruments
creating a cloud on title or securing a monetary obligation with any Property.
            (e)        Prior to Closing, Seller shall not enter into any contract that will be
binding against any Property or the Purchaser after Closing without the prior written consent of
Purchaser, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
            (f)        Prior to Closing, Seller shall promptly notify Purchaser of any material
change, of which Seller has knowledge, with respect to the Property or any information
heretofore or hereafter furnished to Purchaser with respect to the Property, including, without
limitation, any such change which would make any portion of this Agreement, including the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein untrue or materially
misleading
            (g)        At any time up to and including the date of Closing, if the Financial
Statements delivered from time to time change in a material adverse manner or there is a change
in a material adverse manner from the latest Financial Statements delivered to Purchaser, or if
there is a material adverse change in the financial condition of Seller or the Properties, Purchaser
shall have the right in its sole discretion, upon written notice to Seller, to terminate this
Agreement. Upon such termination, the Deposit and all accrued interest thereon shall be
returned to Purchaser and neither party shall have any further obligations under this Agreement
except for those expressly intended to survive the termination of this Agreement.
      8.        Conditions to Purchaser's Obligation to Close. The obligations of Purchaser
under this Agreement are subject to satisfaction of all of the conditions set forth in this Section 8,
all of which must be satisfied as of the Closing, unless otherwise set forth below (the
"Conditions Precedent"). Purchaser may waive any or all of the Conditions Precedent in whole
or in part but any such waiver shall be effective only if made by Purchaser in writing. After the
Closing, any such Condition Precedent that has not been satisfied shall be treated as having been
waived in writing. No such waiver (whether in writing or deemed to have occurred at Closing)
shall constitute a waiver by Purchaser of any of its rights or remedies if Seller defaults in the
performance of any covenant or agreement to be performed by Seller or if Seller breaches any
representation or warranty made by Seller in this Agreement. If any condition set forth in this
Section 8 is not fully satisfied or waived in writing by Purchaser, this Agreement shall terminate,
the Deposit shall be promptly returned to Purchaser, and Seller shall not be released from
liability if Seller defaults in the performance of any such covenant or agreement to be performed
by Seller or if Seller breaches any such representation or warranty made by Seller before such
termination.

            (a)        At Closing, Tenant shall have executed and delivered two (2) Leases for each
Property to the Title Company, and Tenant shall have executed and delivered to Purchaser, and
Purchaser and Purchaser's lender shall have approved, a tenant estoppel certificate for each of
the Leases, in form and substance required by Purchaser or Purchaser's lender (collectively, the
"Estoppel Certificates"). If Seller or any affiliate or subsidiary of Seller is leasing any of the
Properties from Seller or any affiliate or subsidiary of Seller, Seller shall deliver to Purchaser
lease termination agreements in form and substance satisfactory to Purchaser.

            (b)        With respect to those Properties for which Parent is not executing the Lease,
Parent shall have entered into a Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement with respect to such Lease
guarantying Tenant's obligations under such Lease, in form and substance required by Purchaser
and containing such changes as may be recommended by Purchaser's local counsel (each, a
"Guaranty" and collectively, the "Guarantees"). Tenant shall have executed, acknowledged
and delivered to the Title Company, any subordination, non-disturbance and attornment
agreement required by Purchaser's lender for each Property (the "SNDA's").

            (c)        Seller shall have received a written opinion from counsel (which may be in-
house counsel) for Seller under each Lease stating that each Lease has been duly authorized,
executed and delivered by Seller; the execution and performance of each Lease by Seller will not
conflict with a result in a breach under any of the Seller's organizational documents or
agreements to which it is a party or by which it is bound; the Lease is enforceable in accordance
with its terms, subject to customary enforceability exceptions; and containing such other items
reasonably requested by Purchaser.

            (d)        Seller shall have delivered to Purchaser such partial termination of UCC-1
financing statements from Seller's lenders' so that the personal property and fixtures to be
conveyed by Seller to Purchaser in accordance with Section 1(a) of this Agreement can be
conveyed free and clear of all liens and security interests in favor of Seller's lenders.

            (e)        As of the Closing, no damage to a Property from fire, casualty or other
occurrence shall have occurred and not been repaired.

            (f)        No Property shall be the subject of any eminent domain or condemnation
proceedings, actual or, to Seller's knowledge, threatened.

            (g)        On or prior to the Closing there shall not have been filed by or against Seller a
petition in bankruptcy or a petition or answer seeking an assignment for the benefit of creditors,
the appointment of a receiver, trustee, liquidation or dissolution or similar relief under the U.S.
Bankruptcy Code or any state law, and there shall have been no material change in the financial
condition of Seller.

            (h)        All of Seller's representations and warranties in this Agreement or in any
certificate or document delivered or to be delivered in connection with this Agreement shall be
true, correct and complete in all material respects, and all covenants required to be performed by
Seller prior to Closing shall have been performed or satisfied.

            (i)        No order of any court or administrative agency shall be in effect which
restrains or prohibits the occupancy of the Improvements at each Property. No suit, action or
proceeding in which it will be, or it is, sought to restrain or prohibit the use or occupancy of the
Improvements at each Property.

            (j)        Purchaser shall have received copies of all temporary or permanent
certificates of approval or occupancy for the Improvements on each Parcel issued by the relevant
governmental authorities and all other certifications, permits, and licenses issued by the relevant
governmental authorities and all other Approvals as are necessary to occupy and use the Property
for its intended use.

            (k)        Seller shall deliver to Purchaser an as-built survey which shall not show any
defects, gaps, gores, encumbrances, easements, encroachments, rights of third parties or other
defects or matters with respect to the Property which render title unmarketable or which differ
from that shown on the Survey, other than the Permitted Exceptions, and which shall not indicate
any violations of any applicable building or zoning code.

            (l)         At the Closing, the Title Company shall be unconditionally and irrevocably
committed to issue to Purchaser an ALTA Extended Coverage Policy of Title Insurance for each
Property, containing such endorsements as Purchaser may require, insuring that fee simple
absolute title to the Property is vested in Purchaser, with liability limits equal to the allocated
portion of the Purchase Price for the subject Property, subject only to the Permitted Exceptions.

            (m)        Purchaser shall have received evidence reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser
that water, sewer, electric and telephone utilities have been installed, enter each Property through
streets dedicated to the public or public or private easements benefiting a Property and are fully
operational and are actually operating.

            (n)        Purchaser shall have received evidence there have been no violations of
environmental laws since the expiration of the Approval Period.

            (o)        Purchaser shall have received true and correct copies of all current property
tax bills and assessment notices pertaining to the Property.

            (p)        To the extent required by law, Purchaser shall have received evidence that
Seller has complied with any applicable bulk sales or similar laws in the state where each
Property is located and that Seller has given any notices (and/or paid any tax) required by local
law to be given or paid.

            (q)        Purchaser shall have received evidence that all of the insurance policies
required to be maintained by Seller, as the tenant, pursuant to each Lease are in full force and
effect, and that Purchaser and Purchaser's lender have been named as an additional insureds as
required under the Leases.

            (r)        At Closing (i) Seller shall deliver to Purchaser a certified balance sheet and
year to date income statement for Seller, both of which should be prepared as of the Closing Date
so as to reflect the economic impact of the sale of the Properties.

            (s)        Seller and Purchaser shall have agreed upon the form of Lease.

      9.        Closing. Seller and Purchaser shall consummate the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement (the "Closing" or the "Close of Escrow") through an escrow with the Title
Company acting as escrow agent. Unless otherwise mutually agreed to by Purchaser and Seller
in writing, the Closing shall occur fifteen (15) business days following expiration of the
Approval Period. Purchaser shall have the option to extend the foregoing date for an additional
ten (10) business days, by giving written notice to Seller at least three (3) days in advance, and
by sending an additional Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) (the "Extension
Deposit") to the Title Company to be held by the Title Company along with the Deposit. The
Extension Deposit shall be refundable or non-refundable to Purchaser on the same terms and
conditions as the Deposit, and shall be applicable to the Purchase Price at Closing. The date on
which Closing occurs is referred to herein as the "Closing Date". Seller and Purchaser may
submit individual escrow instructions to the title company, provided such instructions do not
conflict with the terms of this Agreement.
      10.        Seller's Obligations at the Closing. At the Closing and in connection with each
Property, Seller shall, at its sole cost and expense:
            (a)        execute and deliver to Purchaser a special warranty deed (in a form
approved by Purchaser) conveying fee simple title to each Property to Purchaser free and clear of
all exceptions, liens, or encumbrances whatsoever, excepting the Permitted Exceptions and the
Lease applicable to such Property (the "Deed"), together with a bill of sale for the Equipment at
each Property pursuant to which Seller shall convey to Purchaser the Equipment located at such
Property free and clear of all exceptions, liens or encumbrances whatsoever, except the Permitted
Exceptions. In connection therewith, Seller shall obtain at its expense whatever releases from
existing lenders are required (including releases and/or partial terminations of UCC-1 financing
statements) in order to effect the foregoing;
            (b)        cause the Title Company to furnish to Purchaser an owner's policy of title
insurance pursuant to the Title Commitment (the "Title Policy"), which shall be "later-dated" to
cover the Closing Date and the date on which the Deed is recorded;
            (c)        cause Tenant to execute and deliver to Purchaser the Leases and Estoppel
Certificates, and cause Tenant to execute, acknowledge and deliver the SNDAs to the Title
Company.
            (d)        with respect to the those Leases for which Parent is not executing the
Leases, cause Parent to execute and deliver to Purchaser the Guarantys;
            (e)        deliver an opinion of legal counsel regarding (A) the due authorization,
execution and delivery of the Leases by Tenant and (B) that no consent or approval is required
for the execution and delivery of the Leases by Tenant;
            (f)        deliver to Purchaser with copies of all certificates of occupancy, licenses,
permits, authorizations and approvals required by law and issued by all governmental authorities
having jurisdiction over the Property to the extent required by law to be in the name of the
Purchaser, together with an assignment of all such warranties, certificates of occupancy, licenses,
permits, authorizations and approvals where permitted by law together with copies of all
certificates issued by any local board of fire underwriters (or other body exercising similar
functions) and the copies of each bill for current real estate and personal property taxes;
            (g)        deliver evidence of the insurance policies required to be maintained by
Tenant under the Lease, naming Purchaser and Purchaser's lender as additional insureds;
            (h)        comply with all of Seller's obligations pursuant to this Agreement and not
be in default hereunder;
            (i)        execute and deliver a closing statement itemizing the Purchase Price and
all adjustments thereto as provided herein; and
            (j)        execute and deliver such other documents or instruments as may be
required under this Agreement, by the Title Company or as otherwise required in Purchaser's
reasonable opinion, to effectuate the Closing.
      11.        Purchaser's Obligations at Closing. Subject to the terms, conditions, and
provisions hereof, and contemporaneously with the performance by Seller of its obligations
under Section 10 above, Purchaser shall:
            (a)        pay the balance of the Purchase Price to the Title Company for
disbursement pursuant to Seller's closing statement;
            (b)        execute and deliver a closing statement itemizing the Purchase Price and
all adjustments thereto as provided herein;
            (c)        execute and deliver the Leases; and
            (d)        execute and deliver such other documents or instruments as may be
reasonably requested by the Title Company, or required under this Agreement, to effectuate the
Closing.
      12.        Closing Costs. At the Closing, Seller shall pay (a) the cost of preparation of the
Deed, (b) all real estate transfer taxes and fees, documentary stamp taxes and intangible taxes,
(c) all premiums and fees related to the purchaser's title commitment and Title Policy for each
Property (excluding the cost of any title policy to be issued to Purchaser's lender, if any),
including costs for all endorsements to Purchaser's owner's title insurance policies; (d) all escrow
and recording charges, fees and expenses, (e) the cost of any Phase I environmental studies or
reports, the cost of any Phase II environmental studies and reports, or engineering or property
condition reports relating to the Properties, including any updates thereof required by Purchaser,
(f) the cost of any appraisals relating to the Properties, (g) the cost of the Survey and all updates
or changes thereto required by Purchaser, (h) the cost of any zoning reports required by
Purchaser, (i) the cost of any background checks on the principals of Seller, and (j) the cost of
paying for any transfer of any permit required by applicable law, or the cost of any required
inspection required by applicable law, or the cost of purchaser having to obtain any building or
occupancy permit as may be required by applicable law. If requested by Purchaser, Seller agrees
to directly and promptly engage and pay for any environmental or zoning consultant, surveyor,
or other third party reports that Seller is obligated to pay for under this Section 12. Subject to
Section 16 hereof, Seller and Purchaser shall each pay their own attorneys' fees and costs.
Purchaser shall pay all fees due and owing to Purchaser's lender.
      13.        Prorations. In connection with each Property, Seller shall pay in full, on or
before Closing, all general real estate taxes and special assessments (a) for the years prior to the
current calendar year, and (b) for the current calendar year only if then due and payable. Seller
shall not receive any credit for prepaid taxes or assessments. Rent (as defined and due) under the
Leases for the balance of the month in which Closing occurs, and for the entire month
immediately following the month in which Closing occurs, shall be paid to Purchaser at Closing.
      14.        Default by Seller. In the event that Seller should fail to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement for any reason, excepting the failure of any of the
Purchaser's obligations at Closing under Section 11 above to be satisfied or waived, Purchaser
may (a) seek any one or more remedies available under the law, in equity (including the right to
specifically enforce this Agreement) or otherwise, (b) proceed to consummate this transaction
without waiving its right to seek any remedy based upon such default, or (c) terminate this
Agreement and receive back the Deposit and all accrued interest thereon from the Title
Company, in either event by giving prompt written notice thereof to Seller, and without waiving
its right to seek any and all remedies at law and equity based upon such default. In the event
Purchaser elects to terminate this Agreement, neither Seller nor Purchaser shall have any further
obligations under this Agreement except for those expressly intended to survive the termination
of this Agreement. The rights and remedies of Purchaser set forth in this Section 14 shall survive
the termination of this Agreement.
      15.        Default by Purchaser. IN THE EVENT PURCHASER SHOULD FAIL TO
CONSUMMATE THE TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREIN FOR ANY
REASON, EXCEPT (1) DEFAULT OR BREACH BY SELLER; (2) THE FAILURE OF
ANY OF SELLER'S OBLIGATIONS UNDER SECTION 10 ABOVE TO BE SATISFIED
OR WAIVED BY PURCHASER, OR (3) THE FAILURE OF ANY PURCHASER
CONDITION TO CLOSING SET FORTH UNDER SECTION 8 ABOVE, SELLER MAY
TERMINATE THIS AGREEMENT BY GIVING PROMPT WRITTEN NOTICE
THEREOF TO PURCHASER AND AS ITS SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY, IN
SUCH EVENT, PURCHASER SHALL BE LIABLE TO SELLER FOR LIQUIDATED
DAMAGES IN THE AMOUNT OF THE DEPOSIT AND ALL ACCRUED INTEREST
THEREON ONLY AND THE TITLE COMPANY SHALL PAY THE DEPOSIT AND
ALL ACCRUED INTEREST THEREON TO SELLER, AND NEITHER SELLER NOR
PURCHASER SHALL HAVE ANY FURTHER OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS
AGREEMENT. SELLER AND PURCHASER AGREE THAT IT WOULD BE
EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND IMPRACTICAL TO DETERMINE WITH ANY
DEGREE OF CERTAINTY THE AMOUNT AND EXTENT OF DETRIMENT TO
SELLER IF PURCHASER SHOULD FAIL OR REFUSE TO PERFORM ACCORDING
TO THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT. ACCORDINGLY, THE SELLER AND
PURCHASER HEREBY AGREE THAT FORFEITURE OF THE DEPOSIT AND ALL
ACCRUED INTEREST THEREON SHALL BE CONSIDERED TO BE A FAIR AND
REASONABLE AMOUNT UNDER SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES AND SELLER'S SOLE
AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY. BY PLACING THEIR INITIALS BELOW EACH
PARTY SPECIFICALLY CONFIRMS THE ACCURACY OF THE STATEMENTS
MADE ABOVE AND THE FACT THAT EACH PARTY WAS REPRESENTED BY
COUNSEL WHO EXPLAINED, AT THE TIME THIS AGREEMENT WAS MADE, THE
CONSEQUENCES OF THIS LIQUIDATED DAMAGES PROVISION.
      PURCHASER: ________________        SELLER: ______________________
      16.        Attorney's Fees. Should either Seller or Purchaser employ an attorney or
attorneys to enforce any of the provisions hereof or to protect its interest in any matter arising
under this Agreement or to recover damages for the breach of this Agreement, the losing party
agrees to pay the prevailing party all reasonable costs, charges, and expenses, including
reasonable attorney's fees, expended or incurred by it in connection therewith.
      17.        Brokerage Commissions. Each party represents to the other that no broker other
than Glen Kunofsky of Marcus & Millichap has been involved in this transaction. At the
Closing, Seller shall pay each of such broker a real estate commission pursuant to a separate
agreement. Seller and Purchaser agree that if any claim for brokerage commissions are ever
made against Seller or Purchaser in connection with this transaction, all claims shall be handled
and paid by the party whose actions or alleged commitments form the basis of such claim. Seller
agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Purchaser harmless from any loss, liability, damage, cost,
or expense (including, without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees) paid or incurred by
Purchaser by reason of any claim to any broker's, finder's, or other fee in connection with this
transaction by any party claiming by, through, or under Seller. Except as provided in the
foregoing sentence, Purchaser agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Seller harmless from any
loss, liability, damage, cost or expense (including, without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees)
paid or incurred by Seller by reason of any claim to any broker's, finder's, or other fee in
connection with this transaction by any party claiming by, through, or under Purchaser, which
obligation of each party shall survive the Closing.
      18.        Risk of Loss. All risk of loss or damage to each Property prior to Closing,
including, without limitation, loss by fire, windstorm, or other casualty (collectively, a
"Casualty") or by condemnation, eminent domain or similar proceedings or threat thereof
(collectively, a "Taking"), shall rest with Seller. If, prior to the Closing, any Property is
damaged by a Casualty which costs in excess of $50,000 to repair or rebuild or is the subject of a
Taking, Seller shall give Purchaser written notice thereof and Purchaser shall have the option,
exercisable by written notice to Seller within ten (10) business days after the occurrence of such
Casualty or Taking, to either:
            (a)        accept title to such Property without any reduction of the Purchase Price,
in which event, at the Closing and subject to the rights and obligations of Tenant under the Lease
for such Property, Seller shall assign to Purchaser all of Seller's right, title and interest to any
insurance or condemnation proceeds payable to Seller or its successors or assigns by reason of
such Casualty or Taking in connection with such Property, and pay over to Purchaser any monies
theretofore received by Seller in connection with such fire or other Casualty or Taking; or
            (b)        terminate this Agreement as to the Property suffering the Casualty and
receive 1/5th of the Deposit from the Title Company representing the amount of the Deposit
associated with such Property, in which event neither Seller nor Purchaser shall have any further
obligations under this Agreement with respect to such Property except for those expressly
intended to survive the termination of this Agreement.
In the event Purchaser shall fail to exercise either such option within such ten (10) business day
period, Purchaser shall be deemed to have elected the option set forth in the foregoing clause (b)
with regard to the Property suffering the Casualty or Taking.
      19.        Assignability. Neither Purchaser nor Seller may assign its respective obligations
hereunder without the consent of the other; provided, however, that Purchaser may, without such
consent, assign this Agreement to any of its affiliates or subsidiaries.
      20.        Notices; Calculation of Time Periods. Any notice to be given or to be served
upon either party hereto in connection with this Agreement must be in writing and shall be given
by certified or registered mail (return receipt requested), by overnight express delivery or
facsimile (followed by hard copy by either of the two preceding methods of delivery) and shall
be deemed to have been given upon receipt. Such notice shall be given the parties hereto at the
following addresses:
To Seller:        Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc.
        International Parkway
        Suite 100
        Heathrow, Florida 32746
        Attention: Vice President, Real Estate
                Fax: (407) 833-9625

With a copy to:        Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc.
                500 International Parkway
                Suite 100
                Heathrow, Florida 32746
                Attention: General Counsel
                Fax: (407) 833-9625

To Purchaser:        Sovereign Investment Company                
                125 Village Boulevard
        Suite 320
        Princeton, New Jersey 08540
        Attention: President/CEO
        Facsimile: (609) 986-2410
                
With copies to:        Sovereign Investment Company
                777 California Avenue
                Palo Alto, CA 94304
                Attn: General Counsel
                Fax: (650) 213-8183

Either party hereto may at any time, by giving five (5) days written notice to the other, designate
any other address in substitution of any of the foregoing addresses to which such notice shall be
given and other parties to whom copies of all notices hereunder shall be sent. The term "Day' or
"days" refers to calendar days and unless otherwise specified, in computing any period of time
described herein, the day of the act or event after which the designated period of time begins to
run is not to be included and the last day of the period so computed is to be included at, unless
such last day is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday for national banks in the location where the
Property is located, in which event the period shall run until the end of the next day which is
neither a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.

      21.        Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the
benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.
      22.        Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement between
Seller and Purchaser with respect to the subject matter hereof, and all prior agreements between
Seller and Purchaser with respect to such subject matter shall have no further force or effect,
including, without limitation, the Proposal Letter.
      23.        Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of New Jersey.
      24.        Modification. This Agreement may only be modified or otherwise amended by a
written instrument executed by duly authorized representatives of Seller and Purchaser.
      25.        Time of Essence. Time is of the essence of this Agreement.
      26.        Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts,
each of which shall constitute an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the
same instrument.
      27.        Confidentiality. Purchaser and Seller at all times prior to the Close of Escrow
shall keep the transactions contemplated hereby and all documents received from each other
confidential, except to the extent necessary to (a) comply with applicable laws and regulations,
(b) discuss the same with such party's principals, consultants, attorneys, financial sources and
advisors, and (c) carry out the obligations set forth herein. Any disclosure pursuant to clause (b)
of the preceding sentence shall indicate that the information is confidential and should be so
treated by the recipient.
      28.        Cooperation with Sales. From and after both the Effective Date and the Closing,
Seller covenants and agrees to cooperate with Purchaser in connection with Purchaser's sales of
the Properties, such cooperation to include, without limitation, the following: (a) consenting to
Purchaser's disclosure of Seller's store level financial statements to prospective purchasers and
providing such purchasers with copies thereof; (b) consenting to Purchaser's disclosure of the
results of any background check on any of Seller's principals and providing such purchasers with
copies thereof`; and (c) consenting to Purchaser's providing any prospective purchasers of any of
the Properties with copies of the relevant Lease, Guaranty, Estoppel Certificate, and any other
documents relative to the subject Property. Seller hereby consents to the matters set forth in
subsections (a), (b) and (c) and agrees that no further consents or approvals are required of Seller
in connection therewith. Seller agrees that Purchaser's disclosures under this Section 28 are not
a violation or breach of Section 27 above. Seller's obligations under this Section 28 shall
survive the Closing.
      
      
      29.        Effectiveness of Agreement. This Agreement shall not be effective or binding
on any party until fully executed by all parties hereto, but shall be interpreted as an offer under
control of the offeror prior to such acceptance.
      30.        Further Assurances. Seller and Purchaser agree to perform such other acts, and
to execute, acknowledge, and/or deliver prior to or subsequent to the Closing such other
instruments, documents and other materials as Seller or Purchaser may reasonably request in
order to effectuate the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and to vest title to
the Properties in Purchaser.
[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
      

      

31.        Exclusivity. At all times from and after the Effective Date until expiration of the
Approval Period or the termination of this Agreement, whichever first occurs, Seller agrees not
to solicit, encourage, accept or provide factual information or negotiate with respect to, any offer
to purchase the Properties from any person or entity other than Purchaser hereunder.
      32.        Joint and Several. If more than one person or entity executes this Agreement as
the Seller hereunder, then each of such persons or entities constituting Seller shall be jointly and
severally liable for all covenants, conditions, provisions and agreements of the Seller under this
Agreement.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Purchase Agreement
effective as of the Effective Date.
                        
SELLER:
RUTH'S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC.
                                        
By /s/ Robert M. Vincent
Its _EVP/CFO______
PURCHASER:
SOVEREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANY,
a California corporation


By: _/s/ Pete Mavoidos____
Name: _Pete Mavoidos________
Its: _President________________

By: _/s/ Craig Vachris__________
Name: _Craig Vachris____________
Its: __Vice President______________

RCSH OPERATIONS, INC., a California
corporation

By: _/s/ Robert M. Vincent___
Name: __Robert M. Vincent___
Its: ___ EVP/CFO ________________

RCSH OPERATIONS, LLC, a Louisiana
limited liability company
By:    Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc., a   
Delaware corporation, its sole member,
manager

By: _/s/ Robert M. Vincent___
Name: Robert M. Vincent_______
Its: __ EVP/CFO _____________

RHG KINGFISH, LLC, a Florida limited
liability company
By:    Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc., a   
Delaware corporation, its sole member,
manager

By: ___/s/ Robert M. Vincent ____
Name: _ Robert M. Vincent ____
Its: ___ EVP/CFO ____________

EXHIBIT A
LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PROPERTIES
[attached]

EXHIBIT B

Property Address
Allocated
Purchase Price
Allocated
Annual
Minimum
Monthly Rent
Initial Term*
3633 Veterans Blvd., Matarie, LA
$3,550,296
$300,000
240 full calendar months
74-70 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA
$4,579,882
$387,000
240 full calendar months
1245 Olentangy River Road, Grandview, OH
$3,266,272
$276,000
240 full calendar months
6700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
$3,022,746
$255,422
240 full calendar months
661 US Highway 1 North, N. Palm Beach, FL
$3,159,763
$267,000
144 full calendar months

* If the commencement of the initial Term commences on a day other than the first day of the
calendar month, then the initial Term will be measured from the first day of the month following
the month in which the initial Term commences.

EXHIBIT C

FORM LEASE AGREEMENT
[to be attached during the Approval Period]
1

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