Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q to Host Celebration of Life for Past Employee

Ruth’s Chris Steak House at Silver Shells Resort and Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q invite the community, loyal patrons and guests to a Celebration of Life fundraiser for Joel Iral, a long-time employee of both restaurants who was killed in a vehicle-involved scooter accident on Thursday, March 27, 2019. Ruth’s Chris Steak House will host the fundraiser in their Courtyard Bar & Terrace on Tuesday, May 14, from 6- 9 p.m.

Originally from the Philippines, Iral has worked for Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q for the past ten years and was the first employee of their Destin location in 2009. He also worked at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in the evenings. Iral is survived by five children, his wife, two brothers, mother, and father all of which live in the Philippines, and a sister who lives in England. Iral worked two jobs in order to support not only himself, but all of his family members back in his home country.

One hundred percent of the money donated and raised through the live and silent auctions at the Celebration of Life will be used to bring Iral’s body back to the Philippines and to help pay for his children’s college education, something he dedicated his life to doing. Currently, two of his children are enrolled in college while the other three ha already graduated.

“He never asked for much and was always willing to give back and help others,” said Rich Rylke, owner of Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q Destin.

Iral is fondly remembered for his friendly nature, warm smile and authentic Filipino cooking, something he made for the Ruth’s Chris staff when they had ‘family meals’ every Thursday night before service. He was also named as the employee of the month at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in 2018, but instead of using the awarded gift certificate for himself, he gave it to a friend who had never eaten at the restaurant. This is just one example of Iral’s giving spirit and compassionate nature.

“You would never find him without a smile on his face and he just had a really good soul – something that is hard to come by these days,” said Mike Sable, Ruth’s Chris’ General Manager. “He will certainly be missed by the friends, staff, and customers alike.”

The Joel Iral Celebration of Life fundraiser is free to attend and open to the public. Guests are invited to stop by and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres by both Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q, a silent auction, live music by Michael J Thomas, and participate in a live auction conducted by Luxury Estates Auction Company. Donations will be accepted throughout the night as well. For those who cannot attend, a GoFundMe account has been created and donations can be made at www.GoFundMe.com/JoelIral. Donations may also be dropped off at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Destin, located at 15000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, or across the street at Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q, located at 14073 Emerald Coast Pkwy.

For area businesses interested in donating an auction item, please contact Jessica Bracken at (850) 460-7777 or jessica@proffittpr.com

About Ruth’s Chris Steak House

It all started in 1965 when Ruth Fertel mortgaged her home to buy a little steak house in New Orleans called Chris Steak House. As the reputation grew, Ruth expanded and added her name to the original. That’s how the uniquely named Ruth’s Chris Steak House was born. Today, this fine dining restaurant features expertly executed seafood, New Orleans inspired appetizers, unforgettable desserts and the freshest prime steaks, served to perfection on a sizzling plate. Centrally located in Destin, Florida, the restaurant is open seven days a week, offering dinner at 5 p.m. and Happy Hour daily 5-7 p.m. To make a reservation call 850-837- RUTH (7884). For more information, visit www.ruthschrisdestin.com or find Ruth’s Chris Steak House Destin, FL on Facebook.

About Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q

Jim ‘N Nick’s style of bar-b-q is a labor of love developed by Jim Pihakis and his son Nick Pihakis and was then passed on to local owners across the country. The brand’s first unit was opened in Birmingham, AL in 1985. Today there are 40 Jim ‘N Nick’s locations (and growing) in Colorado, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina, making Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q, one of the South’s most well-respected restaurant groups. After more than 34 years, the company’s commitment to traditional recipes, scratch-made integrity without shortcuts, freezers or microwaves, showcasing genuine community service, and a deep respect and appreciation for their customers, has set them apart from the rest. The company is passionate about community involvement and partners with numerous national and localnon-profits such as Children in Crisis, Jones Valley Teaching Farm, the Southern Foodways Alliance, Seaside Neighborhood School, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Shelter House Domestic Violence Center of Okaloosa/Walton County and numerous others who share in the spirit of caring for the community. That spirit of community is a key element of what guides the business philosophy and fuels the fire in the pits every day at Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q. For local store hours and menus, please visit www.jimnnicks.com and follow @jimnnicksbbq on Twitter and Instagram.