Ruth’s Chris Steak House and other chains return federal loans amid criticism from public and the government

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is returning the $20 million in funds it received from the stimulus package’s Paycheck Protection Program, the latest in a line of major chains that have backpedaled on their acceptance of government loans amid a fierce backlash.

Publicly traded companies like Ruth’s Chris, Shake Shack, and Kura Sushi — all of whom, along with 100-plus location Sweetgreen, recently announced