Elderberry House file photo

Each week, The Business Journal publishes a new ranked list of industry-leading companies in the Central Valley. Our most recent list, from the Aug. 11 edition, featured Fine Dining Establishments. 

Business Journal Researcher Alex Light surveys hundreds of companies in advance of each week’s list. Out of the several questions on our email surveys, there is one ranking criterion. For Fine Dining Establishments, it was the average price of an entree. 

Here’s a quick tour of our 2023 Fine Dining Establishments list.

Holding its rank of No. 1 is The Elderberry House in Oakhurst, with an average entree price of $120. Formerly known as Erna’s Elderberry House, the luxury resort and restaurant changed hands about five years ago. It’s owned by DDR Hospitality, a second-generation family business that also operates boutique hotels and fine dining in Solvang and San Francisco. Jonathan Rosenson is the chief operating officer of Los Angeles-based DDR Hospitality. Ethan de Graaff is the head chef.

At No. 2 is Ruth’s Chris Steak House at River Park in Fresno with an average entree price of $100. Around 2019, the Fresno location of the high-end steakhouse renewed its lease and underwent major renovations including a new public patio area, paint, decor and revamped banquet rooms. Chef Roy Young leads the kitchen.

No. 3 on our Fine Dining Establishments list is Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, with an average entree price of $60. Chukchansi Gold recently hired Klaus Feyersinger as executive chef, with decades of experience at Harrah’s Entertainment (now Caesars Entertainment) resorts, most recently at the popular Harrah’s and Harvey’s Lake Tahoe properties.

Rounding out the top-10 Fine Dining Establishments lists include 13 Prime Steak in Clovis, Tommy’s Restaurant in Visalia and newly opened Saizon in Fresno.

A new list is published each week in The Business Journal. To subscribe, visit our website. For your company to be considered for our lists, contact Researcher Alex Light.