Susan is the source of one of the restaurant’s major claims to fame - its signature desserts. Rarely, if ever, has a review or article about the Ruggles dining experience concluded without giving rave attention to the dessert selection. That’s well deserved attention, of course, but it’s even more special in that a Ruggles’ entrée is known to never leave an appetite wanting. Susan’s desserts truly play second to none in Houston. Made each day at Ruggles, these sweet finales are testimonials to an art of making simple, all-American desserts into show-stoppers. From her White Chocolate Bread Pudding, a featured dessert in Betty Crocker Holiday Book, to her Oreo Cheesecake, Carrot Cake or Chocolate Crème Brule Cheese Cake “Best Houston Dessert”, the quality of desserts at Ruggles has taught thousands the benefits of dining restraint during a meal’s early courses. Suprisingly considering the look, size and names of her creations, the petite Susan is very aware and a great practitioner of healthy eating. Her philosophy is to eat healthy, cut out fat when you can and use the freshest ingredients available. She says, “If you enjoy desserts, do it in moderation, but when you do it, do it BIG.” Susan graduated from James Madison University in Virginia with a Bachelor’s Degree in business and restaurant management. It was there she me here future husband, Bruce, and after he graduated with honors from the Culinary Institute of America in 1982, the two married. They then moved to Houston. The two took their partnership into business in 1986 when they arrived at Ruggles, becoming full owners a year later. Besides wife, partner and dessert chef, Susan also has the full-time title of mother to the couple’s two daughters. Amazingly, though, she is still the brightest face in the restaurant most evenings and days, volunteers for a number of organizations and causes and finds the time to entertain and stay in contact with friends. She also remains extremely close to her family in Virginia. The incredible, ongoing popularity of Ruggles is a combination of the amazing talents she and Bruce possess, but Susan is proof once and for all that behind every successful entrée is a great dessert. While Bruce wages war in the Kitchen, Susan is out front, helping to create a feeling of friendship and warmth. Most of the time, you’ll see Susan talking to customers, ensuring that the service is up to par & discussing upcoming events at Club Flamingo. Because she meets & greets everyone, she knows most by first name. Susan is the first to admit that she enjoys the excitement of a super busy night & should a challenge arise - she’s there to resolve them & make sure that customers have a reason to return.