HEATHROW, Fla. (AP) -- Ruth's Hospitality Group Inc., owner of Ruth's Chris Steak House, said Tuesday that it named Cosi Inc. Chairman Robert Merritt as a board member.

Merritt will serve as one of five independent directors and will join the audit committee. The board now totals six members.

Merritt will be up for election at the 2010 annual shareholders meeting.

Ruth's Hospitality also owns Mitchell's Fish Market, Mitchell's Steakhouse and Cameron's Steakhouse.

The company's stock added 3 cents to $2.99 in afternoon trading.