Baton Rouge restaurateur and philanthropist T.J. Moran, who founded TJ Ribs and Ruffino’s and opened the area’s first Ruth’s Chris Steak House franchise, has died.

Scott Miller, a spokesman for the family, confirmed Moran died early Monday. He was 84.

Moran opened the first Ruth’s Chris Steak House franchise in 1976 in Prairieville and ultimately became the company’s largest franchisee with about a dozen locations. Ten years later, he founded TJ Ribs in Baton Rouge, which over the years grew into a favorite gathering spot for politicians and LSU athletic officials. He also operated the Ninfa’s franchise in Baton Rouge and was a founder of Ruffino’s.

In recent years, Moran sold his restaurants, keeping only a small interest in the Baton Rouge-based Ruth’s Chris.

Funeral arrangements are pending.