Chris
Amato

Culture

Christopher Amato first joined the Indigo Road Hospitality Group in 2015 where he served as a vital member of O-Ku Atlanta’s opening team. In 2017, after ascending the ranks, Amato moved to open O-Ku’s neighboring Italian sister restaurant, Donetto, in the nearby Stockyards development, where he took on the role of Assistant General Manager. Shortly thereafter, he moved into the General Manager position, where he oversaw day-to-day operations and set an example of professional, comforting, and charismatic hospitality. Chris returned to his roots, rejoining the O-Ku Atlanta team as General Manager in early April 2020, assisting the restaurant in reopening its doors and welcoming patrons back to their beloved West Midtown eatery.

In early 2022, Amato joined the IRHG senior leadership team as the Director of Culture. In this newly created role, he works alongside new and existing leaders to uphold and teach IRHG standards of internal hospitality, staff and guest engagement, and sustainable and productive team building. Chris also assists with the opening of new concepts, spearheading the training of all dining room employees. 

Amato’s early interest in food stemmed from his family’s Italian heritage and love of entertaining at home, which ultimately inspired him to pursue a career in the restaurant and hospitality industry. In 2013, he graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI with degrees in culinary arts and food service management. Following graduation, Amato worked at Jean-George’s Spice Market in New York City before relocating to Atlanta and joining Ford Fry’s team. During his tenure with Fry, Chris worked at The Optimist prior to opening St. Cecilia in Buckhead and Superica in Alpharetta’s Avalon development. 

While not on property, Amato enjoys working out, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, and caring for his pit bull, Duke.