STEVE
PALMER
Founder
Best-selling author, TedX speaker, James Beard semifinalist, industry leader, mental health advocate, restaurateur, and more, Steve Palmer is founder, managing partner and most significantly, chief vision officer, of the nationally recognized Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG). The Charleston-based hospitality company has thoughtfully grown from one restaurant to more than twenty throughout the country, along with a growing portfolio of independent hotels.
Palmer attributes the company’s successful growth to his loyal and dedicated team. He maintains the philosophy that great service starts with well cared for employees. By promoting from within and continuing to create new opportunities for his staff, Palmer has developed a strong company culture that is reflected within the walls of each of his concepts, resulting in an unwavering level of hospitality experienced by guests and patrons.
Beginning as a dishwasher at the age of 13, Palmer’s hospitality career has guided him from the kitchens of Atlanta to F&B Director roles, to consulting in award-winning destinations, and courting guests with his unmistakable charm when working the floor.
With numerous wins under his belt, along with a few learning lessons, Palmer launched what would become his proudest accomplishment in 2016 when he co-founded Ben’s Friends with friend Mickey Bakst. The food and beverage industry support group offering hope, fellowship, and a path forward to professionals who struggle with substance abuse and addiction. He has been recognized by The New York Times, Forbes, NPR, Food & Wine, and more.
An avid proponent of supporting people and communities, Palmer is active on industry boards, leads annual fund-raising events and continues to ask how he can help.
Prominent Press Features
Steve Palmer and The Indigo Road have been featured in prominent publications for their work in hospitality, sobriety advocacy, and more. Explore the stories below:
- The New York Times: “A Sobering Challenge for Restaurants”
- The New York Times: “A Teacher, an Artist, a Scientist and More. They’re All Visionaries.”
- The New York Times: “The Hard-Knocks Restaurant World Discovers Wellness.”
- NPR: “Ben’s Friends: A Support Group For Restaurant Workers Battling Addiction”
- Forbes: “How One Restaurateur Is Helping Others In The Industry Battle Addiction”
- Food & Wine: “How One Restaurateur Is Helping Chefs and Servers Get Sober”
- Southern Living: “How One Southern Restaurateur Is Helping Industry Workers Battle Addiction”
- Atlanta Magazine: “Ben’s Friends Offers Support to Restaurant Workers Struggling with Addiction”
- Charleston Magazine: “Restaurateur Steve Palmer Recounts His Journey from Addiction to Recovery”
- The Post and Courier: “Charleston Restaurateur Steve Palmer Named a James Beard Semifinalist”
LEADERSHIP TEAM
STEVE
PALMER
Founder
Jennifer
Dailey
Accounting
Kevin
Krapp
Atlanta Region Operations
KATHARINE
AMES
PR & Marketing
JENNIFER
KRAPP
Front of House Operations
CHRIS
AMATO
Culture
Jeremiah
Bacon
Executive Chef and Culinary Purchasing
Kimball
brienza
O-Ku Operations
Christa
Polinksy
Events & Catering
Cullen
Wyatt
Restaurant Development
ANNE
WHITE
Pastry
HANNAH
WILSON
Admin
GABRIEL PEREZ
Hotel Operations
Samy
Eltoukhy
Finance
Vonda
Freeman
Wine Programs
SAM
TROTTER
Digital Experience
Justin
Shoener
Restaurant Financial Operations
KEVIN
GETZEWICH
Independent Culinary Concepts
MASA HAMAYA
O-Ku Culinary