Episode description

Best-selling author, TedX speaker, James Beard semifinalist, mental health advocate, and restaurateur Steve Palmer is a food & beverage industry leader with more than 40 years of experience.

As founder, managing partner, and chief vision officer of the award-winning Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG), Steve has played an integral role in growing the Charleston, SC-based hospitality company from one restaurant in 2009 to a portfolio of more than 30 restaurants and independent hotels throughout the country today. He maintains the philosophy that great service starts with well-cared-for employees and attributes the company’s success to its loyal and dedicated team. By promoting from within and continuously creating new opportunities for his staff, Steve has developed a people-first culture built on an unwavering, high level of care and hospitality.

Nationally recognized in titles like The New York Times, NPR, and Southern Living, Steve is a four-time semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation Outstanding Restaurateur Award, with his most recent nomination in 2024 for his work with colleague Kimball Brienza at O-Ku’s Charleston location. He also became a best-selling author when he published Say Grace: How the Restaurant Business Saved My Life in 2019.

His proudest accomplishment to date was co-founding Ben’s Friends with close friend and fellow longtime industry veteran Mickey Bakst to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to professionals who struggle with substance abuse and addiction. An avid proponent of supporting people and communities, Steve serves as an active member on several industry boards and annual fundraising events, as well as lends his voice to influential events like TedX Charleston and Charleston Wine + Food Festival, speaking on personal passions like building strong company cultures and addiction/recovery.

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