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Chris Amato Photo

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. 

LEADERSHIP TEAM

STEVE
PALMER

Founder

Jennifer
Dailey

Accounting

Kevin Krapp
Kevin
Krapp

Atlanta Region Operations

Christa
Polinksy

Events & Catering

Katharine Ames
KATHARINE
AMES

PR & Marketing

Jennifer Krapp
JENNIFER
KRAPP

Front of House Operations

Chris Amato Photo
CHRIS
AMATO

Culture

Jeremiah
Bacon

Executive Chef and Partner

Cullen
Wyatt

Restaurant Development

Katharine Ames
SAM
TROTTER

Digital Experience & Marketing

Mark Bolchov Bio Photo
MARK
BOLCHOZ

Italian Operations

Photo of Anne White
ANNE
WHITE

Pastry

Hannah Wilson
HANNAH
WILSON

Admin

Gabriel Perez
GABRIEL PEREZ

Hotel Operations

Samy
Eltoukhy

Finance

Kimball
brienza

O-Ku Operations

Kelly
Peters

Human Resources

Vonda
Freeman

Wine Programs

Justin Shoener
Justin
Shoener

Restaurant Financial Operations

Kevin G
KEVIN
GETZEWICH

Independent Culinary Concepts

Chef Masa Photo
MASA HAMAYA

O-Ku Culinary