A new vision for the industry
Steve Palmer is a best-selling author, TedX speaker, James Beard semifinalist, industry leader, mental health advocate, & restaurateur.
Proceeds from speaking engagements benefit Ben’s Friends.
Biography
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.
Topics:
- Creating a Supportive Culture of Wellness: Palmer can discuss strategies for fostering a culture of wellness within hospitality organizations, including promoting mental and physical health, supporting work-life balance, and providing resources for employees struggling with addiction or mental health issues.
- Addressing Addiction and Substance Abuse in the Workplace: Drawing from his own experiences and advocacy, Palmer can speak about the prevalence of addiction and substance abuse in the hospitality industry, as well as strategies for addressing these issues proactively, providing support, and encouraging recovery among employees.
- Building Resilience and Coping Mechanisms: Palmer can share insights into building resilience and developing healthy coping mechanisms to navigate the stresses and challenges of working in the hospitality industry, including strategies for managing stress, maintaining work-life balance, and seeking support when needed.
- Leadership’s Role in Supporting Employee Wellness: Palmer can discuss the crucial role of leadership in promoting employee wellness and supporting those struggling with addiction or mental health issues, including training for managers, creating open communication channels, and leading by example.
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Community Engagement and Support Networks: Palmer can highlight the importance of community engagement and building support networks within the hospitality industry, including partnerships with addiction recovery organizations, peer support groups, and initiatives to reduce stigma and encourage seeking help.
What they are saying
“Say Grace is a powerful and moving reminder that people are the heart and soul of our industry and that taking care of each other is our first and most sacred responsibility. Enormous credit is due Steve Palmer for generously sharing his story and dedicating his remarkable career to helping others in the true spirit of hospitality.”
-Danny Meyer
Best Selling Author and Founder of Union Square Hospitality Group
“We’re at a watershed moment in the hospitality industry, a time when the conversation about addiction and mental health crises is finally coming to the fore thanks to the courage of leaders like Steve Palmer. A call to action and a love letter to restaurant people, Say Grace will empower those who work in the business to take care of themselves and one another as much as they do for their customers.“
-Hunter Lewis
Editor in Chief at Food & Wine
“Restaurateur and community leader Steve Palmer offers a raw and unflinching account of his battles with drug and alcohol addiction, not to say, “Hey look at me, ” but, “Hey there’s hope. applaud his courage, his honesty, and his ongoing mission to help others struggling with addiction.“
-Darcy Shankland
Editor-in-chief, Charleston Magazine
Say Grace
How the Restaurant Business Saved My Life
Say Grace is an unflinching look at the modern restaurant industry. Through his deeply personal stories, Steve Palmer paints a picture that will be familiar to anyone who has worked in the food and beverage industry. His dissection of how he arrived at his addiction, and how he found his way out, is a beacon to the struggling.
Proceeds from Say Grace benefit Ben’s Friends.
