CHARLESTON, SC — October 13, 2022 — The Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG), which owns, operates, and manages restaurants and boutique hotels throughout the country, has appointed Christopher Amato to the newly created position of director of culture. His responsibilities include working alongside the company’s existing leaders to ensure they’re demonstrating and upholding IRHG’s standards of internal hospitality, while also introducing these foundations to new IRHG employees.

Chris Amato

“Culture has been a key component of Indigo Road’s business strategy from the start,” said Steve Palmer, founder and chief visionary officer of IRHG. “As we continue to grow, we need more focus on creating a culture that develops successful restaurants and hotels. When we decided it was time to create a director of culture position, we knew it had to be someone who not only understands our culture but lives it. Chris checks all the boxes, and we’re looking forward to his contributions to improving our amazing culture.”

Amato first joined the IRHG in 2015, serving as a vital member of O-Ku Atlanta’s opening team. In 2017, he moved to open another Indigo Road restaurant, where he took on the role of assistant general manager. Shortly after that, Amato moved into the general manager position, overseeing day-to-day operations and set an example of professional, comforting, and charismatic hospitality. Eventually, he 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 sushi spot.

Amato’s early interest in food stemmed from his family’s Italian heritage, 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 (previously The El Felix) in Alpharetta’s Avalon development.

Amato enjoys working on his fitness, tending to his houseplants, listening to podcasts, and caring for his two pit bulls, Daniel and Duke.

IRHG also recently made the following promotions:

• •  Stephanie Janow as benefits director.
• •  Christine Kennedy as assistant director of HR.
• •  Alison Maniccia as employment manager.

IRHG is hiring for its growing family of restaurants and hotels throughout the U.S.

About The Indigo Road Hospitality Group

Founded in 2009 by Steve Palmer, The Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG) owns, operates, and manages restaurants and boutique hotels throughout the country. Based in the Southeast, IRHG is founded upon the core principle of serving with love and creating memorable experiences for all. In 2019, IRHG marked its tenth anniversary by being named a Forbes Small Giant and appearing on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list, and in 2020 announced that hotelier Larry Spelts joined The Indigo Road as a partner and president of its new venture into lodging with a focus on food & beverage driven boutique hotels. As of October 2022, IRHG has four open and operating hotels, with additional acquisitions under contract, and multiple active development projects with openings from early 2023 through 2024, in addition to more than two dozen restaurants in eight cities. The Indigo Road’s dedication to excellence in food & beverage has been recognized three consecutive years (’18,’19, & ’20) by Palmer being named a semi-finalist by the James Beard Foundation’s award for Outstanding Restaurateur-US. For more information on the portfolio, team, core values and services, visit theindigoroad.com.