Say Grace: How the Restaurant Business Saved My Life

Living Sober in an Industry Ravaged by Addiction
As a child, Steve Palmer never belonged—not in school, not in his troubled home, not with friends. After his father and grandfather passed away, he was sent to a series of rehabs and halfway houses before ending up on the streets. Drugs and alcohol soon became a way of life. Eventually, he would go on to a career running some of the country’s most celebrated and innovative fine dining establishments. But first, he had to learn how to be sober in an industry awash with alcohol and drugs. Thanks to coworkers that were able to love him when he couldn’t love himself, Steve got sober. He escaped addiction alive. Many in the industry do not. No other industry has higher rates of alcohol and drug abuse. People are losing careers and families. They’re losing their health. They’re losing their lives. This is the story of one man who found healing and recovery in the industry that enabled his addiction—and he’s on a quest to help others do the same.

STEVE PALMER is the managing partner and founder of The Indigo Road Hospitality Group. He formerly served as vice president of food and beverage for Ginn Clubs and Resorts and has worked in the hospitality industry in various capacities since the age of thirteen.

Palmer has been recognized by the New York Times, L.A. Times, NPR, Southern Living, Food & Wine, the James Beard Foundation, and Forbes Small Business Giants for his growing presence in the hospitality industry, as well as his charitable and community efforts. In 2016, Palmer cofounded Ben’s Friends, the food-and-beverage industry support group offering hope, fellowship, and a path forward to industry professionals struggling with substance abuse and addiction. He has presented on addiction in the industry at TEDx Charleston and various culinary events.