charleston grill

On today's episode of All in the Industry®, Shari Bayer's guests are Mickey Bakst and Steve Palmer, co-founders of Ben’s Friends, a national support group for members of the hospitality industry struggling with substance abuse and addiction. Mickey, who also serves as the Executive Director of Ben’s Friends, has earned the title of maître d, foodie, fundraiser, philanthropist, career restaurateur, mentor, and Charleston ambassador. He most recently and notably was the General Manager of Charleston Grill at Belmond Charleston Place, Charleston, SC. He played an essential role in helping the restaurant become one of the most acclaimed fine dining destinations in the nation. Steve is a James Beard Foundation Outstanding Restaurateur Award nominee and semifinalist for three consecutive years (’18,’19, & ’20), and the managing partner of The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, a hospitality and consulting company based in Charleston, SC. Founded in 2009, the company now owns and operates more than 24 restaurants throughout the Southeastern U.S., with several upcoming projects in the works. Today's show also includes Shari's PR tip to know that you're not alone; Speed Round; Industry News Discussion on food trend predictions for 2022 , and Solo Dining experience at Chef Michael Lomonaco's Porter House Bar and Grill in Columbus Circle, NYC. 

Photo Courtesy of Steve Palmer and Mickey Bakst, Ben's Friends.

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Charleston Grill is an institution, but the man behind this restaurant’s iconic status is none other than General Manager, Mickey Bakst. In addition to being a stalwart advocate for the art of fine dining, Bakst is the co-founder of Ben’s Friends. Ben’s Friends is the food and beverage industry support group offering hope, fellowship, and a path forward to professionals who struggle with substance abuse and addiction. Bakst speaks about his commitment to making the hospitality industry stronger by offering support to industry professionals coping with these issues and to building a nation-wide support system for the people who devote their lives to hospitality. 

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Steve Palmer formed the Charleston-based hospitality and consulting group The Indigo Road in 2009 when he began working with the celebrated restaurant Oak Steakhouse on historic Broad Street. He went on to open O-Ku, Cocktail Club, The Macintosh, among several other concepts across the Southeast. Palmer maintains the philosophy that great service starts with well cared for employees. He believes in promoting from within, creating new opportunities for his staff, and developing a strong company culture.

Steve sits down with Kat Johnson to talk about Ben's Friends, a support group he started along with Charleston Grill’s Mickey Bakst that aims to help food and beverage workers who may be struggling with drug and alcohol abuse. Both Palmer and Bakst are very open about their past addictions while working in the industry. After Palmer lost close friend and chef Ben Murray following a struggle with addiction, he felt a strong need to start support group Ben’s Friends. It is similar to AA, but not affiliated with the organization. It is completely anonymous and there's no pressure to stand up and talk. The group is simply a space to meet others who are working on or have overcome their addiction.

For a special episode of The Grape Nation, Sam Benrubi gathers wine all-stars Thomas Rivers Brown (winemaker and owner of Rivers-Marie), Morgan Calcote (General Manger at FIG), and Femi Oyediran and Rick Rubel from Charleston Grill.