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Indigo Road Hospitality names Chris Amato director of culture

Company’s new position aims to uphold hospitality standards

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

October 13, 2022

1 Min Read
Indigo-Hospitality-Colletta-Cary-NC-Chris-Amato-Culture-Director.jpg
Indigo Road Hospitality recently opened this Colletta restaurant in Cary, N.C., and promoted Christopher Amato to the new position of director of cultureForrest Mason

The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, which owns, operates and manages restaurants and boutique hotels, has promoted Christopher Amato to the new position of director of culture, the company announced this week.

Indigo-Director-Culture-Chris-Amato.jpgThe Charleston, S.C.-based company, with such restaurant brands as Oak Steakhouse and O-Ku, both of which have multiple locations, and others, said Amato’s responsibilities would include working alongside the company’s existing leaders to upholding IRHG's standards of internal hospitality and introduce those to new employees.

“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, in a statement.

“As we continue to grow, we need more focus on creating a culture that develops successful restaurants and hotels,” Palmer said. “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 joined the IRHG in 2015 as a 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, Amato moved into the general manager position, overseeing day-to-day operations. He returned to the O-Ku Atlanta team as general manager in early April 2020.

Related:Indigo Road group works to develop staff potential

IRHG recently made additional promotions, including Stephanie Janow as benefits director, Christine Kennedy as assistant director of human resources and Alison Maniccia as employment manager. 

Palmer founded IRHG in 2009.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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