Book

A Story Shared by Countless People in an Industry Worth Billions

This will be the only book I ever write. I am a restaurateur, not a professional writer, and I have only one story to tell—this one.

Say Grace

How the Restaurant Business Saved My Life

The restaurant business enabled Steve Palmer’s addictions—normalizing his drinking and drug use until he could not function. He wrecked his marriage, racked up DUIs, and managed restaurants worth millions of dollars.

In Say Grace, readers will learn how commonplace addiction is in the food and beverage industry, how far an individual can push the boundaries of excess, and how one man found his way to sobriety.

This is not a book shaming those who struggle with addiction, but rather a beacon for anyone who thinks there is no way out. Steve paints a warts-and-all portrait of his life. He does not balk at bringing up how he hurt people or the levels to which he sank because this is a book for people like him.

“My story is specific to me, but it is far from unique,” Steve explains. “The hospitality industry is full of people struggling with addiction and mental health issues—and they don’t know where to turn. They don’t know that help is out there. They don’t know that many of their coworkers are also struggling or already sober. It’s time to open up, speak out, and affect real change.”

Whether you are staring down your own demons, know someone who is, or want to learn more about how an industry can save those that it enables, take a look inside Say Grace.

Purchase Your Copy

All proceeds of Say Grace book sales go to Ben’s Friends.

"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 Founder and CEO, Union Square Hospitality Group; Author, Setting the Table

"We’re at a watershed moment in 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

"Say Grace is a just-as-I-am spiritual story of a gifted leader who has the courage and grace to share his struggles so that others may miss the battle scars of coming back home to the soul of humans and hospitality - taking care of others."

Cliff Oxford Founder, Oxford Center for Entrepreneurs and STI Knowledge, an Inc. 13 company; Author, Lambs to Leaders and

"Steve Palmer saves lives. I couldn’t begin to count the number of people I’ve guided toward him and Ben’s Friends when they were in a moment of crisis, because I know he’ll be standing there with open arms and a way to safety. His kind, steadfast example will anchor the restaurant industry for decades to come."

Kat Kinsman Senior Editor at Food & Wine; Author, Hi! Anxiety. Life With A Bad Case Of Nerves.

"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.” I applaud his courage, his honesty, and his ongoing mission to help others struggling with addiction."

Darcy Shankland Editor-in-chief, Charleston Magazine

"Say Grace is a celebration of life; a celebration of an industry and the people in it. Steve’s amazing journey is so inspiring and his love for the business of hospitality resonates with anyone who has ever worked or dined in his restaurants."

Mickey Bakst Restaurateur and co-founder of Ben’s Friends

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