EP 13: A Conversation with Hospitality Entrepreneur Brooks Reitz

EP 13: A Conversation with Hospitality Entrepreneur Brooks Reitz

From Say Grace by Steve Palmer

January 15, 2026 · 1h 23m · Season 2 · Episode 13

About this episode

Brooks Reitz discusses his journey in hospitality and the Charleston culinary scene with Steve Palmer.

Brooks Reitz is a Charleston-based entrepreneur, investor, and writer. He is the owner of Leon's Oyster Shop, Little Jack's Tavern, and Melfi's, in Charleston, and The Bell, in New Orleans. He is also the founder of Jack Rudy Cocktail Co., a manufacturer of mixers and bar tools distributed internationally, and along with his wife, Erin, he is the co-founder of E.M. Reitz, making high-end shirts for women and men in NYC's Garment District. Via investments in brands like Blackbird and MUBI, he is focused on championing food, art, media, and culture; he writes his weekly newsletter, A Small & Simple Thing, available on Substack, through the lens of these experiences. In this episode, Brooks joins Steve to discuss how he discovered his love of hospitality, the ever-evolving Charleston culinary scene, and where he finds inspiration—both personally and professionally. Thank you to Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.

People in this episode

Host: Steve Palmer

Guest: Brooks Reitz

Topics covered

  • hospitality
  • culinary scene
  • entrepreneurship
  • inspiration
  • food culture

Keywords

  • hospitality
  • Charleston
  • entrepreneur
  • cocktail
  • food
  • inspiration
  • restaurant

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Jack Rudy Cocktail Co., E.M. Reitz, Stolon Food Lab, Blackbird, MUBI

Books & works: A Small & Simple Thing

Places: Charleston, New Orleans

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