Kimball Brienza

Managing Partner

A veteran of The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, Kimball Brienza has been a part of the company since it was founded in 2009 and he worked on the floor as a server at Oak Charleston. Kimball’s passion for the industry and focus on creating memorable guest experiences have fueled his rise and continue to drive his exceptional career in the hospitality space. 

Today, Kimball is managing partner of O-Ku, an original restaurant concept launched by The Indigo Road in 2010. His commitment was fundamental to O-Ku’s growth from one restaurant in historic Charleston, South Carolina to additional locations across the southeastern United States. 

O-Ku has garnered many accolades over the years, including a “Best of the Best” from Charlotte Magazine and being named among Gwyneth Paltrow’s Favorite Nashville Restaurants. In January 2024, Kimball, as well as The Indigo Road founder Steve Palmer, were named Outstanding Restauranteur semifinalists by the James Beard Foundation for O-Ku’s Charleston location.

Kimball takes a holistic approach to restaurant management, simultaneously leveraging his culinary knowledge, interpersonal skills, and relationship-building expertise to act as a “culture curator.” He is a hands-on leader dedicated to his team’s growth, mentoring and training in all aspects of the O-Ku experience. He is just as comfortable in the kitchens and dining rooms as he is in the community, and he is often engaged in local outreach events.