The Story Before Serenbe: Steve Nygren's Early Years

Not many people find their career path at 18, but as soon as Steve Nygren saw how the restaurant business worked he knew he was in the right place.

Questions Answered

How does a hospitality guy end up placemaking in the woods?
Why was Steve Nygren the right person to create a place like Serenbe?
How did Steve go from bus boy to maitre 'd in one summer? 
What brought Steve to Atlanta?
What was different about the Stouffer's Hotel in Atlanta?
What was Steve's Big Splash marketing campaign for the Atlanta hotel?
What is a "Fern Bar"?
How did the Pleasant Peasant change the restaurant scene?
What led to Pleasant Peasant first expanding?
How many Pleasant Peasant restaurants were there?

People + Organizations Mentioned

Mary Mac’s Tea Room

Mazza Gallerie

Merrill Lynch

Neiman Marcus

Nestle

Omni Hotel

Pennsylvania Development Authority

Phipps Plaza

Saks Fifth Avenue

Stan Topol

Tiffany’s

Ansley Park

Atlanta BeltLine

Atlanta Conventions & Visitor’s Bureau

Bob Amick

Central Atlanta Progress

Colony Square

Dan Sweat

Dick Dailey

Dick Myrick

Dogwood Festival

Emory University Hospital

Georgia Hospitality Association

Home Park

IBM

Lord & Taylor

Margaret Lupo

Margaret Mackenzie

Serenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.