Steele Platt
Audiences are energized by his true underdog story. It's one filled with bold risk-taking, perseverance through failure, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. From dishwasher to multimillion-dollar restaurant mogul, Steele’s candid, real-world lessons in business, leadership, and grit offer invaluable insights for entrepreneurs, executives, and anyone chasing big goals.
Steele Platt is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of Yard House, one of America’s most successful and recognizable restaurant chains. His journey began humbly—washing dishes in his hometown of Kailua Beach, Hawaii—and evolved into an industry-defining career that transformed the casual dining landscape.
After studying at the University of Denver’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, Steele launched multiple restaurant concepts, including the trend-setting Yard House, known for its upscale vibe and record-setting beer selection. From starting with virtually no capital to negotiating millions in landlord investments, Steele opened the first Yard House in Long Beach, California in 1996. The concept exploded, growing to 46 locations and ultimately being acquired by Darden Restaurants for $585 million in 2012.
Steele’s entrepreneurial path is filled with hard-earned lessons in resilience, creative fundraising, leadership under pressure, and staying true to a vision even when the odds are stacked against you. A compelling speaker, Steele shares the highs and lows of his journey with honesty and humor, offering inspiration to business leaders, startups, hospitality professionals, and dreamers of all kinds.
Speaking Topics & Areas of Expertise
From Bartender to Boardroom: The Yard House Story
An inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at how Steele turned a $150,000 startup into a $585 million national brand—through persistence, creativity, and unconventional business moves.
Building a Brand People Crave
How to create an experience-driven brand that keeps customers coming back, builds word of mouth, and stands out in a crowded market.
The Power of the Pivot: Learning from Failure and Starting Again
Steele dives into his early career setbacks and how each challenge shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, offering real lessons in resilience.
Creative Fundraising and Risk-Taking in Business
Steele shares how he leveraged landlord deals, private investors, and bold vision to raise millions—without deep pockets or big backers.
Culture, Leadership, & Scaling with Soul
What it takes to lead a fast-growing team, maintain culture, and stay grounded while scaling a business across the country.
Hospitality Innovation: Lessons from the Trenches
A deep dive into what’s changed—and what hasn't—in the restaurant and hospitality space and what leaders must do to stay ahead.
Steele Platt is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of Yard House, one of America’s most successful and recognizable restaurant chains. His journey began humbly—washing dishes in his hometown of Kailua Beach, Hawaii—and evolved into an industry-defining career that transformed the casual dining landscape.
After studying at the University of Denver’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, Steele launched multiple restaurant concepts, including the trend-setting Yard House, known for its upscale vibe and record-setting beer selection. From starting with virtually no capital to negotiating millions in landlord investments, Steele opened the first Yard House in Long Beach, California in 1996. The concept exploded, growing to 46 locations and ultimately being acquired by Darden Restaurants for $585 million in 2012.
Steele’s entrepreneurial path is filled with hard-earned lessons in resilience, creative fundraising, leadership under pressure, and staying true to a vision even when the odds are stacked against you. A compelling speaker, Steele shares the highs and lows of his journey with honesty and humor, offering inspiration to business leaders, startups, hospitality professionals, and dreamers of all kinds.
Speaking Topics & Areas of Expertise
From Bartender to Boardroom: The Yard House Story
An inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at how Steele turned a $150,000 startup into a $585 million national brand—through persistence, creativity, and unconventional business moves.
Building a Brand People Crave
How to create an experience-driven brand that keeps customers coming back, builds word of mouth, and stands out in a crowded market.
The Power of the Pivot: Learning from Failure and Starting Again
Steele dives into his early career setbacks and how each challenge shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, offering real lessons in resilience.
Creative Fundraising and Risk-Taking in Business
Steele shares how he leveraged landlord deals, private investors, and bold vision to raise millions—without deep pockets or big backers.
Culture, Leadership, & Scaling with Soul
What it takes to lead a fast-growing team, maintain culture, and stay grounded while scaling a business across the country.
Hospitality Innovation: Lessons from the Trenches
A deep dive into what’s changed—and what hasn't—in the restaurant and hospitality space and what leaders must do to stay ahead.
A Conversation with Steele Platt
