Stephen GILES, General Manager

Born in St. Petersburg, FL, Stephen moved to St. Simons Island at an early age and grew up in our coastal town. At 15, he began working at Halyards as a server assistant for Chef Dave, a longtime family friend—where he discovered his passion for hospitality and creating special experiences for guests.

While earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Management at Georgia Southern University, Stephen continued growing his skills in the hospitality business as a lead bartender and certified culinary professional for Darden Restaurants, specifically Longhorn Steakhouse. These roles helped him learn how to be an effective coach and leader, creating a culture of teamwork and care amongst his team members.

After college, Stephen returned to his roots in the Golden Isles where he took on the role of General Manager of ECHO at the King and Prince for 4 years. In this position, he crafted the wine and beverage menu for guests to enjoy.

Stephen has now taken the next step in his career as the General Manager of La Plancha, using his special eye for hospitality to create memorable experiences with each guest. With a talent for cooking, numbers, and financials—and above all, a passion for hospitality and people—Stephen is a wonderful addition to the Halyard Restaurant Group team.