Ben’s Friends

Founders: Mickey Bakst and Steve Palmer

Ben’s Friends

Restaurants and hospitality are in our blood. While these industries have given us more than we could have ever imagined, they are also where our addictions began and grew. While we found sobriety before it was too late, many of our talented peers are not so fortunate.

We have seen far too many good people lose themselves, their careers, and sometimes even their lives to alcohol and drug abuse. We were compelled to act when Ben Murray, a friend and colleague, took his life in 2016 because of his addiction. We could no longer stand by and watch tragedies strike around us – we needed to try to help. Through the pain of this loss, Ben’s Friends was created.

Our mission is a simple one: to help those who are struggling find freedom from the bondage of their addictions. We do this every day by creating a community of sober chefs, line cooks, servers, bartenders, hosts, managers, and more who are committed to helping others find the support that they need.

With nearly 70 years of combined sobriety between us, we are proof that you can live a full, rich, rewarding, and sober life while working in restaurants and hospitality. We hope you will join us.

Related Event

Dennings Point, Hudson Valley NY

Celebrate Jacques' 90th Birthday! Join Chef Chris Follari and a wonderful gathering of local farmers, artists, chefs, artisans, and foragers as we come together to celebrate Jacques' incredible 90th birthday! This exciting evening promises great food, lively music, and a sense of community. Guests will have the opportunity to sample a delightful variety of dishes crafted from ingredients grown or foraged right here in the beautiful Hudson Valley. Don’t miss this chance to indulge in delicious flavors while celebrating a remarkable milestone with friends and neighbors!