Keith Benjamin was born and raised just outside of New York City in Short Hills, New Jersey. As a member of the Penn State University Men’s Lacrosse team with a major in broadcast journalism, Keith discovered his passion for creating lively entertainment environments not only as the social and tailgate chairman for his fraternity but also as the captain of the lacrosse team his senior year.

After graduating, Keith spent 11 years in New York City as an account director at MSL Sports and Entertainment, a sports marketing agency, and held several management and junior partnership roles with the Eat, Drink, and Be Merry Group, working with the firm’s famed sports bar concepts such as Off the Wagon, Hair of the Dog and The Stumble Inn. His unique combination of professional experiences and passion for fun and new ventures was the impetus for Keith moving south to Charleston as co-founder of the Uptown Hospitality Group.

As senior operating partner and director of operations for Uptown Hospitality Group, Keith is responsible for the growth and strategy of the group’s concepts: Uptown Social, Share House, Bodega and the latest addition, By the Way. Additionally, the team is spearheading a new event space venture slated to open in 2024. Keith is an active figure in Charleston’s hospitality community, serving on the board of the Lowcountry Hospitality Association and Charleston Wine & Food Festival.

In his spare time, Keith enjoys spending time with his son, Robbie, his daughter, Poppy, and wife, Stevie, as well as indulging in high-quality tequila and any kind of pizza.