Stephen Ball
Food & Beverage Specialist
Stephen Ball, a seasoned food and beverage specialist with over two decades of expertise in culinary arts and hospitality, plays a crucial role at Dochter & Alexander (DA). Leveraging his extensive experience, Stephen collaborates closely with both landlords and tenants, ensuring optimal matches between spaces and restaurant operators.
Recognizing the distinctive needs of the restaurant sector, Stephen guides clients toward optimal opportunities and creative deal structures. DA values relationships, and Stephen ensures the company acts as a long-term strategic partner, prioritizing clients' best interests.
Since joining DA, Stephen has worked with restaurant operators of various sizes, from Michelin-starred chefs to first-time owners. His journey began in commercial kitchens, honing his skills and understanding food and beverage operations. After seven years as a chef at the Pentagon while serving in the Army, Stephen transitioned to helping restaurant operators promote and grow their businesses. Throughout his career, he has created growth vehicles through food and beverage event programming and spearheaded hospitality-focused marketing initiatives.
Stephen's impact extends beyond the kitchen. Collaborating with government agencies, commercial developers, and independent restaurateurs, he played a pivotal role in placemaking throughout the Washington region.
During his tenure at Events DC, Stephen showcased DC's culinary community and creative economy at national festivals like SXSW. At Bisnow Media, he contributed significantly to the organization's growth in Washington DC and nationwide.
As an active member of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington during his tenure at Washington City Paper, Stephen created successful multi-restaurant marketing initiatives like DC Cocktail Week and Spring Wine Fling.
Stephen holds a bachelor's degree in communication from George Mason University and an MBA from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.