Old Edwards Hospitality Group (OEHG) and Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG) announced today a strategic partnership in which OEHG will manage Rivet House's hotel and spa, while IRHG will continue to oversee operations of the property’s onsite restaurant, Osteria Olio, marking a new chapter for the boutique hotel located in Athens’ historic Southern Mill. The move brings together two hospitality companies with deep roots in the Southeast. It pairs OEHG’s expertise in luxury lodging with IRHG’s award-winning culinary leadership—while preserving the character and vision that, since its debut, have made Rivet House a standout destination for travelers seeking a refined yet welcoming space.

Rivet House opened in summer 2024 after a thoughtful transformation by local owner James Whitley. The former denim manufacturing facility is now a 50-room boutique hotel with a full-service nine-room spa, a landscaped courtyard, and a gathering place located just 10 minutes from downtown Athens and the University of Georgia campus. Since opening, the hotel has earned national recognition for its design. Rivet House is part of the four-building Southern Mill redevelopment project, and it preserves much of the site’s original industrial character, including exposed brick and historic beams, all softened by warm materials and residential-scale design.

“This partnership is about alignment,” said James Whitley, owner of Rivet House and Old Edwards Hospitality Group. “Old Edwards and Indigo Road share a people-first approach, a respect for place, and a commitment to genuine hospitality. Bringing those strengths together allows Rivet House and Osteria Olio to continue growing while staying true to what makes them special in Athens.”

“We are incredibly proud of how Rivet House and Osteria Olio have been embraced by both locals and visitors since opening. We’re grateful for the support, and we look forward to continuing to serve the Athens community with warm hospitality and our signature Italian dishes.” Steve Palmer, Owner of Indigo Road Hospitality Group.

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

Both OEHG and IRHG are known for thoughtful service, strong internal culture, and creating spaces that encourage connection. Under the partnership, guests can expect a seamless experience that blends OEHG’s refined hospitality approach with IRHG’s ingredient-driven culinary philosophy and neighborhood-focused restaurants—promising a continued commitment to provide Athens’ evolving hospitality landscape with a truly unique dining experience. This new alliance extends those values to Rivet House and Osteria Olio, leveraging each company’s distinctive strengths to deliver a cohesive, memorable, and meticulously crafted experience.

Looking Ahead in 2026

Planning and operational transitions are currently underway. The hotel will continue to operate independently, with ownership remaining unchanged. Whitley expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, “I’m thrilled to see all the potential synergy between these two extraordinary hospitality companies, both of which have a relentless commitment to company culture and guest experience.”

For more information, visit rivethouse.com.