George Hincapie and Rich Hincapie have partnered with Ben Navarro to buy out the majority owner of the hotel and restaurant.
George and Rich Hincapie welcome Ben Navarro, CEO of Charleston, SC-based Sherman Financial Group, as a co-owner of Hotel Domestique and Restaurant 17. George, retired professional cyclist, and Rich, CEO of Hincapie Sportswear, will continue to oversee the 30-acre property on a daily basis. The two will continue to run their award-winning events from the hotel, including the Gran Fondo Hincapie-Greenville ride, which brings more than 2,000 cyclists to the Greenville area every year, as well as Experience Domestique, a high-end cycling camp series led by George Hincapie and other professional cyclists.
In the next year, the group plans to explore new opportunities to further enhance the property and experience for all guests—cyclists and non-cyclists—including more unique cycling experiences, as well as opportunities for corporate groups, retreats, and events.
The friendship between Navarro and George Hincapie began years ago when Navarro visited Hotel Domestique for the first time as an amateur cyclist and someone who was passionate about the sport. Navarro, a Charleston resident, also purchased the Volvo Car Open last year, a premier Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) event held each spring.
“I look forward to having Ben as a partner,” says George Hincapie. “Since his first visit to the hotel I could see his appreciation for our overall vision for the property. We have some of the best cycling routes in the country right off our doorstep, and the picturesque property is an ideal venue for retreats and weddings. Ben sees that and shares our vision.”
About Hotel Domestique
Hotel Domestique is a 13-room, boutique hotel located at the base of the foothills in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located only 30 minutes from Greenville, S.C., 45 minutes from Asheville, N.C., and driving distance from Charlotte, Atlanta, and Charleston, the hotel is a convenient escape for a weekend retreat. The hotel boasts a European feel and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal location for weddings, retreats, and company events. For more information about Hotel Domestique, visit hoteldomesitque.com.
Located within Hotel Domestique, Restaurant 17 features house-made, modern cuisine with ingredients sourced from local farms and streams. Executive Chef Haydn Shaak, who has more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, specializes in field-to-table dining with a creative flair. For more information about Restaurant 17, visit restaurant17.com.
