Chicago

Travis Alicea

General Manager

Travis Alicea has been with The Palm since 2019 and brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience to the team. Hospitality has always been a natural part of his life — growing up in a home that was known as the “party house,” he learned from his parents the importance of making people feel welcome and creating memorable experiences.

Throughout his career, Travis has developed a passion for building lasting relationships with guests. One of the aspects he enjoys most is turning challenging situations into positive, long-term connections that keep guests coming back.

When he’s not helping plan exceptional events, Travis is a dedicated sports fan who proudly supports his favorite team with a simple motto: Knicksin5!!!

Kelsey Coughlan

Senior Sales & Events Manager

Kelsey Coughlan, Senior Sales & Events Manager for The Palm Chicago has been a member of The Palm family since 2018. She brings over 15 years of hospitality experience to her role. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to providing exceptional guest experiences and helping clients create memorable events of all sizes. 

Her favorite part of event planning is being a part of her guests’ special moments and turning their visions into lasting memories. She thrives in the fast-paced energy of New York City and enjoys the excitement and unique opportunities that come with planning events in one of the world's most dynamic destinations. Her passion for hospitality, attention to detail, and commitment to service ensure that every event is executed seamlessly from start to finish.

Thomas Michaels

Executive Chef 

Thomas Michaels has proudly been part of The Palm Restaurant for the past nine years, where his passion for hospitality and commitment to excellence have shaped his approach to leadership in the kitchen. Throughout his career, he has led culinary teams with a focus on consistency, teamwork, and delivering exceptional dining experiences. 

With extensive experience in steak and seafood preparation, kitchen operations, and mentoring the next generation of chefs, Thomas believes great food starts with great people. He takes pride in creating memorable meals while fostering a culture of professionalism, respect, and continuous improvement for both his team and every guest who walks through The Palm’s doors.