Investor Spotlight: Brian Doyle and Samantha Waldron of Caminito Steakhouse
Meet Brian Doyle and Samantha Waldron, co-owners of Caminito Steakhouse! A Northampton native, Doyle spent nearly two decades in New York City leading some of the city’s most innovative beverage programs, including 11 years at Giorgio’s of Gramercy. In 2018, he and his wife Waldron returned to the Valley and took the helm at Caminito with a clear vision: to bring people together through food and drink. “A great meal brings people together,” they say. “That’s what we wanted Caminito to be—a place where guests not only eat, but connect.” We caught up with them to learn more about what makes Caminito so special.
Tell us a bit about your business!
For the past 20 years, Caminito Steakhouse has been serving up some of the Valley’s most memorable meals. We’re known for our dry-aged steaks, carefully prepared over a real wood-fire grill, and paired with an award-winning wine list. What makes Caminito stand out is its dedication to craft. The team dry-ages Caminito’s steaks in-house, ensuring every cut has depth, tenderness, and flavor. Then, each steak is seared over an authentic wood-fire grill, creating a smoky char that elevates the dining experience.” Waldron’s personal favorite? The bone-in ribeye. “It really shows off the wood fire,” he says.
What’s something you particularly love about your business?
“One of our greatest joys is introducing guests to new wines, cocktails, and flavors through our beverage program. With a carefully curated wine list of more than 150 bottles and one of the area’s largest assortments of amaros, there’s always something exciting to discover. We want guests to feel both guided and free—to explore, to indulge, and to find something that makes their evening unforgettable.”
Beyond the food, Doyle and Waldron want Caminito to be part of Northampton’s fabric. The restaurant engages with the community by hosting lively wine dinners and participating in local events. While Caminito is primarily a steakhouse, live music sometimes fills the space to complement its warm atmosphere. “We’re excited to be part of the Northampton Jazz Festival for the first time,” they say. “We also loved the downtown Art Walk and hope to work with others in the community to help bring it back.”
What else should we know about Caminito?
As Caminito continues to grow, Doyle and Waldron’s goal remains the same: to create a place where great food, wine, and community come together. “We want to be more than a restaurant,” they say. “We want to be part of Northampton.”