Martha Hoover is the founder of Patachou Inc., a hospitality company based in Indianapolis, Indiana. She established the company in 1989 with the opening of Café Patachou, a restaurant that emphasized premium ingredients, scratch-made dishes, and partnerships with local farmers—long before the "farm-to-table" movement became popular. Under her leadership, Patachou Inc. has grown into a collection of successful dining establishments, including Petite Chou Bistro, Napolese Pizzeria, and Public Greens. Martha is a six-time James Beard Foundation semifinalist and has been recognized as one of the "Most Innovative Women in Food & Drink" by Food & Wine. She also founded The Patachou Foundation in 2013, which provides healthy meals to food-insecure children in Indianapolis.

Before founding Patachou Inc., Martha Hoover worked as a sex crimes prosecutor. She had no prior experience in the restaurant industry but was inspired to create a dining experience that reflected the high-quality, seasonal food she prepared at home. Her background in law and her determination to bring fresh, locally sourced ingredients to her community laid the foundation for her success in the hospitality industry.

Martha Hoover built her fortune by founding and expanding Patachou Inc., a hospitality company that emphasizes high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and scratch-made dishes. Starting with Café Patachou in 1989, she grew the business into a collection of successful dining establishments, including Petite Chou Bistro, Napolese Pizzeria, and Public Greens. Her innovative approach to the "farm-to-table" concept, long before it became mainstream, and her commitment to excellence have been key to her success. Additionally, her leadership in creating The Patachou Foundation, which addresses food insecurity, highlights her dedication to making a positive impact.