Meet The Team

Jodi

Our new general manager joined the team in November 2018.  She has 25 years of restaurant operations experience. Prior to coming on board she was at The Ritz Carlton.  She has been involved with opening of several new restaurant locations throughout her career.  She is a friendly and hardworking mid-west girl.  She moved to here to enjoy the beach and the pleasantries of our island.  She is family oriented and loves the business of making people smile.  When she isn’t at work you would find her spending time at the beach reading a book, with her family or riding her bike around our wonderful island. Oh,…and yes the girl can cook!

JR

Our senior front of the house manager joined The Surf team in November 2018.  He has been in a management role for over 30 years and is an excellent leader.  JR moved to the island from Kansas City in August 2018 and has quickly settled in a house near the beach.  He is family oriented and loves to spend time on the beach, with family and friends eating, laughing and enjoying life.  He is always smiling and loves to ensure that everyone has a fun and memorable experience while at The Surf.

Lance

A.K.A. Dory- Our front of the house manager started with us as a bartender when we recruited him in 2015. Lance has several years bartending experience.  He grew up surrounded by a family of Chefs.  He has a passion for cooking but loves to be out front with our customers.

His quote:    “I have a thought and then it’s gone…but what I do remember is that I love fast cars and awesome drinks, you can usually find me watching a race on Sunday’s and soaking up some sun”.

Ernie

Our most seasoned Surf kitchen manager, moved to Fernandina Beach in the early 90’s when he started in the restaurant business. His first restaurant job was with the original Down Under. We were privileged to gain as part of The Surf in 2005. Ernie has a love for producing great food. He is the central commander of all our ordering, without him we couldn’t produce our great food. Ernie is best known for his ability to run the smoker. The team knows that they can count on him to show them the way. He is family oriented, when not at work he is entertaining is god son and grandson.

JB

Second to the oldest in command, has been in the restaurant business for 21 years and has been a true culinary blessing to The Surf for 13 years.  He is a magician on the grill and the master of the “soups” & “sauces”.   When he isn’t at work you will find him spending quality time with his family watching a movie or being entertained by someone else’s mastery of Hibachi.

Steve

Our Food & Beverage Director started with us in April 2018. He has 10 years of experience in the catering arena. He has catered for big bands including Kid Rock and Carrie Underwood. If you need a catering done, he’s your man. He has been in the food business since 2002. When not at work you will find him with his family, on the beach searching for shark’s teeth and sea shells. He has been called the shell whisper. Steve’s mind is always searching for the perfect way to bring together a new dish. Come on in, he will be the first to bring you something new to try out of our kitchen and make you feel at home.

Dawn

Promoted to Hotel Manager in December of 2018, has several years office management and marketing experience.  She brings a sense of pride and organization to the hotel as well as the restaurant.  She has a passion for people.  She is the first one to make sure our guests are treated with exceptional care and have a memorable experience. When not at work you will find her spending time with her family and friends on the beach or Facetiming her grandson.

Erin

Joined the team in July of 2018.  She has 5 years of cooking experience.   She is young in the business but don’t let that sway you, she serves a great breakfast!  Prior to working with us she was at the Mustard Seed Café.  She is a Boston transplant and brings a little of that Boston upbeat sass to our team.  She is a mother of two young, bright little girls.  When she isn’t working she is soaking up the Florida sun and enjoying the outdoors.