Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, Jenifer graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and has spent more than 30 years building an impressive career in hospitality. She has played key roles in opening restaurants such as Island Way Grill and Cooper’s Hawk, spent six years at Bern’s Steak House as Group Sales Manager, and helped open The Capital Grille’s Sarasota/UTC location before serving as Regional Sales Manager.
Her hospitality journey began at 16 as a host at a small restaurant on St. Pete Beach. What started as a part-time high school job quickly turned into a lifelong calling. Over the years, she worked her way through every front-of-house position, discovering that hospitality is about far more than service. It’s about connection, problem-solving, and creating moments that truly matter.
Jenifer thrives in the energy and unpredictability of the industry. No two days are ever the same, and that constant movement has shaped her leadership style—steady under pressure, adaptable, and rooted in empathy. She believes deeply in the power of a strong, people-centered culture and the impact it has on both guests and teams.
One of her favorite guest memories reflects exactly why she loves what she does: helping a regular guest plan a surprise proposal during dinner, then catering the couple’s wedding a few years later, and eventually hosting their baby shower. Being trusted with life’s biggest milestones is what makes hospitality so meaningful.
At home, her dogs would say she provides the perfect lap for all three of them while they watch TV, remains patient during backyard “emergencies,” and is a consistently reliable human. She fuels her days with an Iced Pistachio Latte and looks forward to her annual camping trip to Ginnie Springs almost as much as any vacation.
Salty or Sweet: Sweet
Describe Yourself Using Movie Titles: Working Girl, Just Go With It, Waiting, Practical Magic
What’s on Her Bucket List? Visiting Ireland and Greece
Go-to Order: AMOB Tacos and Roasted Garlic Parmesan Oysters
