WHO WE ARE

SHOW UP FOR THE SEAFOOD. STAY FOR THE WATERFRONT.

This waterfront destination has anchored Cortez since 1971. Reach us by road or by boat. We run a 68-slip marina, a full bar and grill with outdoor patio overlooking the water, and a massive 6,000 sq.ft. event space that fits up to 425 people. Our job is simple: serve you fast, serve you fresh seafood, keep that authentic Old Florida vibe alive.

THE CREW

JED LIPPINCOTT, Chief Operating Officer

Born in Geneva, New York. Lived everywhere from Boston to Vegas. Studied hospitality at UNLV. Put in years at MGM Grand, Mirage, Excalibur. Moved to Sarasota in 2005. Spent a decade at The Ritz-Carlton as Accounting Manager and more. Graduated USF with a Marketing degree in 2014. Earned Five Star Employee of the Year in 2007. Won Breakthrough Leadership Resort Coach in 2014. Believes hospitality isn't just service—it's relationships. Off duty: baseball games, time with his wife and daughter.

GERARD JESSE, Executive Chef

Hamburg, Germany native. CIA grad, 2009. Worked his way through top kitchens: Culinary Supervisor at Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club, Sous Chef at Jack Dusty, Executive Sous Chef at Michael's on East. Named one of Sarasota's "Most Innovative Chefs" by SRQ magazine. Cooked at James Beard House in NYC, 2013. Now runs the kitchen here, creating casual American food with serious Gulf Coast seafood roots.

LIZA KUBIK, Director of Marketing & Events

Tampa native. USF grad with a BA in Communication. Former Director of Public Relations at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Built her career with Ritz-Carlton and Colony Beach & Tennis Resort. Also spent 10 years in retail management with Williams-Sonoma Inc. Knows travel, hotels, food and beverage operations inside out. When she's not working, she's cooking and testing new recipes with her husband Ken.

BRANDY HUDSON, Event Manager

Bradenton local. Always loved planning parties. Found her calling after organizing her high school prom. UCF grad from Rosen College of Hospitality Management with a major in Event Management. Most recently worked as Clubhouse Coordinator at IMG Academy. Lives for customer service and building relationships. Nothing beats planning an event that guests rave about. Off the clock: staying active, baking, hanging with her high-school sweetheart husband and their puppy Boomer.

DAWN FERGUSON, Assistant Food & Beverage Manager

Ohio born, Indiana raised. Played French horn, swam varsity, lifeguarded at the YMCA. Moved to Florida in 1994. Worked as a Claims Adjuster at Progressive Insurance—learned listening, empathy, time management, adaptability. Now oversees restaurant operations and a staff of 25. Maintains standards. Keeps things running smooth. Enjoys an outdoorsy lifestyle when she's not working the long restaurant hours.

JOE SEELEY, Property Manager

From Pittston, Pennsylvania. Relatives brought him to Bradenton—he stayed. Loves running heavy equipment. Owned his own handyman business. 23 years in construction and repair, mostly excavation and waterline restoration. As Property Manager, he handles care and comfort of the 6-acre property—staff, guests, tenants. Manages maintenance, repairs, improvements of all facilities and grounds. Free time: his daughter Addie, Yankees games, Steelers games.

EDDY SHORTER, Dockmaster

Navy kid. Grew up in Spain and Italy. Returned to Cambridge, Maryland for high school. Joined the navy. First saw Florida during "A" School in Orlando. Moved to Bradenton in 1979. Turned his love of boats and water into 30+ years running marinas. Worked at Cannons Marina, Englewood Boatworks, Galati Yacht Basin. Now oversees all operations for our 68-slip marina. Serves customers, maintains safety and organization. Passionate about Martial Arts. Avid fisherman. Companion to his dog Bay, a Cattle Dog and Boxer mix.