Ron Evans
RON EVANS
President & CEO
rone@smugglers.com
Ron Evans is synonymous with experience, knowledge, passion, growth and innovation.
Ron moved to Charlotte County in 1976 to manage the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club. After a year in Fort Myers at the Royal Palm Yacht Club, Evans moved back to Punta Gorda to partner with Earl Nightingale, Don Donelson and Bob Anderson to design and build Charlotte County’s first true fine dining establishment; Nightingale’s Restaurant at Fishermen’s Village. With its grand opening in 1979, Nightingale’s became an instant success and culinary phenomenon.
Over the course of several years, Evans evolved his personal passions and philosophies into more than a restaurant, but an entire enterprise…quite literally; 1992 marked the birth of Smuggler’s Enterprises, Inc; Evans’ flagship dining venture.
Renowned for the motto he learned from Earl Nightingale, “plan your work and work your plan”, Evans lived by his words. His first move transforming Nightingale’s into The Captain’s Table, intermingling a combination of updated Nightingale’s classics, with prime steaks and seafood, using the highest-quality, local ingredients, whenever possible.
The following year 1993, Evans partnered with Harry Carson to design and build Harpoon Harry’s the first-of-its-kind. Since it’s inception, Harpoon Harry’s has received numerous awards including; “Best Waterfront Restaurant,” “Best Open-Air Restaurant,” “Best Place to Have a Beer,” “Best Sports Bar,” and “Best Bar & Night Spot” by the Charlotte Sun Herald readers.
The Smuggler’s empire includes: fine dining, casual dining, waterfront dining, catering, live entertainment, a jazz and blues lounge, event sponsorship, souvenir clothing, and community involvement, just to name a few. Evans’, proven record of delivering growth and knowledge of the Smuggler’s brands and customers make him the perfect leader.
He has done an outstanding job of spearheading the Smuggler’s expansion. His broad experience in operations management, restaurant design and development, sales and marketing enable Smuggler’s Enterprises Inc. to drive growth and bring company-wide focus to areas that are crucial for long-term success.
Evans has taken the Smuggler’s Enterprises Inc., brand to a level that restaurateurs only dream of. The labors of “planning his work, and working his plan” have transpired into quite possibly one of the most successful privately owned/operated food and beverage operations in Southwest Florida!
Kelly J. Evans
KELLY J. EVANS
Vice President
kelly@smugglers.com
Kelly J. Evans is the daughter of Ron Evans. She graduated from The Asheville School in 1999. Upon graduation, she came to work for Smuggler’s Enterprises, Inc. She received her B.A. in Education from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2005.
After receiving her degree, she began teaching the 2nd grade. After taking some time off from teaching, Kelly rejoined the Smuggler’s Family in 2010, assisting the management of their newly formed Event Management Company. Her organizational skills are invaluable to Smuggler’s Enterprises. Kelly’s determination, thoroughness, and meticulous attention to detail provide Smuggler’s with an exceptional leader in our company.
Kelly is a proud mom to her four beautiful children. She is also currently serving as Vice-Chair on the Board for The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies (C.A.R.E.).
Rodney Monroig
RODNEY MONROIG
Vice President, Director of Operations, Laishley Crab House General Manager
rodney@smugglers.com
A passion for food and a long-standing family tradition influenced Rodney Monroig to pursue a career as a professional Chef. Interested in all aspects of the culinary art, Rodney has seen his cuisine develop throughout the years. A Puerto Rico native, his culinary creations capture a variety of cultures and their cuisine.
A graduate of John & Wales University, Rodney has created menus for many dignitaries and renowned restaurants during the span of his career. He began his career as a Sous Chef for the Naples Beach Hotel, before occupying a position as the kitchen manager for the Primetime restaurant in Englewood.
The technique-driven, large-scale restaurant experience made the perfect segue for his next stop: joining Smuggler’s Enterprises, Inc. in 1996 as the Sous Chef. It was at the Captain’s Table that Rodney had the privilege of honing his skills while experimenting and collaborating on menus that raised the restaurant’s reputation to a true fine dining establishment. Within three years he quickly rose to the position of Executive Chef.
Rodney brings a wealth of personality and culinary expertise to the Captain’s Table. He takes great joy in engaging guests, creating innovative cuisine, ensuring flawless production and offering superb service. A celebrity in his own right, Rodney’s passion and love for food is clear to everyone who meets him. His passion carries on to his love for sharing his wealth of experience and expertise, acting as an advisor to aid in the design and layout for the kitchen of Laishley Crab House.
Natalie Ramsay
NATALIE RAMSAY
General Manager of Harpoon Harry’s
natalie@smugglers.com
ERIC LACKEY
Harpoon Harry’s Crab House Pigeon Forge General Manager
eric@smugglers.com
ERIC LITCHFIELD
Harpoon Harry’s Crab House Tampa General Manager
ej@smugglers.com
MICHELLE MANCINI & SARAH COX-WHEETLEY
The Captain’s Table Management Team
michelle@smugglers.com and sarah@smugglers.com