Our Team
Chef James Jernigan
Executive Chef
Our Executive Chef, James Jernigan is not only a Key West
native, but also the Executive Chef at LL’s Test Kitchen at
Stock Island Yacht Club and Chicken Walk at Marriott
Beachside. For anyone who has dined at LL’s Test Kitchen or
Chicken Walk, you know that his creativity and passion for
culinary is what sets him apart.
After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in 2009, James traveled
the country, learning from world-renowned Chefs such as
Daniel Boulud, Wolfgang Puck, and Joachim Splichal. Chef
James shares that travelling has influenced his culinary skills in
a significant way, allowing him to create flavorful dishes that
bring together both original and unique qualities.
Chef James now uses his experience to create an exciting new
option for our menu, showcasing your favorite Tavern N Town
originals, Prime Rib, Conch Chowder, and the Tavern Pizza, in
addition to his personal creations, Local Catch Scampi, Roast
Chicken Breast, and Prosciutto Pizza.
Philip Spottswood
Director of Food and Beverage
Philip got his start in Food and Beverage in Marathon at Tarpon
Creek as a bartender. After 3 months he was quickly promoted to a
Bar Manager and quickly learned the ropes of management within
Tarpon Creek. After 15 months at Tarpon Creek, Philip followed his
passion and was admitted into FIU in Miami in the Hospitality
Program. After graduating, Philip got into the Marriott
Management Program. At this time Philip began work at the
Marriott Dessert Ridge, in Mesa, Arizona where he was a Voyager
in the Food and Beverage Department.
He worked his way through
several establishments on property. In August of 2020, Philip
moved back to Key West and began working at the Key West
Marriott Beachside. During his time, he has been involved in
rebranding the pool bar from Blue Bar to Chicken Walk. He has
also helped reopen Tavern N Town after the pandemic and
continued to build his team on property and further assets of
Spottswood Company Inc.
Justine Hartle
Restaurant Manager
Justine got her start in the Key West hospitality world with
Spottswood Companies in 2006. Justine worked with George
Galvan, at the original Days Inn and then helped open the Key
West Marriott Beachside front desk/reservations department.
Shortly after Tavern N Town opened, she began her career as a
server and supervisor and worked for Tavern N Town for the 1st
year that it was open.
Then, she began to work for the Half Shell Raw Bar. and gained a
great amount of Food & Beverage and Leadership experience.
After working there for almost 10 years, Justine came back to the
Tavern N Town team, this time with experience that excelled her to
be a successful Restaurant Manager. Justine loves to spend time
with her husband and 2 beautiful kids that were raised in Key
West.
Mark Johnson
Restaurant Manager
Mark was born and raised in Toms River, New Jersey.
Mark found his love for hospitality in a family-owned business,
which was a Iconic Jersey Shore pier with casino style amenities.
After graduating from high school, Mark received his Culinary
Arts Certificate from Ocean Country Vocational School. He also
received an Associates in Food Science and Culinary Arts from
CT Culinary Institute. Mark has had experience as a line cook,
business owner, sous chef and executive chef at locations all
around the country. Now focused in Key West, Mark has a
passion in furthering his career. He is excited of his current role
as the Tavern N Town Restaurant Manager.