06/01/2026
🌴✨ The Man Behind the
At Kaiyo Grill, The Nest & Green Turtle Inn
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Most people don’t move to the Florida Keys after standing in .
Jeff Evans did.
Somewhere between the icebergs and the realization that life moves fast, Jeff decided it was finally time to stop talking about living in the — and actually do it.
That decision eventually brought him to , where he now helps lead three unique dining experiences that locals and visitors can’t seem to stop talking about lately: Kaiyo Grill, The Nest, and the iconic Green Turtle Inn. 🍸🍽️🌊
And if you’ve dined at any of them recently, you’ve probably noticed something different.
There’s a fresh flowing through each restaurant.
New menu creations. Elevated presentation. Bold flavors. Carefully crafted cocktails. The kind of atmosphere where a casual dinner unexpectedly turns into one of the best nights of your . ✨
Jeff’s background in hospitality and leadership helped shape that vision, but what makes his approach stand out is his understanding that dining in the Keys should feel immersive — not routine.
At Kaiyo Grill, guests are discovering beautifully plated dishes, inventive flavors, and an upscale atmosphere that still feels relaxed enough to embody the spirit of Islamorada. At Green Turtle Inn, Jeff has helped preserve the legendary charm locals love while introducing fresh culinary touches and new menu experiences that keep guests excited to return. And at The Nest, the feels intimate, stylish, and distinctly Keys-inspired — the kind of place people stumble upon once and then recommend to everyone they know afterward. 🍹🔥
But Jeff’s impact reaches far beyond the restaurants themselves.
He quickly immersed himself into the local community — supporting events, building relationships throughout Islamorada, and serving on the Islamorada of Commerce board. That community-first mindset has become part of the culture surrounding all three restaurants.
Talk to anyone who works with Jeff, and you’ll hear the same thing: he genuinely loves .
He believes great hospitality starts behind the scenes with positivity, teamwork, and creating an environment where both guests and staff feel appreciated. And in today’s restaurant world, that kind of leadership stands out.
Maybe that’s why Jeff Evans feels like such a natural fit for Islamorada.
Because the Keys have never really been just about the water, the , or the scenery.
They’ve always been about the experience. 🌅
And Jeff Evans is helping create experiences people remember long after the is over. 🍽️✨
