Come for the food and stay for the view!
The Shack Marina, Bar & Grill has been a Cortez landmark since 1971. Accessible by both land and sea; The Shack has a 68-slip marina, bar & grill with outdoor waterfront patio dining and a 6,000 sq.ft. private banquet space located on the second floor, which accommodates up to 300 guests. The Shack’s mission is to ensure that each and every guest receives fast and friendly service; to always sell fresh, delicious seafood and to preserve that Old Florida Feeling.
Meet Our Staff
Joe Rogers, Chief Operating Officer
Joe Rogers was born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. After college, Joe relocated with his family to reside in Holmes Beach, Florida. He started his career in the restaurant business as a server and quickly progressed into management. He fell in love immediately with the fast pace and the people of the business. During his tenure as a Manager and General Manager, he opened a 500 seat beachfront restaurant and was a key voice in several high end renovations for both front and back of the house. After working several years in fine dining, Joe became certified with the Court of Master Sommeliers. On Joe’s days off, he loves to spend time with his wife and 4 children. He loves to golf, travel and attend sporting events and concerts. He is service driven, fair but firm and very hands on which has helped him to build morale amongst his staff. He has been lucky enough to work in some of the best restaurants in the area and is thrilled to recently join the team at The Shack.
Gerard Jesse, Executive Chef
Gerard Jesse was born in Hamburg, Germany. Jesse graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in New York in 2009. Jesse’s background includes positions at some of the area’s most acclaimed restaurants including Culinary Supervisor at The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club, Sous Chef at Jack Dusty and Executive Sous Chef at Michael’s on East. Chosen as one of Sarasota’s “Most Innovative Chefs” by SRQ magazine, Jesse was also selected as one of just four chefs to represent The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota and cook at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City in 2013. Since joining The Shack Marina, Bar & Grill as Executive Chef, Gerard has created a new menu that features casual American cuisine with a Gulf Coastal seafood sensibility.
Constance Pring, Director of Events
Constance brings to The Shack over 18 years of catering/banquet/event planning and fine dining experience. From South Florida where she began as a banquet server at Michael’s On East, to San Francisco where she worked for several of the finest catering establishments in the Bay Area as their event planner & private events manager, Constance is always striving to exceed her client’s expectations! Trusted by both clients and employers, she’s had the wonderful opportunity to curate and manage events at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Contemporary Jewish Museum, Stanford University, SFJAZZ Center and Facebook, as well as personally serve in-home private dinners for clients such as Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, Pam and Larry Baer; owners of SF Giants, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and author Danielle Steel. Legend says life is a circle. Constance has returned home to South Florida to be near family and is very excited to bring her creative and unique experiences to help you create your next magical event! No matter how large your wedding or party, or how intimate or small your private event, Constance will work with your budget and concepts to provide you the best service and personalized event you can dream of!
Harley Wise, Dockmaster
Born in St. Augustine, Florida native, Harley Wise is a retired US Army Veteran (where he served for 22 years all across the country). Along with his wife and dog, Chip, he has four amazing children along with four beautiful grandchildren that are the light of his life. Being a customer of The Shack for 4 years, Harley grew to love the Marina and all of its potential. Harley takes pride in The Shack Marina and all it has to offer such as its many commercial businesses from inshore and offshore fishing charters, all the way to dolphin tours and leisure boat cruises. The atmosphere and sense of community that comes with it is just a bonus. His favorite thing about his job is meeting all the customers and learning about their life, passions and dreams. You can contact Harley directly at (386) 643-5555. We also monitor VHF Channel 16.