Ashley Ellis
Director of Food & Beverage
Ashley Ellis, a native of Frankfort, KY, boasts over two decades of invaluable experience in the food and beverage industry. He has held a myriad of leadership positions at renowned restaurant groups, resorts, and casinos spanning the nation. His journey commenced in the luxury resorts of Las Vegas, NV, where Ashley's passion for elevating dining and entertainment experiences first ignited. Over the years, Ashley has seized the opportunity to spearhead the successful launch of more than 30 new establishments, ranging from restaurants and bars to nightclubs. These ventures have taken him to diverse cities, including San Antonio, Biloxi, Boise, Dallas, Lexington, and Phoenix. Today, Ashley is thrilled to have made the Florida Panhandle his family's home and to contribute his expertise to the esteemed team at The Pearl Hotel. In his role as the Director of Food and Beverage, Ashley is set to lead and oversee all food and beverage operations, including Havana Beach Bar & Grill, its scenic rooftop and lounge, as well as in-room dining and banquet services.
Matthew Rolens
Executive Chef
Chef Matthew Rolens began his career in hospitality in 1988 in St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated from the New England Culinary Institute in 2000. Throughout his career he has worked in private clubs, high-end restaurants, and luxury hotels. Chef Matthew has worked with St. Joe Hospitality since 2017 as sous chef, chef de cuisine, executive sous chef, before taking on his current role as executive chef in 2021. Providing consistency in both cuisine and service that the guests of the hotel have come to expect, Chef Matthew also places a high priority on the continuing education of his cooks, taking pride in helping his staff members achieve professional growth.
Ana Keough
Director of Restaurants
As the Director of Restaurants for The Pearl Hotel, Ana brings a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry. Previously, she served as Bar Manager at Watersound Beach Club for four years and has also been a General Manager for several other notable 30A businesses. Ana attended the University of Memphis before moving to the beach to pursue her passion for hospitality. Ana's strengths include team building and excellent communication skills, which have helped her lead team members to become true servant-hearted leaders. Ana is dedicated to providing exceptional guest service and ensuring that her team treats each guest as if they were family.
