Nick Alajajian is a seasoned culinary professional with a deep-seated passion for the restaurant business. As the manager for the kitchen and front of house at Island Gypsy Cafe, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Born and raised in Naples, Florida, Nick has always been drawn to the world of culinary management, and his upbringing in the family business only served to further fuel this passion.

Nick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Florida, which he obtained in 2013. Shortly thereafter, he joined the family business at Island Gypsy Cafe, where he has been a fixture ever since. He is inspired by his father, Jerry Alajajian, the owner of the restaurant, and loves interacting with the customers and coworkers on a daily basis. In his free time, Nick enjoys fishing and spending time with his daughters. His favorite dish at Island Gypsy Cafe is the “Gator Nicks” Chicken Wings, named after him, and his favorite drink is the Crazy Cuban. Nick is also an all-american athlete, having played football at the University of Florida for four years. He is a big Gators fan and loves the laid-back Key West vibe of Island Gypsy Cafe. Go Gators!

As a lifelong resident of Naples with a strong background in the restaurant industry, Steve brings a vast amount of knowledge and expertise to The Island Gypsy Cafe. From the young age of 15, Steve has been involved in the restaurant industry, working alongside his parents who own The Island Gypsy Cafe and Hogfish Harry's. Steve holds a Manager position at the Island Gypsy where he oversees customer experience, ensuring all guest expectations are met and exceeded; and prepares the restaurant and staff for the following day. Overall, Steve is tasked with ensuring his team has a successful shift and guests have an exceptional experience. In addition to his work at The Island Gypsy, Steve honed his skills in the industry working as a bartender at La Playa’s restaurant BALEEN as well as the Naples Grande Resort. He considers himself extremely lucky to work with his family at The Island Gypsy, surrounded by the beautiful waters and amazing wildlife, such as dolphins and manatees. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, boating, and playing hockey. Steve values spending quality time with his family, both on and off the clock. With his dedication to maintaining the old Florida style and providing an enjoyable waterfront dining experience, Steve is an integral part of the team at The Island Gypsy. Be sure to try his favorite dish, the Steak and Frites, paired with the restaurant's signature Crazy Cuban drink.

Born in Fort Myers and raised between Florida and New York, Shannon developed an early interest in hospitality. His journey in the industry began at age 19 and was driven by his passion for creating memorable guest experiences. His diverse background spans fine dining, themed restaurants, and diners, where he has cultivated extensive knowledge of people, food, and customer satisfaction.

Since joining Island Gypsy in 2018, Shannon has found his true hospitality home. What he loves most about working at Island Gypsy is the family-like atmosphere, where team members look out for each other. This aligns perfectly with his core motivation: making people happy and ensuring they enjoy their experience.

When he's not creating exceptional experiences for guests at Island Gypsy, Shannon enjoys spending time with his dogs, hanging out with friends, and visiting the beach. His favorite dish at the restaurant is Dayle's Tuna Wonton Salad, and he particularly enjoys sipping on a Virgin Mojito.

Shannon brings hands-on experience to his role as manager, contributing to the warm, welcoming atmosphere that Island Gypsy is known for.

Born and raised in Sebago Lake Maine, Kim earned her Bachelor's degree in Biology and an Associates degree in Exotic Animal Training and Management before spending 22 years as a killer whale and dolphin trainer at a park in Northern California. Kim's path to hospitality took an interesting turn when she left her career in animal training and relocated from California to the Orlando area.

Her journey in the hospitality industry began with serving and managing the beverage cart at a local golf course - a fortuitous position that led her to meet her now husband, who works in the golf business. For seven years, Kim and her husband lived a unique lifestyle, splitting their time between Florida in the winter months and Maine during the summers (what we like to call in Florida a 'snowbird'), giving her experience in diverse hospitality environments and seasonal operations.

Since joining Island Gypsy in January 2021, Kim has found her passion working in the waterfront setting. What she loves most about her role is working outside on the water and the family atmosphere that permeates the establishment. When asked about her favorite items on the menu, she enthusiastically recommends the Gypsy Steak Sliders paired with the Key Lime Colada.

In her free time, Kim, along with her husband, manages a house watch business, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to service. Her diverse background, from marine animal training to hospitality management, and her love for the waterfront environment make her a valuable member of the Island Gypsy team.