Jaunt

Meet The Host

JaJuan Burgess has been in the hospitality and entertainment business for 14 years. He spent seasons between the sizzling winter haven South Beach, FL and summer oasis Shelter Island, NY. Previous to embracing the hospitality industry, JaJuan was a promoter.

For his intense concentration in Culinary as a three-year member of FHA (in his hometown of Lake City, FL), JaJuan was awarded a scholarship to The Florida Culinary Institute of West Palm Beach, FL in 1996. At this point, food was his world.

In 2000, he moved to South Beach where he joined the staff of the Raleigh Hotel. Within no time JaJuan became the personal assistant of hotelier Kenneth Zarrilli, (the former owner of the Raleigh Hotel and Shore Club in Miami Beach). During his time he played an active role in organizing and supervising numerous events at the Raleigh Hotel. A few among those were Playboy, Peroni Beer, Absolut Vodka and Vitamin Water sponsored parties during the Miami Winter Music Conference, an AUDI poolside soiree during the South Florida International Auto Show and other events as well.

In 2002, the Raleigh Hotel was acquired by hotelier Andre’ Balazs. During this transition, JaJuan met the proprietors of Vine Street Café, Terry Harwood and Lisa Murphy (formerly of Union Square Café, Gramercy Tavern and Sunset Beach). After observing his keen interest in Culinary, JaJuan was invited to Shelter Island to get Vine Street Café off the ground. He played a vital role in setting the standard of detail-oriented service and fine dining. Vine Street Café is in the top 5 of all restaurants in Long Island. In the November 2006 Special Edition of Town & Country Magazine, it was rated in the top 5 in the country, per a survey of Town & Country writer’s from around the globe.

JaJuan has had numerous opportunities in life. In the end, his heart longs for the hospitality, culinary and entertainment industry. He is known and respected in the hospitality industry for his intricate ideas, attention to detail and unwavering desire to please.