Key West; Key West Bars - Irish Kevin's Bar & Entertainment Complex

Bill Lay, born William Jorge Lay December 8, 1969 in New York City, NY.  Raised in Hoboken, NJ and attended Hudson Catholic School for Men until 1987.  After which time he then began his collegic studies at the New York Institute of Technology studying architecture.  While attending college, Bill began his service career at a small Scottish Bistro, McKenzies.  This experience then progressed to opening other small bistros and restaurants throughout the northern New Jersey area.  While continuing his collegic studies, Bill found a passion for the restaurant business and a desire to explore other options within that industry.  Little did he know at that time, this exploration would lead to his life’s passion and work. 

In 1992, Bill moved to Miami, Fl and began his long career with Monty’s Stone Crab and Seafood Restaurant, a chain of restaurants ranging from casual to fine dinning.  Starting as  a manager at the Coconut Grove location, he quickly progressed under the guidance of his mentor, Eric Maruca, within the company. In 1996, Bill became the Project Manager.  This entailed opening restaurants from conception to completion and beyond.  Locations included South Beach, Orlando, Atlanta, GA and Key West, FL.  At that time, these locations grossed over 16 million dollars and employed over 200 employees.

Key West was the last location that he opened. It was then  Bill realized it was time to expand his horizons.  In 2005, Bill contacted two like minded individuals, Shaun McConnell and Darin Lockwood, to discuss the possibility of purchasing Irish Kevin's Entertainment Complex in Key West.  Sharing the same passion as Bill, this began a successful partnership. With  a focus and attention on customer service and some basic renovations, this partnership turned the already famous Irish Kevin’s into one of the top two hot spots in Key West. Having recently celebrated their 10th Anniversary, in 2008, the tradition continues to grow.  

In 2006, after purchasing Irish Kevin’s, the partnership then expanded to the purchase of the long known and famous La Trattoria Fine Italian Restaurant and Virgilio's Martini Bar.  Always keeping a sharp eye on customer service and quality, Bill and his associates have established La Trattoria to be know as the #1 Italian Restaurant in Monroe county keeping up its reputation since 1981. 

In 2008, the partnership expanded out of Key West and opened a new concept from scratch.  In October 2008, Jack’s Stadium Sports Bar and Grilled opened in Daytona, Fl.  A neighbor sports bar with an emphasis on food and service. 

Currently Bill and his associates own and operate four different concepts, ranging from fine Italian foods, lively entertainment complexes, to a neighborhood feel, grossing over 10 million dollars in sales and currently employing over 175 people. 

Along with his very patient wife, 8 year old daughter, two dogs, two cats and a set of Ping golf clubs, Bill always strives to be the very best that he can be.  From his humble beginnings till now, 22 years later, Bill has realized that customer service stays at the foresight of his success. 

IRISH KEVIN'S >>   | HOME | ONLINE STORE | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTO  GALLERIES | LINKS | KEY WEST |   << KEY WEST BARS