“Setting the ‘Bar’ Higher”
Ray Emer has been a bartender at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa at the Oasis Pool Bar & Grille since 2017 but has been in the business of owning restaurants for 25 years with his wife Jewell. Despite his past work and experience, Ray still says working at ‘Tween Waters is the best job he’s ever had, next to being a husband and father.
Ray was first drawn to bartending because of the personal connections that are formed with visitors every day that are different and special. He says it makes his hour-long trek to work every day worthwhile. A day does not go by that Ray doesn’t engage with a guest that has been returning year after year, and the best compliment to him is hearing their stay was memorable and that they look forward to seeing him again next time.
Most are surprised to learn that the silver-haired smiley tender behind the bar raised a Military veteran (Ray Jr. 36) a Lawyer (Erik 35) a Dentist (Kyle 33) a Teacher (Angela 25) and yes, another Bartender (Hunter 23).
Ray, AKA “Mr. Delicious” (after one of our best pool bar concoctions) has worked for other Sanibel and Captiva establishments, but says he’s grateful to work for such a supportive Executive team that focuses on the experience of our guests at whatever the cost. He believes in the SCBR philosophy that a person who feels appreciated will always do more than is expected. That’s why Ray’s proudest accomplishments include helping develop his team, increasing guest satisfaction scores and building sales month after month. He wants to set the “bar” higher and add value to the guest experience as well.
When he’s not tending bar, he enjoys the resort like any guest: hanging out at the pool decks, chilling on our docks at the marina, dining in our restaurants, paddling our canoes thru the mangroves, sun bathing and shelling the beach. He’s been to Paris, Hawaii, and every theme park in Florida, but he still thinks where he works is the “best hidden jewel.”
