About Rum Runners Cove

 

Mark Gray - Chef

Mark Gray was born in Erie, PA. He attended St. Andrew's School and Cathedral Prep. He went on to study for one year at Mercyhurst College in their Hotel and Restaurant Management Program. Mark then entered The Culinary Institute at Hyde Park, NY in 1994. He worked for many local restaurants before graduating from culinary school in 1996.

Mark relocated to West Palm Beach, Florida and was employed by Jupiter Crab and Trader Jacks Restaurants. In 1991 Mark moved to Long Island, NY where he spent the next 10 years.

Mark returned to the Erie area to open a business with family. He then joined the staff at the original Rum Runners Restaurant while awaiting the completion of Rum Runners Cove.

As the Cove's executive chef and manager, Mark takes pride in creating gourmet meals using the finest, freshest ingredients available.

Taylor Byerly - Restaurant Manager

Raised in Erie, PA, Taylor "Tab" Byerly, has been in the restaurant business for over 20 years. The early years he spent in varying positions as a cook, server and bartender.

From 1989 until 2001, Taylor was a key member of the staff at the original Rum Runners Restaurant on Presque Isle Bay. Taylor then worked in management for several years at Longhorn Steakhouse, Applebee's and Valerio's Restaurants. After trying the corporate route, Taylor realized how much at home he felt on the water and returned to manage Rum Runner's Cove.

Along with his wife and three daughters, Taylor hopes to be here, his home, for the next 20 years raising his family and working on Presque Isle Bay.