Staff

  • Executive Chef Sam Efron and Wine Director Kiley Wynne Efron, a husband-and-wife team, opened Taverna after building their careers in some of the finest restaurants in the country. Together, they ensure Taverna delivers a fresh perspective on Italian dining. Their seasonal menus, curated wines, and handcrafted cocktails let the flavors of simple ingredients shine.

  • Staff
Sam Efron
Executive Chef / Proprietor sam@tavernasanmarco.com

Jacksonville native Sam Efron developed his culinary style through formal and experiential training. He discovered European cuisine while living abroad as an exchange student from Florida State University. Upon graduating, he enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America. Sam refined his skills at landmark restaurants such as Four Seasons Hotel in New York, Gramercy Tavern, Aqua, and Silks at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in San Francisco. Once he returned to Jacksonville, Sam assisted in the opening of Restaurant Orsay. In 2009 he opened Taverna with his wife, Kiley.

Kiley Wynne Efron
Wine Director / Proprietor kiley@tavernasanmarco.com

Kiley Wynne Efron’s passion for Italian food and wine helps define Taverna. As the restaurant's Wine Director, Kiley is always on the hunt for great wines to add to her Wine Spectator award-winning list. Kiley's professional background includes time spent at some of California’s finest restaurants, including A16 and Rivoli. Kiley is a graduate of the California College of the Arts.

Job Opportunities

Our staff combines talent, passion, and hard work to create memorable moments for our guests. We take pride in giving our team members hands-on training in the world of Italian food and wine. In turn, we ask that our staff take pride in their role within our restaurant family. We’re big believers in personality, fun, and professional development. To learn more about joining our team, please email your resume to contact@tavernasanmarco.com.