Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Rajta.
Hi Evan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I didn’t start with a straight line or a perfect plan—I started by saying yes to opportunities and figuring things out along the way. Early on, I was drawn to environments where energy, people, and experience all came together. That naturally led me into hospitality and nightlife, where I learned quickly that success isn’t just about the product—it’s about how people feel when they walk through your doors.
Like most entrepreneurs, there were plenty of challenges. Long nights, tough financial decisions, projects that didn’t go as planned—but those moments ended up being the best education. They forced me to become more disciplined, more creative, and more resilient. Over time, I went from simply operating within businesses to building and shaping them.
In Jacksonville, I saw an opportunity to be part of something bigger—helping bring energy back to the downtown core. That’s where projects like Decca Live, SIP Rooftop Cocktail Bar, and Keane’s Tavern came to life. Each concept has its own identity, but they all share the same goal: creating memorable experiences and contributing to the city’s momentum.
Now we’re continuing to build on that vision with new concepts like Besa Bakery & Tea Room Speakeasy, which brings a more refined, daytime-to-evening experience, and a hi-fi Vinyl Lounge—something more laid-back and culture-driven, designed around music, atmosphere, and connection rather than formality.
At the same time, I expanded into construction and development, which gave me more control over the creative and physical side of what we build. That combination—hospitality and development—has really shaped where I am today. It allows me to not only operate concepts but also envision and create the spaces themselves.
Looking back, the biggest theme is evolution. Each project builds on the last, each challenge sharpens your approach, and each win opens the door to something bigger. Today, I’m focused on continuing to build concepts that bring people together, create jobs, and play a role in the long-term growth of Jacksonville.
And the truth is—we’re just getting started.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would say Covid and the hyper inflated prices which were mid construction for us, delayed us quite a bit. But overall thankful to DIA and the city for rallying behind us and helping us get to the finish line!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At our core, we’re in the business of creating experiences—but more importantly, we’re in the business of building places people want to return to. Our company sits at the intersection of hospitality, design, and development, which allows us to control everything from the initial concept to the final guest experience.
We operate a growing portfolio of concepts in Jacksonville, including Decca Live, SIP Rooftop Cocktail Bar, and Keane’s Tavern—each designed with a distinct identity and audience in mind. From high-energy live entertainment to elevated rooftop experiences to a more traditional, community-driven pub atmosphere, we’re intentional about creating spaces that feel different, not duplicated.
What sets us apart is that we don’t just operate venues—we build them. Through our construction and development arm, we’re involved in the full lifecycle of each project: design, build-out, branding, and operations. That gives us a level of control and consistency that’s hard to replicate, and it allows us to move quickly while maintaining a strong creative vision.
We also focus heavily on momentum and timing. We’ve chosen to invest in Downtown Jacksonville at a time when many are still waiting on the sidelines. We see that as an opportunity—not a risk. By opening concepts like Besa Bakery & Tea Room Speakeasy and our upcoming Vinyl Lounge, we’re expanding beyond nightlife into more layered, all-day experiences that help activate the city from morning through late night.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is that each concept feels authentic. Nothing is cookie-cutter. Every detail—from layout to lighting to music to service style—is intentional and tailored to the experience we’re trying to create. At the same time, there’s a common thread across everything we do: energy, quality, and a focus on how the guest feels.
What I’d want readers to know is that we’re not just opening venues—we’re trying to contribute to something bigger. We believe hospitality can play a major role in shaping a city’s identity, driving economic growth, and creating jobs. Our goal is to continue building concepts that not only stand on their own, but also help push Jacksonville forward as a destination.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Timing and knowing your “why” is everything!
