Taustin Group is a family owned collection of businesses on Delmarva with corporations both new to the region and with over 80 years of history. Now led by the third generation of owner/operators, we uphold a unified standard of operations, quality, and professionalism across all facets of each enterprise.

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Jay Taustin began his career in the food industry in Ocean City working in every facet of his uncle Sam Taustin's business ventures when he was 9 years old. Jay became the second generation to devote his career to the Taustin enterprises. Today, Jay not only continues to serve as boots on the ground at the organization but oversees the growth & development of Taustin Group, providing guidance, advice, and expertise founded in over 60 years of experience in the industry.

Cole's earliest memories include stuffing taffy bags with his grandmother at Candy Kitchen and shadowing his father on weekends at The Embers. He pursued his degree in Culinary Arts and Entrepreneurship at Johnson & Wales University. For over 20 years Cole has worked alongside his father building the family business, and now carries on the tradition as CEO of Taustin Group. Cole continues to be an integral part of daily operations at DISTRICT 24.

Khari Taustin-Kas is General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer of Taustin Group. Khari has recently returned to playing a key advisory role in the family endeavors. Khari brings a wealth of corporate, legal, and managerial experience key to advising in many areas of the business. Khari earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami with various honors and her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Franklin & Marshall College.

Heather plays a large role in all front-of-house operations, special events planning, vendor relations, and is solely responsible for managing all facilities for the Taustin Group. Heather has been with the Taustin Group for more than 20 years, starting as a server in 2001 and working her way up to Senior Restaurant Manager for the Embers and then General Manager for the Taustin Group. She graduated from Salisbury University with a B.A. in Management and Marketing.

Rush Stehley began his tenure with the company in 2015 as a server at The Embers and soon joined the management team both of The Embers and Blu Crabhouse and Raw Bar. He oversees the drink menu development, sales programming and works closely with our many vendors. In 2023, Rush's role expanded to become the Director of Front of House Operations and oversees the leadership and operations for all Taustin Group restaurants. Rush also oversees retail and group sales throughout the organization.

Vinny started his career in Tokyo, Japan working at an advertising agency developing creative for both local and international markets. He has spent the last ten years in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, and Operations. His responsibilities include digital and traditional marketing execution, website development, photography and videography, account management and private event planning. Vinny is a graduate of The City College of New York with a Bachelor’s Degree in Media & Communication Arts.

Jacklyn Hammond has been with the company since 2007 having taken on several different roles at the Embers and BLU Crabhouse. Jacklyn currently serves as office manager of Taustin Group and oversees all day-to-day administrative functions. She is responsible for office procedures including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and employee files. Jacklyn also provides support to the management and executive teams.