Nantucket Veteran Brittany Pedretti Named Manager of Kaiyo Grill & Sushi

Brittany Pedretti has been named manager of Kaiyo Grill & Sushi in Islamorada, bringing more than nine years of Nantucket hospitality experience to Monroe County's restaurant scene. The move, announced January 20, 2026, adds seasoned leadership to a popular waterfront dining spot known for Asian-inspired fusion, steaks, fresh local seafood and tropical flavors.

Pedretti relocated from Nantucket, Massachusetts, to Islamorada and joins Kaiyo at a time when the Upper Keys is preparing for another busy season of tourists and boaters. Her background includes managing high-volume, destination-driven dining environments and a record of team development and operational efficiency. That experience is directly relevant to local operators who balance steady island demand from year-round residents with spikes in visitors that shape staffing and revenue patterns.

“Both Nantucket and Islamorada share a relaxed coastal charm, where wonderful locals and frequent visitors come together over a shared love of the water,” Pedretti said. “I’m thrilled to join the Kaiyo family and become part of the Islamorada community. I’m excited to help elevate the guest experience and carry on the warm hospitality the restaurant is known for.”

For customers, the immediate impact is likely to be continuity in service and a refreshed emphasis on guest experience. For staff, Pedretti’s track record suggests an emphasis on training and operational systems that can reduce turnover and improve shift performance, two ongoing challenges in a hospitality market that competes for seasonal labor. For local suppliers and seafood purveyors, a manager experienced in high-volume coastal restaurants can mean steadier orders and closer coordination on sourcing as Kaiyo maintains its mix of local catch and international flavors.

Economically, experienced management helps restaurants maximize table turns and improve margins during peak periods, which supports payroll and can increase local spending on services from docks to food distributors. In a tourism-driven economy like Monroe County’s, reliable dining options also bolster the overall visitor experience, contributing indirectly to repeat tourism and word-of-mouth referrals that matter for small businesses across the Keys.

Pedretti’s hiring signals Kaiyo’s commitment to blending island hospitality with operational discipline. As she settles in, expect to see her influence in front-of-house routines, staff development initiatives and possibly seasonal menu touches that play to Islamorada’s strengths in seafood and tropical ingredients. For residents and visitors, the change means a veteran manager at the helm just ahead of the spring season, a practical development for those who rely on dependable dining choices in the Keys.