The culinary brain behind Firefly, John Simmons got his start in Chicago before coming out to Las Vegas to help open Mon Ami Gabi. But in 2003, Simmons struck out on his own with a concept that became one of the earliest hotspots of the modern Las Vegas culinary scene.

After a decade of dishing up tapas – like those addictive bacon-wrapped dates – Simmons moved Firefly up the street on Paradise. The original location honored his lifelong love of Mexican food and became a place every craft beer-loving Las Vegan knows well: Tacos & Beer.

Susana Rodriguez is originally from Zacatecas, Mexico. She has worked in the restaurant industry for more than 16 years and has worked in numerous positions throughout the kitchen. She heads up at the local Las Vegas favorite Tacotarian and she brings her unique style to new specials and dishes on the menu. Tacotarian is a Mexican Eatery that serves traditional Mexican dishes that happen to be plant-based.

Misael Ramirez has been a chef for over 20 years and with Eureka! Restaurant Group for 11 of those years! He is the Executive Kitchen Manager for Eureka! Las Vegas and our sister restaurant La Popular Las Vegas while also helping our new concepts Almafi Llama and the soon to be Electric Pickle.

Chef Ryan Alday has over 25 years of culinary experience.  He’s worked in prestigious establishments in New York City, San Francisco, and Las Vegas and has worked with multiple Michelin Starred chefs throughout his career.  After graduating from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, he went straight to work for some of the best chefs in the country like Gunter Seeger, Gabriel Kreuther, and Alain Ducasse.  His respect for seasonality and creativity was formed during his time spent in these fine dining establishments, but he prefers to cook food that is more familiar and accessible to a wider audience.  He has been with 595 Craft & Kitchen and its affiliated concepts for over a year, where he uses his extensive culinary experience to mentor and develop passionate cooks aspiring to become chefs.