COLLIER MERRILL

PRESIDENT, MERRILL LAND CO. AND GREAT SOUTHERN RESTAURANTS, Pensacola

Merrill is the owner and president of Great Southern Restaurants, which operates several dining venues in downtown Pensacola, including The Fish House, Jackson’s Steakhouse, Five Sisters Blues Cafe and Angelena’s Ristorante Italiano. Employing more than 400, his companies have played a key role in revitalizing the city’s waterfront and historic districts, which have boosted Pensacola’s cultural and economic development. He also serves as president and owner of MLC which is a real estate development company specializing condos and other real estate along the Gulf coast and has served on many local and regional boards.

EDUCATION: University of West Florida (BA)

FIRST JOB: Driving a lumber truck at my family’s business, Building Supply Center

DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: Archeologist

SOMETHING SURPRISING: I am very interested in all aspects of history, not only local but world history.

INDUSTRY TREND: The rise of experiential dining — offering customers not just a meal, but a memorable, immersive experience.