Team – The Hope Farm

Meet Our Team

Robert Evans

Owner

Bentley Evans

Owner

Will Jones

General Manager & Wine Director

William Jones, originally from Linden, AL, began his career in the industry as a young child helping his mother in her restaurant. Throughout the years, he worked a variety of roles within the restaurant but decided to pursue other interest through further educational.

Will attended school at The University of West Alabama in 2011, and moved to Auburn, AL shortly after where the restaurant industry seemed like a distant dream, until he accepted a position working part time at a high-end Italian restaurant with a growing wine program. This is when his passion for wine was discovered over a glass of 2007 Brunello di Montalcino. The passion found here has continued to grow and now encompassed not only wine, but the entire beverage and service industry. This passion drove Will to move to the Gulf Coast in pursuit of something more.

While on the Gulf Coast, Will worked at several restaurants, notably Southern National where he maintained the role of Beverage Director. In March 2020, he accepted the role of Assistant General Manager and Wine Director at The Hope Farm and in 2021 he accepted the role of General Manager and Wine Director. Through this platform, he has been allowed to showcase his love for the industry, his passion to spread new knowledge and experiences with each guest we see, and the opportunity to introduce them to wines, beverages, and foods they may have not experienced prior.

In his spare time, Will enjoys yoga, cycling, fitness, reading books, and spending time with friends and family.

Adam Stephens

Executive Chef

Adam Stephens

Executive Chef

Adam Stephens, originally from the Tampa Bay area, was destined for a career to be a Chef! Stephens started cooking at home at the age of 8 years old, due to his passion for feeding people and being in the kitchen. He started prepping and washing dishes when he was 14. Over the years, he dove headfirst into charity food events. At this point, he realized he was HOOKED. By combining both the passion of food, feeding people, and giving back, he knew this was a lifelong career.

Adam learned most of this industry from hands on interactions and through watching, and admiring, some very talented chefs. He proclaims, “he wouldn’t be where he is today without constant mentorship” and honestly admitted to an obsession with learning about food.

Adam has been listed in Best Chefs America, completed the 5-Star 5 Diamond Formal Training Program, and recently worked at one of the Top Ten Rated Steakhouses in the US. Adam joined the team as Executive Chef in the Fall of 2021.

In Adam’s spare time, he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Emily, his two dogs, cooking outside and family time at the ranch in Colorado!

Raleigh Swan

Assistant General Manager

Raleigh Swan, a native of Portland, ME, began his career in the restaurant industry during his early twenties at fine dining concepts in the North East. This experience sparked a fire within Swan to continue his journey within this industry and grow through the hard work restaurant’s often provide.

Throughout the years, Raleigh has developed a passion for the wine community, in which he hold the title of Certified Wine Sommelier, accredited through the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Raleigh’s passion for this industry is best described through the Chef Marcus Samuelson quote “One of the reasons that people enjoy coming to a great restaurant is that when an extraordinary meal is place in front of them, they feel honored, respected, and even a little bit loved.”

In 2020, Raleigh joined The Hope Farm as an integral part of the bar team and has since accepted the role of Assistant General Manager. In this role, he guides the team to new successes each day, provides support, experienced advice on service and wine, and continually pushes the boundaries of the bar program.

In his spare time, Raleigh enjoys reading, drinking wine, and spending time with family and friends.

Ben Snellenberger

Chef de Cuisine

Ben Snellenberger

Chef de Cuisine

Born in Houston, TX, Ben Snellenberger began his career in the restaurant industry, after graduating from Texas A&M. Ben’s curiosity about the life of working in a restaurant got the best of him and he accepted a role in a kitchen. Once he started, he could not get enough and attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park New York.

Ben loves the people and relationships that are formed, the consistent daily challenges it brings, and the sense of accomplishment after working the long hours that this industry provides.

In Spring of 2022, Ben accepted the role of Chef de Cuisine and continually guides the burgeoning talent of our growing team.

In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son, finding the next best Asian restaurant, and going to the gym.

Lauren Lanefski

Chief Financial Officer

Originally from Atlanta, GA Lauren Lanefski considers the Eastern Shore home!

During her time at the University of South Alabama, she began working in the food & beverage industry. Lauren has worked as a member of both fast-casual and full-service establishments and now sees the operation through the lens of accounting. She looks at topics through a different perspective in comparison to the other team members. Through utilizing her strong decision-making skills and experience, combined with her interactions and observations of each situation, she provides a strong framework to support her continually growing team.

Lauren began her career as the Chief Financial Officer with The Hope Farm in 2019. She finds interest in the different culinary terms, unique liquors, and their application in cocktails. She likes to understand the farming aspects of the business and how to utilize it all to the fullest.

Lauren considers herself a self-proclaimed champagne-connoisseur. In her spare time, she loves being with her two children, enjoys baking, trying out new recipes, working out with her hubby, and a good glass of bubbles!