Craig Smith

A native of Jacksonville, Craig Smith grew up in Callahan, Florida. He got his first taste of business at the feet of Peter Bragan, Sr. and Pedro. Working for the then-named Jacksonville Suns, he honed his skills in promotions, sales and customer service. Craig adapted what he learned at the Ballpark to become a serial entrepreneur, with success in the communications business, the transportation business and in the retail labeling industry.  

In November of 2009, he found himself quite by accident as the owner of the Alhambra Theatre & Dining, the nation’s longest running professional dinner theater. A labor of love, Craig embarked on a journey to improve the Alhambra’s guest experience and further the Alhambra’s place among Jacksonville’s most treasured cultural icons.

Since taking over the 375-seat dinner theater, the longest-running such theater in the nation, attendance has increased 25% each year and now proudly boasts sell out crowds often. 2023 saw record attendance, seating more than 135,000 people – 96% of available seats. Under Smith’s guidance the Alhambra has become known as much for its culinary experience as it is for its high quality of Broadway-like shows. With the intent of revitalizing it like he did the Alhambra, in September 2022, Smith bought St Johns Food Service Company, a 74 year old St Augustine food purveyor. And in late 2024, Craig and his partners bought the Dick’s Wings franchise on Atlantic Boulevard in Jacksonville.

When not working at one of his businesses, Craig enjoys his time unting and spending time with his daughter, Macy, (whom he largely credits with his purchase of the Alhambra). Craig is on the Board of Directors for Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), the Dean’s Council at UNF and the Marketing Committee for Visit Jacksonville and speaks frequently at area business events about Jacksonville’s growing cultural scene and thriving business environment.