Our STAFF
Executive Chef: Ben Shepherd
Ben was born and raised in New Orleans, LA where his appetite for food and culture quickly grew. He relocated to Greenville, SC his senior year due Hurricane Katrina, and after graduating high school he attended LSU; but with no particular future plans he moved back South Carolina. Over the years he began working as bartender and in the kitchen for various restaurants in upstate. He was the first cook to be hired at the Lighthouse upon opening, and worked with a former a Executive Chef. During his time with the Lighthouse Executive Chef, Ben rediscovered his passion for all things culinary and expanded his knowledge and techniques. Since stepping into the Executive Chef position his love only continues to grow.
Sous Chef
Trent Cain
Trent Cain was born in Anderson, SC and has been a native to Oconee County for 20 years. He began to have a passion for cooking when he was eight years old. Chef Trent first started cooking with his late grandfather, who was a Veteran Chef in the United States Navy. His grandfather “Randy” shared the same passion for cooking and the two spent many weekends in the kitchen cooking for the family. The Beginning of Trent’s food service education was at Hamilton Career Center in high school followed by Johnson & Wales University where he majored in Culinary Arts. In the more recent years, Trent was the Executive Chef at Cross Creek Plantation, a private country club located in Seneca and Food Operations Director at Oconee Memorial Hospital before opening his own restaurant Rails 133 in Central, SC. Chef has been working in the restaurant / hospitality industry for 20 years continuing his passion for delivering top quality food and service. Trent joined the Lighthouse team as a Sous Chef in February 2024 in hopes of bringing his skills and talents to help with the growth and success of the Restaurant. In his free time Trent enjoys spending time with his family, going to church, riding motorcycles, watching football, being outdoors and home renovations.
Cabana Manager
Trish Riser
Trish Riser was born in the low country of South Carolina and has lived in Pickens County for 25 years. She has worked in the food service industry for 25 years and has served on the management team for the Lighthouse and Cabana for eight years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Clemson University and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from Furman University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the lake, and cheering on the Clemson Tigers!
Assistant General Manager
Billy Hoxit
Billy was born in Oconee County and has lived here for the past 24 years. After leaving home for a while to work for the Darden Corporation in management and as a traveling trainer opening new restaurants, Billy returned home to Seneca and began to apply my skills locally. His passion for outstanding customer service as well as my extensive knowledge of food, wine, and spirits have prepared him to join the management team at The Lighthouse with a focus on the future and doing his part to make what’s already an incredible part of the community be the best it can be.
Associate General Manager
Tom Quigley
Tom was born and raised on the Jersey Shore and quickly developed an appetite for all things Food and Beverage. Starting at the early age of 13 washing dishes all the way to running multifaceted dining venues. Tom has worked from the beaches of New Jersey to the mountains of Vermont to the rocky shores of Maine to the Golden Corner of South Carolina making an impact wherever he made his home.
