Meet Rob

In 1993, Rob Zeller moved to Gainesville to pursue his education at the University of Florida and he has called Gainesville home ever since. Rob graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1995. During his time in Gainesville as an undergraduate, he fell in love with Gainesville and decided to never leave. However, there were no Chemical Engineering job openings in Gainesville so he decided to open a business. Rob opened a small bar and grille in June of 1996. Shortly after opening his business he found work as an Environmental Engineer with Golder Associates. As an Environmental Engineer with Golder Associates, Rob had the opportunity to work Dave Buff, one of the most well respected air resources engineers in the southeast. Rob worked on many air pollution reduction projects throughout Florida while working closely with the EPA and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. In 2000, Rob left Golder Associates to pursue a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Florida.

Upon completion of his MBA in 2002, Rob had the opportunity to purchase Gainesville’s legendary eatery known as the Copper Monkey Restaurant. Due to the history of the Copper Monkey and his strong feelings about preserving Gainesville’s past, he purchased the Copper Monkey in 2003. The Copper Monkey is now enjoying its 31st year of serving home-made meals to the faculty and staff of the University of Florida as well as the surrounding neighborhood and a fair amount of the university’s alumni. Rob was also presented with the opportunity to continue the rich legacy of the Purple Porpoise by purchasing the failing business and re-opening it as Gator City Sports Grille in 2003. Most recently he purchased :08 Seconds to continue to provide Gainesville and the surrounding communities with a country style establishment for line dancing and live country music. With each purchase, Rob continued to gain valuable business expertise which enables him to employ over 140 Gainesville citizens and provide the residents of Gainesville with safe and enjoyable places to eat and drink.

Rob is not just an owner and operator of several businesses throughout Gainesville, he is also a dedicated husband and father. His wife Ashlea is a sixth grade teacher at PK Young Developmental Research School, Luke is his 7 year old son, Lily his 5 year old daughter and Rex is his 12 month old son. Luke and Lily attend Queen of Peace Academy where Rob and Ashlea attend church. Rob’s mother and father, Libby and Rich, recently retired and moved to Gainesville to spend time with their grandchildren and to assist him in the daily operations of the Copper Monkey Restaurant.

During these difficult economic times, Rob’s education, business experience, and determination have given him the tools to truly improve the quality of life of the citizens of District 3 and all the citizens of Gainesville.