Jay Ramras

Jay Ramras
Jay Ramras in November 2008.
Member of the Alaska House of Representatives from the 10th district
In office January 10, 2005 – January 16, 2011
Preceded by	Nick Stepovich
Succeeded by	Steve M. Thompson
Personal details
Born	(1964-07-31) July 31, 1964 (age 60) Fairbanks, Alaska
Nationality	American
Political party	Republican
Residence(s)	Fairbanks, Alaska
Alma mater	Syracuse University
Profession	Hotelier and restaurateur

Jay B. Ramras (born July 31, 1964) is an American businessman and politician. Ramras was a Republican member of the Alaska House of Representatives, being elected to the 10th District in 2004, and served three terms.^[1] He served as Chair of the Education Committee, Vice-Chair of the State Affairs Committee, and is a member of the Health & Social Services Committee and the Resources Committee. He also served on the Commerce, Community & Economic Development, Education & Early Development, Environmental Conservation, and Law Finance Subcommittees, for the 26th Legislature.^[2]

In 2010, Ramras ran for lieutenant governor, but lost the Republican primary to Mead Treadwell.^[3]

Ramras is also a hotel and restaurant owner. Beginning in 1986 with a small restaurant called Jaybird's Wingworld, located in a strip mall just outside downtown Fairbanks,^[4] he became successful enough to expand his business footprint throughout the Fairbanks area. In 1993, he purchased the Food Factory, located in the nearby Bentley Mall, from "Big Bob" Grocott, who established the restaurant in 1980. Ramras sold the Food Factory in 2010. He also later purchased Pike's Landing, near Fairbanks International Airport. In 2000, Ramras, along with partners, opened Pike's Waterfront Lodge next door to Pike's Landing. He has featured himself in numerous television commercials for his businesses over the years. In his commercials for the hotel, he has often espoused his political philosophy and positions.