Russ Zito, MS – Research Chef

Research Chef Russ Zito brings several years of valuable experience to the CSG Group. Chef Zito has been instrumental in providing project management support to the delivery of services for projects such as, Harvard University, TIC GUMS, Red Arrow Products, Pinnacle Foods, Slade Gorton and many others. He is the key account manager for Venda and Robot Coupe Companies. Russ has a strong analytical management style that enhances the strategic planning of projects and the quality of services offered to CSG clients. His handling and development of customized spreadsheet applications for recipe costing and scaling, inventory control, forecasting, and ordering provide a unique
business perspective to the CSG Group.

Chef Russ Zito left his home in Oakland, NJ in 1985 to serve his country as a member of the United States Coast Guard. In 1986 he entered the Coast Guard’s formal culinary training program in Petaluma, CA and earned his Subsistence Specialist rating.

Chef Zito eventually found his way to Johnson & Wales University where he earned an AS in Culinary Arts, a BS in Foodservice Management, and an MS in Managerial Technology while employed in their Management Development Training Program.

Upon graduation, Chef Zito took a position with Accurate Bronze Bearing Company in Paterson, NJ to head up the development of its newly founded foodservice equipment parts division.

In 1997, Zito returned to Johnson & Wales University as an instructor of Culinary Arts, teaching courses in Equipment Technology, Foodservice Financial Systems, Culinary Arts, and Hospitality Information Systems. Chef Zito, now an Associate Professor with JWU, specializes in equipment and computer technology in foodservice and point of sale applications, small business accounting, inventory, and recipe information management. He also serves as the Intra-Collegiate Student Culinary Team Coach.

Treasurer of the American Culinary Federation’s Rhode Island Chapter, Zito is instrumental in chapter operations and fund raising events. He was selected as the 2002 ACF Rhode Island Chef of the Year. He is also a member of the Research Chefs Association, and the International Foodservice Executives Association.
Chef Zito presently manages the “Cheese of the Month” specialty cheese promotional program at Costantino’s Venda Ravioli in Providence, RI.

Chef Zito’s experience in institutional, restaurant, private club, and hotel kitchen environments, balanced with his business management skills make him an invaluable asset to CSG clients. His five-plus years of service to CSG in manufacturing, plant production, food service retail, and restaurant menu development have provided CSG’s clients with an innovative approach to each specific project.