Russ Zito (he/him)
Associate Professor College of Food Innovation & Technology Culinary Arts Providence
Biography and Expertise
With nearly three decades at Johnson & Wales University’s College of Food Innovation & Technology, Chef Russ Zito brings extensive experience in culinary arts, foodservice management, and sustainable food systems to his teaching. A JWU alumnus and U.S. Coast Guard veteran (1985–1994), he has also completed the university’s Teaching Assistant, Fellowship, and Management Development programs.
Chef Zito holds degrees in culinary arts, foodservice management, and managerial technology, and owns Z Culinary Services, a consultancy focused on foodservice and product development. He is deeply involved in JWU’s sustainability efforts, contributing to the care of campus chickens, the apiary, Wildcat Meadows gardens, and hydroponic growing systems.
Education
MS
Johnson & Wales University
BA
Johnson & Wales University
Associates Degreee of Occupational Science
Johnson & Wales University
Certified Beekeeper (level 1)
Rhode Island Beekeepers Association
Certifed Mushroom Forager
Mushroom Mountain University
Food Safety Manager Certification (FSM)
Rhode Island Department of Health
ServSafe Food Safety
ServeSafe
Certified Executive Chef (CEC)
American Culinary Federation
JWU CFIT MVP
Johnson & Wales University CFIT
C.A.F.E. Green Award
C.A.F.E. – Culinary Arts & Foodservice Educators
JWU CFIT MVP
Johnson & Wales University CFIT
Melvin Jones Fellowship Award
Lion’s Club International
Rhose Island Chef of The Year
ACF RI Chapter
Les Amis d’Escoffier Socitey Award
Les Amis d’Escoffier Society
JWU CCA MVP
Johnson & Wales University CCA
JWU CCA MVP
Johnson & Wales University CCA
Rhode Island Beekeepers Association
Rhode Island Mycological Society
New Hampshire Mycological Society
American Culinary Federation
Society of Wine Educators
Research Chefs Association
International Food Service Educators Association
Zito, R.
Culinary Careers For Dummys
John Wiley & Sons
1st Edition
All
Introduction to Honeybees and Honey for Dieticians
Oral Presentation
HAL5
Johsnon & Wales University
Johnson & Wales University
Providence
RI
United States
Engaging Students with Hands-On Learning and Collaborative Approaches
Oral Presentation
CTL Symposium 2025
Johnson & Wales
Providence
RI
United States
A Cross-Disciplinary Approach to Enhancing Student Learning
Oral Presentation
CTL Symposium 2025
Johnson & Wales University CTL
Johnson & Wales University
Providence
RI
United States
Engaging Students with Hands-On Learning
Oral Presentation
CTL Symposium 2025
Johnson & Wales University CTL
Johnson & Wales University
Providence
RI
United States
Land O Lakes – Queso Bravo Recipe Contest EmCee & Organization
Demonstration
Bar & Restaurant Expo
Questex Hospitality Group
Las Vegas Convention Center – Food & Beverage Innovation Center
Las Vegas
NV
United States
Maple Leaf Farms – Duck Recipe Contest EmCee & Organization
Demonstration
Bar & Restaurant Expo
Questex Hospitality Group
Las Vegas Convention Center – Food & Beverage Innovation Center
Las Vegas
NV
United States
Sustainability Best Practices – Culinarily Speaking
Oral Presentation
C.A.F.E. Leadership Conference
C.A.F.E. – Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education
St. Philip’s College – Alamo Colleges District
San Antonio
TX
United States
Soy Paper Integration
Demonstration
Bar & Restaurant Expo
Questex Hospitality Group
Las Vegas Convention Center – Food & Beverage Innovation Center
Las Vegas
NV
United States
Nikkei Cuisine – More than Japanese Peruvian Fusion
Demonstration
Bar & Restaurant Expo
Questex Hospitality Group
Las Vegas Convention Center – Food & Beverage Innovation Center
Las Vegas
NV
United States
Pork Belly Bahn Mi Flatbread – Vietnamese & Western Fusion
Demonstration
Bar & Nightclub Show
Questex Hospitality Group
Las Vegas Convention Center – Food & Beverage Innovation Center
Las Vegas
NV
United States