Finding excellent chefs these days is somewhat rare, but what is even more rare is finding a chef that commits to a company as much as the company invests and commits to them. Zilli Hospitality Group has enjoyed such a chef for the past ten years and his name is Dan Lopez.
Dan and his children came to Wisconsin in 1994 after leaving Phoenix Arizona where Dan was a corporate trainer for the Olive Garden since 1990.
Soon after arriving in Waukesha, Dan was hired by Zilli Hospitality Group (ZHG) as a nightline chef at Zilli's Grandview Inn. He quickly rose up the kitchen ranks and within four months was named the restaurant chef.
In 1999 Dan wanted to spread his wings a bit and decided to transfer from Zilli's Grandview Inn to the company's catering division, Ellen Zilli's Catering. Like he had done when first joining the company, Dan moved up through the ranks quickly and by 2003 was the executive chef of Ellen Zilli's Catering and in 2004 was recognized as the corporate chef for all of ZHG, which includes Ellen Zilli's Catering, Zilli's Grandview Inn and Coast-A Zilli Restaurant.
Dan has been recognized by the Zilli family for reasons beyond his culinary talents. Dan brings a leadership to not only the kitchen staff but to all ZHG associates. Always the first to work extended hours until a project is completed, Dan has given 110% each and every day of his 10 years with company, and finds a way to draw that same dedication from his own staff.
Another rarity with Dan is that as the corporate chef, he is always thinking about the future. Over the next five years, Dan's goal is to create a new standard in catering as well as taking the company to the next level in both management style, training and culinary offerings.
When asked what his home-cooking specialty is, Dan stated that he draws from his heritage: southwestern cuisine with a touch of European flair. With what limited down time he has, Dan can be found fishing on private ponds in Wisconsin. You may think he uses his "catches" in family meals, but Dan is a firm supporter of catch-and-release fishing.
ZHG believes that their companies can only succeed with the help and commitment of their associates. Dan Lopez has shown this commitment and set a standard of excellence to all employees.