Our Culinary Team
As food purveyors, Ace Endico is committed to ensuring that all customers receive quality products at competitive costs. Our chefs and specialists act as an extension of your culinary team, supporting you with everything from food education to sourcing and testing new products.
The Chef's Table
Along with our specialists, they support customers in menu planning and testing ingredients to perfect their recipes. Their business-minded approach to culinary education ensures that every recommendation results in customers finding cost-effective solutions without sacrificing the quality of the products selected.
Chef Chris Devine
Corporate Chef & Product Specialist
A Culinary Institute of America graduate, Chef Chris Devine brings 40+ years of culinary management experience in private clubs and corporate settings. Before joining Ace Endico, he served 15 years as Executive Chef & General Manager at Trump Tower, overseeing events, catering, and the transition to The White House. He also launched and operated six restaurant divisions for the Trump Organization.
Now, as President of the American Culinary Federation of Westchester & Lower Connecticut, Chef Chris specializes in high-end American cuisine, menu planning, and consultation, offering expert guidance to Ace Endico customers.
Specialties: High-End American Cuisine, Menu Planning & Consultation
Favorite Food: Fresh Dover Sole and Chocolate Souffle for Dessert
Email: [email protected]
Chef Matthew Fortuna
Pastry Specialist & Chef
Chef Matthew attended Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, where he developed a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the pastry arts. After graduating, he refined his skills and expertise by working with a variety of high-end clients and corporate catering accounts, including LinkedIn and General Electric.
In March 2022, Matthew joined the Ace Endico team as a Pastry Specialist. In this role, he serves as the go-to expert for all baking and pastry-related products and inquiries, offering valuable insights and guidance to clients and colleagues alike.
Specialties: Plated Desserts, Viennoiseries, Pastry Ingredients
Favorite Food & Drink: A fresh croissant and a cappuccino.
Email: [email protected]
Chef Mariano Caputo
Manager of Merchandising & Partnership Development for Italian Brands
Born in Bari, Italy, Chef Mariano moved to the U.S. in 2000, where he grew up working in his family’s Italian restaurants. He eventually opened a few pizzerias of his own, starting in Florida and then moving to New Jersey, where he became a customer of Ace Endico.
When Mariano was ready to sell his final restaurant, he joined the Ace family, bringing his experience with him. Mariano uses his knowledge of the Italian palate to assist with the import of Italian specialty products, educate the sales team, research potential new items, and maintain a relationship with overseas vendors.
Specialties: Italian Specialty Products, Pizzerias, Import & Export
Favorite Food & Drink: Pizza, Spaghetti Carbonara
Email: [email protected]
Shop with the Chefs
Culinary Specialists
Our specialists look forward to building partnerships and helping you select products, ingredients, and beverages that elevate your establishment’s dining experience.
Jerry Daniele
Senior Dessert Specialist
Before joining the staff at Ace Endico, Jerry worked as a personal chef in California. Over the past eight years, Jerry has greatly expanded Ace Endico’s private label dessert line, Simply Delicious. Collaborating with local bakeries, Jerry develops innovative recipes and ensures that every product meets the company’s high standards.
As a Senior Specialist, he continuously scouts for new dessert offerings and customizes selections based on customer preferences. Passionate about showcasing top-quality products, Jerry personally introduces clients to new creations through hands-on sampling.
Specialties: Finished & Semi-Finished Desserts, Hors D’oeuvres
Email: [email protected]
Christian Nahas
Seafood Specialist
In March 2016, Christian joined the Ace team as the Director of Seafood Operations. Since his arrival, Ace Endico has become a full-service seafood house, offering a daily selection of high-quality, fresh-cut seafood. Christian has developed an exceptional production team that is the heartbeat of our Seafood program.
Specialties: Fresh & Frozen Fish
Email: [email protected]
Bob Mazza
Beverage Specialist
Bob Mazza brings over 40 years of experience in the beverage industry, including two decades in soft drinks with Pepsi and Nestlé, and another 20 years in specialty waters with Evian, Saratoga, and SPA Water.
Since joining Ace Endico in 2019, he has managed sales and distribution for San Benedetto and other beverage brands, leveraging his expertise in accounting, marketing, and brand development.
Specialties: Specialty Waters, Imported Soft Drinks
Favorite Food: Mrs. Mazza’s Sunday Gravy with Homemade Rigatoni
Email: [email protected]
Gerry Healy
Ware Wash Service Director
Gerry brings extensive experience in ware wash systems and kitchen sanitation dating back to the beginning of his career. Before joining Ace Endico in 2005, he spent 15 years at Prism, a division of SC Johnson, where he advanced to Branch Manager for the New York and New England regions.
As Ace Endico’s Ware Wash Service Director, Gerry has built a skilled team specializing in troubleshooting and repairing dishwashers, dispensing systems, and espresso machines. He works closely with customers to assess their needs and ensure their kitchens operate safely and efficiently.
Specialties: Ware Washing Equipment, Sanitation, Coffee & Espresso Machines
Favorite Food: Pot Roast
Email: [email protected]
Dorian Vincent
Coffee Specialist
Before joining Ace Endico, Dorian built an impressive career spanning 12 years in the wine industry and a decade in the coffee business. His expertise was honed while working with the #1 French coffee company in France, where he perfected his technique and deepened his knowledge of the craft.
At Ace Endico, Dorian has developed a comprehensive coffee program, sourcing top-quality coffee suppliers, state-of-the-art equipment, and—most importantly—delivering the best coffee service on the East Coast. His dedication to excellence ensures that every cup meets the highest standards of quality and flavor.
Specialties: High-end Coffee & Espresso
Email: [email protected]
Sandra Zabetta
Italian Product Specialist
Born and raised in Milan, Italy, Sandra grew up surrounded by the finest flavors and traditions of Italian cuisine—giving her an innate understanding of true quality. After moving to the U.S. post-college, she began her culinary journey and quickly immersed herself in the industry.
Since joining Ace Endico in 2023, Sandra has cultivated strong relationships with top Italian vendors and manufacturers, helping to promote their brands and bring authentic Italian products to the U.S. market. Her passion and expertise ensure that customers experience the very best of Italy in every bite.
Specialties: Italian Imports
Email: [email protected]
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As an Ace Endico customer, you have a dedicated team of professionals focused on your success.
Culinary Resources
Browse our product catalogs and seasonal menus, and get inspired by culinary trends.