We are proud to welcome Matthew Zappoli, as Chef de Cuisine, to the team at our newest culinary destination, The Rez Grill! He is joining Creative Culinary Director, Frank Anderson, in the kitchen of The Rez Grill, bringing with him 20 years of notable culinary experience.

Zappoli, a New Jersey native, began his long-standing career in 1998 when he graduated with honors from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Following graduation, he was hired by his now mentor and celebrity chef and restaurateur Charlie Palmer, at the highly acclaimed Aureole located in New York City. Zappoli’s appetite for success and creativity led him to advance quickly and work across the country in various Charlie Palmer properties including the Las Vegas-based Aureole located in the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Dry Creek Kitchen located in Hotel Healdsburg in Sonoma County, California.

In 2008, Zappoli decided to take his wealth of experience and return to his New Jersey stomping grounds where he successfully opened and managed his own restaurant, Tre Amici, along with his brother. In 2010, Zappoli garnered national attention when he was crowned champion on an episode of The Food Network’s “Chopped.” Check out the clip of Zappoli winning the redemption episode on “Chopped” here! 

Zappoli’s culinary talents have led to appearances at The James Beard House, high praises by Bon Appétit in a piece titled “Five Chefs to Watch,” followed by Restaurant Hospitality naming him “Rising Star Chef.”  Prior to his arrival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Zappoli served as executive chef at NYY Steak located at sister property Seminole Casino Coconut Creek since 2016.