Charles Ziccardi has been an instructor with Drexel University since 2000. He held the position of program director from 2003 to 2010. Since then, Chef Z, as he is known by students, has turned his focus to teaching and developing his discipline: food sustainability and kitchen gardening.

Ziccardi has spent many years in the industry building leadership skills and developing lasting relationships. Some of his most noteworthy positions were held in the Philadelphia area, Colorado and Italy. He has worked under world renowned chefs, such as Jean-Marie Lacroix and Jean-Françoise Taquet. Ziccardi also brings extensive experience in fine dining room management to the program.

Always considered a patient, compassionate trainer throughout his professional career, life as an academic was a natural progression. Now he is committed to delivering skillful well-adjusted professionals back to the industry that shaped him. Ziccardi greatly enjoys interacting with students and helping them develop their interests and skills.

Ziccardi resides in the western suburbs of Philadelphia with his wife Andrea, two children Charlotte and Marco, and French Brittany Spud.

Professional Society

Rodale Institute, 2020
Chefs Collaborative 2012
PASA Sustainable Agriculture 2010

Research Interests

Food nutrient-density

Specialization

• Kitchen Gardening
• Food Sustainability
• Classic Italian Cuisine

MS, Public Communications
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

BS, Hospitality Management
Widener University
Chester, Pennsylvania

Diploma in Classic Italian Cuisine
Italian Culinary Institute (ICIF)
Costigliole d’Asti, Italy

AOS in Culinary Arts
Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park, New York