Meet Chef Rocco
Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Chef Rocco has proudly called Tampa Bay home for over three decades. His journey in the restaurant industry began at just 15 years old, washing dishes in a small, family-owned Italian restaurant. It didn’t take long for him to realize the kitchen was where he belonged, and his natural talent and work ethic quickly earned him a spot on the line.
Over the years, Chef Rocco worked his way through every level of the restaurant world, gaining hands-on experience in nearly every role. His dedication and leadership eventually led him to an Executive Chef position with a rapidly growing Tampa Bay catering company, where he helped scale operations into one of the largest and most respected catering companies in the region. This chapter of his career cemented his reputation for excellence, consistency, and high-level execution.
In 2017, ready to build something of his own, Chef Rocco set out to pursue his vision as a private chef. What began as intimate dining experiences quickly evolved into large-scale luxury events, leading to the official launch of Chef Rocco Catering in 2019. Today, the company is known as one of Tampa Bay’s premier high-end catering brands, specializing in fully customized, chef-driven culinary experiences and event production company.
In addition to his catering company, Chef Rocco is a partner and Executive Chef of multiple successful restaurant concepts across Central Florida, including:
LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken | Lakeland & Winter Haven
Grievous Angel Burger | Lakeland
The Peach House | Lakeland
Propagation Whiskey Bar & Kitchen in Plant City, Florida
The Mustard Seed Deli is the realization of a long-held dream: to create a true chef-driven, gourmet sandwich shop rooted in quality, creativity, and intention. Every sandwich, salad, and sauce is thoughtfully crafted, bringing the same level of care, technique, and flavor that defines his catering and restaurant work into an approachable, everyday experience.
For Chef Rocco, this deli isn’t just another concept. It’s a passion project. A place where elevated food meets comfort, and where guests can experience chef-quality cuisine in its most inviting form.