Chef Dominic Zumpano

Executive Chef, Co-owner, The Cotton Duck Hospitality Group
The Gallery, The Peanut Gallery, Lucky Duck, Cream Bake Shop

Chef Dominic Zumpano inspires his culinary team and diners alike with his passion and creativity. Chef Zumpano started his career on the west side of Chicago at an American finedining restaurant. In just a few years he worked his way from dishwasher to chef tournade. After holding that position for some time, Chef Zumpano traveled to Maine to work at The Rose Garden Restaurant, one of only 47 five-diamond restaurants in the U.S. To further his culinary career, Chef Zumpano moved to Arizona to attend Scottsdale Culinary Institute where he graduated at the top of his class. After graduation Chef Zumpano held the position of chef de cuisine at Different Pointe of View, a four-star, four-diamond restaurant. Chef Zumpano also worked at Sanctuary on Camelback Resort’s signature restaurant, elements. Chef Zumpano worked closely with Executive Chef and Iron Chef Winner Beau MacMillan to invent innovative seasonal menus based on fresh, local ingredients produced from a network of artisans and organic farmers. While at Umami Moto in downtown Milwaukee Chef Zumpano received much praise for his Asian Fusion cuisine earning a four-star review from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and nominated for the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef Midwest. Zumpano was also asked to cook at James Beard House and Bon Appetit Culinary Studio in New York. After spending four years in Milwaukee Chef Zumpano decided to go back to his roots and return home to Illinois. As the Chef at Market House on the square and Fish House, Zumpano was nominated for Chicago’s Jean Banchet Award as rising chef. Chef Zumpano also received the number 42 spot for Chicago Magazines top 50 Sandwiches. Best Chefs of America also featured Zumpano as one of Chicago’s top chefs for their 2013 book. In August 2015 Chef Zumpano brought his dreams and ambitions to life when he started The Cotton Duck Restaurant Group and opened “The Gallery” a restaurant and art gallery that features rotating art exhibits where the menu and exhibit coincide. The Gallery’s menu and exhibits change five to six times a year. In the last few years, he has expanded his restaurant portfolio to include The Peanut Gallery and Lucky Duck