James Katims brings to this position over 30 years of experience to his role . Starting in 1984 as a salad man, he quickly worked his way up to become a chef. At only 26, he opened his first restaurant, Civile's, in Kenilworth, New Jersey. With a solid local following this five star establishment,  catered to many media personalties, including the cast of Goodfellas, local politicians, and sports personalities such as Phil Rizzuto and Bobby Thompson. The highlight was a meal prepared for President George H. W. Bush and his staff during his 1992 campaign. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed the building in 2004.  Since then James continued to work in the industry until reopening his own Civile È Tornato in Metuchen, which upon outgrowing its initial location, became Civile Cucina Italiana.

Jason Penedos is co-owner and general manager of Civile Cucina Italiana in Metuchen, New Jersey. He brings twenty five years of restaurant experience in both front and back-of-the-house operations. He started in the kitchen, but soon began managing highly touted restaurants in his neighborhood in Bay Ridge Brooklyn. After moving back to NJ in 2006, he became general manager of The Metuchen Inn when it staged its highly successful relaunch. Upon bringing his talent and skill to Civile È Tornato in 2012, Jason’s abilities to advertise and market the brand became prominent. Along with his networking skills which have shown to be a vital component of their business today. Jason has proven himself to reach through various marketing strategies, many different communities, attracting clientele from all over the Tri-State area. He has worked tirelessly on training and building a professional, knowledgeable and efficient waitstaff. Part of his approach is to work alongside of them, encouraging the successful service techniques he has learned throughout his career in the industry.

Juan Zaldivar is currently part-owner of Civile Cucina Italiana and has been in the restaurant business for his entire working life. His most recent success is the award winning Lola Latin Bistro in Metuchen, New Jersey, opened in 2001. Along with ownership, Juan acts as the front-manager, and sometimes as a chef. He is widely known as a brilliant dessert chef and his pastries are in great demand—especially his Mascarpone Cheesecake. In addition to his work at Lola and Civile Cucina Italiana, he also assisted in the opening and expansion of Lucy’s, a Mexican restaurant in New Brunswick, New Jersey.