Esperto Hospitality Group
Seducing Your Senses
Our Mission
Taste: Savor the artistry of great recipes, balanced flavors, and exquisitely executed dishes.
Touch: Engage every guest with warm, personalized hospitality that resonates.
See: Craft and design stunning ambiance and visually appealing dishes that captivate.
Hear: Immerse in the vibrant sounds of top-notch entertainment and the cheerful socializing of friends and family.
Smell: Experience the enticing aromas of fresh ingredients and exquisite cuisine prepared by our seasoned chefs.
About Us
Esperto Hospitality crafts, designs, and operates premier dining establishments focused on delivering the ultimate experience for social gatherings. Our venues are perfect for friends and family to create lasting memories over exceptional food, entertainment, and drinks. Committed to the highest standards of hospitality, we aim to enrich the communities we serve continuously.
Allow us to exceed your expectations and engage your senses. Join us at Esperto Hospitality for a remarkable dining journey, where every visit is an opportunity to create unforgettable memories.
Thank you for dining with us and allowing Esperto Hospitality to serve you.
Our Restaurants
COVO Italian Steakhouse
Local House
Kitchen + Bar
Catezza
Italian Kitchen & Bar
Englishtown, NJ
Tinton Falls, NJ
Red Bank, NJ
Cafe
Pari
The Office
Restaurant & Lounge
Daddy's
Chicken Shack
Red Bank, NJ
Toms River, NJ
Tinton Falls, NJ
Reservations
Our Team
John DiLeo
President
John S. DiLeo Jr. is a graduate of St. John’s University. He currently serves as the Vice Chairman & President of HYLAN, a leading national provider of comprehensive communication solutions and electrical infrastructure services. In this influential role, he upholds the company's longstanding commitment to client satisfaction and rigorous quality standards. Leading HYLAN's day-to-day operations, John strategically directs resource allocation to drive growth and profitability. He meticulously reviews project reports and production data, ensuring excellence across all aspects of HYLAN’s operations and maintaining the company's stellar reputation. In addition to his role at HYLAN, John serves as the President of Esperto Hospitality Group, where he leads ventures in the culinary sector. Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, he aims to not only establish successful restaurants, bars, and lounges across New Jersey but also to expand into franchises and chains nationwide. His vision focuses on creating amazing culinary experiences while maintaining a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction in every endeavor.
Outside of his professional roles, John is actively involved in various professional and community organizations. He sits on the boards of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) and the National Utility Contractors Association of New Jersey (NUCA), showcasing his dedication to fostering economic growth and industry advancement. He is also a member of the Columbus Citizens Foundation in New York City and the New York Electrical Contractors Association, working to enhance both community and industry standards.
Anthony DiLeo
Vice President
Anthony DiLeo is an experienced entrepreneur and hospitality industry professional with a strong passion for operational excellence and business growth. Over the course of more than three decades, he has established himself as a prominent leader in the restaurant scene in New York and New Jersey. As the owner and operator of muttiple Perkins locations in the region, he has demonstrated his insight in managing successful ventures and delivering exceptional dining experiences to patrons. His hands-on approach and commitment to quality have earned him the trust of both customers and employees alike. In addition to his role in the Perkins franchises, Anthony serves as the Vice President and driving force behind the logistics, operations, business growth, and revenue strategies at Esperto Hospitality Group. Leveraging his extensive industry knowledge and strategic vision, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the group's presence and enhancing its reputation for excellence. With a relentless focus on exceeding expectations and driving results, he remains at the forefront of the hospitality industry, shaping the future of dining experiences in the New York/New Jersey area and beyond.
Tony Ruccio
Director of Operations
Tony Ruccio is a senior hospitality executive with over two decades of experience leading restaurant operations and scaling concepts across both corporate and independent restaurant groups. Tony spent 16 years with Darden Restaurants, where he built a strong foundation in operational excellence, leadership development, and systems-driven performance within a best-in-class corporate environment. He later spent 9 years immersed in the Princeton restaurant scene, holding senior leadership roles within respected independent and upscale dining concepts, refining his ability to balance brand identity, guest experience, and disciplined execution. His background spans full-service, upscale casual, and steakhouse operations, with a focus on operational strategy, talent development, and building teams aligned around clear standards, accountability, and long-term growth.
Jonathan Rice
Director of Culinary
Jonathan Rice is a New Jersey native and a graduate of Walnut Hill College. A seasoned professional with deep roots in the regional culinary scene, Chef Rice has honed his craft through experience in some of Philadelphia’s most dynamic kitchens. Most recently he served as Head Chef at Modo Mio before taking the lead in kitchen operations at Osteria Morini in Bernardsville, New Jersey. His culinary journey blends refined technique with a passion for approachable, ingredient-driven cuisine, earning him recognition among New Jersey’s celebrated chefs invited to showcase signature dishes at events like the New Jersey Wine & Food Festival.
Troy Montanez
Executive Chef of Local House
Felix Gonzalez brings a disciplined, ingredient-first approach to Italian cooking rooted in tradition and craft. Trained at The Italian Culinary Academy in Colorno, Italy, and shaped by years with the Charlie Palmer Group in Manhattan, his background blends classical technique with steakhouse precision. Most recently, he served as Chef de Cuisine for Heritage Hospitality Group. At COVO, his cooking centers on scratch preparation, handmade pasta, prime meats, and trusted relationships with local New Jersey farms, simple, honest food executed with intention.
Felix Gonzalez
Executive Chef of COVO Steakhouse
Felix Gonzalez brings a disciplined, ingredient-first approach to Italian cooking rooted in tradition and craft. Trained at The Italian Culinary Academy in Colorno, Italy, and shaped by years with the Charlie Palmer Group in Manhattan, his background blends classical technique with steakhouse precision. Most recently, he served as Chef de Cuisine for Heritage Hospitality Group. At COVO, his cooking centers on scratch preparation, handmade pasta, prime meats, and trusted relationships with local New Jersey farms, simple, honest food executed with intention.
Steven Coven
General Manager of Local House
Steven Coven brings more than 35 years of experience in restaurant operations, franchise management, and business ownership throughout New Jersey and New York. His background spans both independently owned concepts and nationally recognized brands, giving him a well-rounded perspective on growth, operational consistency, and long-term brand development. Steven previously owned and operated two Sushi House of Hoboken locations, leading all aspects of operations, team development, and guest experience over more than 16 years. Earlier in his career, he built, owned and managed four GNC franchise locations in New York City, overseeing multi-unit operations in a highly competitive retail market. His franchise and corporate experience includes leadership roles with Domino’s Pizza, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, and Mission BBQ, where he has focused on strengthening team performance, refining operational systems, and enhancing the overall guest experience in high volume environments.
Steven’s leadership approach centers on clear standards, accountability, and a strong commitment to customer service. He believes that consistent systems, well trained teams, and a guest first mindset are essential to building businesses that perform well operationally while creating welcoming, memorable experiences.
Nicholas Pagano
General Manager of The Office Restaurant & Lounge
Nicholas Pagano is the General Manager of The Office Restaurant & Lounge and The Villa in Toms River. With more than 35 years at The Office, he started as a busboy at 16 and worked his way up to General Manager. He also bartended at the legendary Bamboo Bar in Seaside Heights (1993–2006).
Nick brings over three decades of hospitality experience, earning a reputation for strong leadership and exceptional guest service. He also serves as Ocean County Director for the New Jersey Licensed Beverage Association.
A lifelong Ocean County resident and Realtor for over 20 years, Nick is deeply involved in the community. He is President of the RWJBarnabas Health Community Medical Center Foundation Board and a member of its Executive Board, supporting numerous local charitable initiatives.
His recognitions include Citizen of the Year (2021) from the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce and multiple community service awards.
Nick lives in Ocean County with his wife, Kelly, a Toms River third-grade teacher, and their two sons, Max and Mason.