Oakland Raiders: Chris Rossi

Chef Chris Rossi is the executive chef and owner of Citron Restaurant located in the Rockridge neighborhood in Oakland. Dreaming of one day owning a French restaurant, Chris trained in the European apprentice style and began cooking while still in high school with Paula Le Duc Fine Catering and the Wente Vineyards Restaurant. Later in Oregon, he assisted in the opening of Steelhead Brewery and received his most formal training at Café Zenon. These experiences further shaped his career, as he mastered the craft of French cuisine while learning the business of running a restaurant. Returning to the Bay Area in 1994, he sought out Chef Craig Thomas, the then owner and executive chef of Citron. Chris soon worked his way up to sous chef, buying the restaurant in 1997. Citron has enjoyed continued success and growth over the last 10 years.