Joe Cozza

Executive Chef, Tiverton Casino Hotel

Joe was born and raised in Malden, MA and attended Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI where he received his degree in Culinary Arts while maintaining Dean’s List status. Joe started his career as a line Chef at Christopher’s on the Hill and The Biltmore Providence. He then accepted the position of Restaurant Chef at Al Dente, a fine dining Italian restaurant at Foxwoods Resort Casino. While at Foxwoods, Joe was instrumental in the grand openings of seven separate restaurants.

After 10 years, he returned to the Ocean State to join the Twin River Team as the opening Restaurant Chef of Carmine’s Italian restaurant; he was also the Chef of Fado Irish Pub, and, finally, Wicked Good Bar & Grill. Joe has appeared on the Providence Rhode Show, TV Maître D’ and the Phantom Gourmet. He has been recognized numerous times for excellence in service and dining. Joe brings with him a wealth of knowledge with over 20 years of culinary and leadership experience.

Chef Luciano Canova

Executive Chef, Trattoria Romana & Tuscan Chophouse

Chef Luciano Canova was born in 1949, on a small farm just outside of Rome, Italy. Chef Luciano grew up with his parents & grandparents where good food was always been the staple that kept his family together. His passion for food was instilled in him as a small child in his home, and led him to attend the prestigious Culinary Institute of Italy. After graduating, Luciano worked all around the world perfecting his craft in places like Switzerland, Germany and on a luxury cruise line. Luciano’s passion has always been for food and people, and he always dreamed of opening authentic Italian Trattorias after moving to the US.

Chef Shawn Thomas

Restaurant Chef, Trattoria Romana
& Tuscan Chophouse

Shawn Thomas joins the food and beverage team at Tiverton Casino Hotel as Restaurant Chef at Trattoria Romana and the Tuscan Chophouse. He served in a similar capacity as the Chef/Food and Beverage Manager at The Grand Grill, Newport Grand Casino from 2012-2018.

A native Rhode Islander, he left briefly in 2008 to join The Horseradish Grill in Buckhead, Atlanta, GA as Restaurant Chef where he was fortunate enough to work under the James Beard award Rising Star Chef, Dave Berry, in upscale traditional southern cuisine where the food is often cooked slow and with many bold flavors from the heart and soul. It was there that he honed his skills in growing and using fresh vegetables to enhance the flavors of the dishes in a healthy way. Shawn also served as the Master Cook and Sous Chef at Cedars Steak House and Al Dente at Foxwoods Resort Casino from 1997-2008.

His passion for cooking is matched only by his love of travel, from which he draws inspiration for his food preparation, and his dog, Remington.