New York City-based epicurean market and seafood specialist Citarella announced the appointment of Rich Durante as chief executive officer today, effective immediately. Durante, who brings over 40 years of experience in the food retail industry with a particular focus in the specialty sector, will work closely with owner Joe Gurrera and will be in charge of operations, merchandising and team development for all of Citarella’s seven locations.
Prior to joining Citarella, Durante served as chief merchandising officer at North Carolina-based chain, The Fresh Market, and has held executive positions at AG Supermarket Holdings, Balducci’s Market, and Balducci’s On The Go Cafe. His extensive background includes leadership positions across multiple disciplines: merchandising, operations, marketing, and engineering.
“The addition of Rich to our Citarella family will bring a level of leadership experience and expertise in food retail to allow our Citarella stores to continue to grow and operate at the highest level,” says Gurrera.
Citarella, which was founded in Manhattan in 1912 by Mike Citarella as a seafood shop, is known for its fresh seafood selection, prime aged meats, and restaurant quality prepared foods and desserts. Since purchasing the store in 1983, Gurrera and his team have grown the brand to include seven locations among New York City, the Hamptons, and Greenwich, Connecticut. In addition to Citarella, Gurrera owns and operates Lockwood & Winant at the historic Fulton Fish Market.
Gurrera’s next project is to sell seafood online across the continental United States. “I want customers in Omaha to experience the same fresh seafood as New York Citarella customers.”
“Joe Gurrera has built Citarella into an iconic brand with a stellar reputation, and it’s an honor to be a part of the team,” said Durante. “From an unparalleled selection of the freshest seafood to renowned prepared foods and specialty items, they’ve got it all, and I’m looking forward to bringing my expertise to the table for the next chapter.”
