Meet the Team
Ray Rastelli
Founder & President of Rastelli Foods Group
Raymond Rastelli Jr. is a true embodiment of the American dream—an entrepreneur who turned a small butcher shop into a global leader in premium meat processing and distribution. His journey began in the mid-1970s when, as a teenager with his first child on the way and struggling to make ends meet, Ray took a leap of faith and opened his own butcher shop in his hometown of Oak Valley, New Jersey. What started as a modest storefront quickly became the foundation for what would grow into Rastelli Foods Group, a world-class provider of high-quality meats and seafood to food service, retail, e-commerce, and military customers across the globe.
From a Local Butcher Shop to a Global Powerhouse
Over the past four decades, Ray and his brother Tony Rastelli have transformed Rastelli Foods Group into an internationally recognized brand, employing over 900 people and processing more than 2 million pounds of meat every week. Their commitment to quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction has fueled the company’s rapid growth, allowing them to expand into wholesale, foodservice distribution, retail, and direct-to-consumer markets. In the 1980s and 1990s, Ray and Tony focused on growing their retail footprint, operating 10 butcher shops across New Jersey while also scaling their wholesale business. Their reputation for premium-quality products and exceptional service helped secure partnerships with restaurants, hotels, and distributors throughout the Northeast. However, Ray had a bigger vision—he wanted to take Rastelli Foods beyond regional markets and into the national and international arena.
A Major Expansion & Military Partnerships
Recognizing the potential for large-scale distribution, Ray led the expansion of the company’s meat processing facility in the mid-1990s, allowing Rastelli Foods to fulfill large-scale orders and ship products across the country and overseas. This move was a game-changer, enabling the company to secure major foodservice contracts and, most notably, critical partnerships with the United States military.
Under Ray’s leadership, Rastelli Foods became a trusted supplier to military bases across the world, ensuring that the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces receive high-quality, nutritious meals no matter where they are stationed. His ability to scale operations while maintaining product excellence has solidified Rastelli Foods as a preferred provider for military and government food programs—an achievement that remains a point of deep pride for both him and the company.
Expanding into Retail, E-Commerce & Nationwide Recognition
As Rastelli Foods continued to grow, Ray saw an opportunity to bring his products directly to consumers. The company’s expansion into retail and e-commerce introduced Rastelli-branded steaks, pork chops, burgers, and hot dogs to households across America. Ray himself has become the face of the brand, frequently appearing on QVC, where he shares his passion for premium meats with millions of viewers and has built a loyal customer base.
Today, all Rastelli products are processed at the company’s state-of-the-art, 200,000-square-foot facility in Swedesboro, New Jersey, where strict quality control and innovation drive every aspect of production. The facility’s advanced capabilities allow Rastelli Foods to provide custom-cut, portion-controlled meats for top-tier restaurants, retailers, and meal delivery services, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in the industry.
A Lasting Legacy of Quality & Innovation
Raymond Rastelli Jr.’s story is one of determination, vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From a small-town butcher to the CEO of a global food company, his leadership has shaped Rastelli Foods Group into one of the most respected names in the industry. Through his dedication to quality, innovation, and customer trust, he has built a business that not only serves top restaurants and retailers but also plays a critical role in feeding U.S. troops worldwide.
As he continues to lead the company into the future, Ray remains committed to upholding the values that started it all—family, hard work, and a passion for delivering the best. His impact on the food industry is undeniable, and the legacy he has built will continue to thrive for generations to come.
Tony Rastelli
Co-Founder, Vice President Rastelli Foods Group
A Global Leader in the Premium Food Industry
Born and raised in Oak Valley, New Jersey, Tony Rastelli grew up in a family built on hard work, integrity, and a passion for quality food. In 1980, he officially joined the family business, working alongside his brother, Ray Rastelli Jr., to transform their small neighborhood butcher shop into a global force in premium food production and distribution. While the company’s early years focused on serving the local community, Tony had a much bigger vision—one that would take Rastelli Foods beyond state lines and onto the world stage.
With an innate ability to identify opportunities and a relentless drive for expansion, Tony played a pivotal role in building Rastelli Foods into an international powerhouse. He spearheaded efforts to streamline operations, optimize global fulfillment, and develop strong relationships with suppliers and clients. His deep expertise in logistics, consolidation strategies, and international trade positioned Rastelli Foods as a trusted name in premium meats and seafood, serving food service operations, retailers, and direct-to-consumer markets across more than 80 countries.
A Commitment to Serving Those Who Serve
One of Tony’s proudest accomplishments has been securing key contracts with the United States military, ensuring that American troops stationed around the world receive the highest quality food. Through his leadership, Rastelli Foods has become a trusted supplier for U.S. military bases across the globe, providing premium meats and proteins to servicemen and women who sacrifice so much for our country. His dedication to this mission reflects both his patriotism and his unwavering commitment to delivering excellence—whether to a five-star restaurant, a family dinner table, or a military mess hall on the other side of the world.
Driving Global Expansion and Industry Excellence
As the face of Rastelli worldwide, Tony manages a complex global supply chain that ensures seamless operations and top-tier service for clients across multiple industries. With a travel schedule that rivals that of any commercial airline pilot, he spends a significant portion of his time abroad, personally overseeing operations, strengthening partnerships, and expanding Rastelli’s footprint in emerging markets. His hands-on leadership style and strategic vision have allowed the company to navigate the ever-evolving food industry with agility and precision.
Despite his extensive global reach, Tony remains deeply connected to his roots. He continues to call New Jersey home, where he remains actively involved in the company’s day-to-day operations. His leadership has helped shape Rastelli Foods into an internationally recognized brand, setting new standards for quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
As he continues to drive the company’s growth, Tony’s focus remains on innovation, sustainability, and ensuring that Rastelli’s delivers the best products to customers worldwide. From a small-town butcher shop to an industry leader serving clients across six continents—including the brave men and women of the U.S. military—Tony’s journey is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and passion for feeding the world.
Ray Rastelli, III
Executive Vice President
Ray Rastelli III has been an integral part of Rastelli Foods Group from a young age, officially stepping into the business at just 15 years old. Over the years, he has worked across every area of the company—from warehouse operations to customer service, sales, and beyond—gaining a deep understanding of the business and the relationships that drive it. His commitment to learning every aspect of the organization has made him a key leader in the company’s continued evolution and national growth.
As Executive Vice President, Ray has been a driving force in expanding the Rastelli brand and elevating it to a household name. He led the charge in securing and growing the company’s presence on QVC, where millions of consumers have come to know and trust the Rastelli name for premium, responsibly sourced meats. His efforts have helped bring the Rastelli family’s commitment to quality directly into homes across the country, further strengthening the brand’s identity and consumer reach.
Leading Sales Growth & Opening New Channels
In addition to his work in brand expansion, Ray leads the company’s domestic sales strategy, managing national accounts and overseeing relationships across retail, foodservice, and distribution channels. His ability to build long-term partnerships and navigate a competitive marketplace has been instrumental in sustaining Rastelli’s industry-leading reputation.
Preserving Legacy, Pioneering Growth
As a third-generation leader in the family business, Ray brings a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and strategic vision to his role. His work continues to strengthen the Rastelli legacy, ensuring that the values of quality, integrity, and service remain at the heart of the company’s future.
With a relentless focus on growth, partnership, and excellence, Ray Rastelli III is helping lead Rastelli Foods Group into its next era—while staying rooted in the legacy that built it.
Todd Perry
Chief Financial Officer
With over 20 years of executive leadership in the food industry, Todd Perry brings a wealth of experience across retail, manufacturing, and distribution. His career began at Accenture (formerly Andersen Consulting), where he developed a passion for leveraging financial strategy and business insights to drive growth and operational excellence. This foundation in consulting and finance gave Todd a unique perspective on how organizations can maximize performance, making him a key player in the success of middle-market and family-owned businesses.
As Chief Financial Officer of Rastelli Foods Group, Todd takes a strategic, hands-on approach to financial management, ensuring the company’s continued expansion and long-term success. His expertise in financial planning, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making has been instrumental in optimizing Rastelli’s supply chain, investments, and overall business performance.
A Collaborative & Growth-Focused Leader
Beyond the numbers, Todd is a collaborative and supportive leader who is passionate about developing talent and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. He believes that in a fast-growing, entrepreneurial business, success comes from having a team that is adaptable, innovative, and willing to go beyond their functional roles to drive the company forward. His ability to mentor, guide, and empower team members has been a key factor in Rastelli Foods Group’s ongoing growth and operational excellence.
Todd holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Indiana University and an MBA in Marketing from The Ohio State University. With a data-driven mindset and a deep understanding of the food industry, he plays a critical role in ensuring Rastelli Foods Group remains financially strong, operationally efficient, and well-positioned for future success.
Luis Villalobos
Chief Operating Officer
With over 20 years of leadership experience in the food industry, Luis Villalobos has built a career defined by operational excellence, strategic growth, and a deep commitment to people. Before joining Rastelli Foods Group, Luis served as Chief Operating Officer of West Liberty Foods, where he played a key role in optimizing operations and driving efficiency. Prior to that, he spent over a decade at Tyson Foods, starting as a Production Supervisor and rising through the ranks to become Managing Group Director of Operations, overseeing large-scale production and supply chain management. His ability to lead teams, implement strong operational processes, and drive profitability has made him a respected leader in the industry.
Driving Efficiency & Innovation at Rastelli Foods Group
Since joining Rastelli Foods, Luis has successfully implemented new processes and operational strategies that have driven efficiency to an all-time high. Through streamlined production workflows, improved resource management, and enhanced logistics, he has optimized productivity, reduced waste, and increased overall output—ensuring the company operates at peak performance. His ability to analyze complex challenges and develop smart, scalable solutions has strengthened Rastelli Foods’ position as an industry leader in premium food production and distribution.
A People-First Approach to Leadership
Luis is a servant leader who believes that investing in people and implementing smart, efficient processes leads to long-term success. He is passionate about building strong teams, developing talent, and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. His leadership philosophy aligns perfectly with Rastelli Foods’ commitment to quality, innovation, and operational excellence, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of the food industry.
Family, Community & Commitment to Excellence
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Luis is a devoted family man, married to his wife Patricia for over 23 years. Together, they are proud parents to their son, who is pursuing a career in neurology. Luis values faith, family, and community, and he brings that same dedication and integrity to his work every day.
As Chief Operating Officer of Rastelli Foods Group, Luis continues to drive efficiency, innovation, and operational success, ensuring that the company remains a leader in premium food production and distribution. His expertise, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence make him a key force in shaping the company’s future.
Anthony Rastelli
Vice President of International
Anthony Rastelli Jr. has been immersed in Rastelli Foods Group from an early age, learning every aspect of the business from the ground up. He began his journey in the warehouse, servicing forklifts, receiving deliveries, and gaining firsthand experience in the company’s day-to-day operations. With a deep understanding of logistics, he quickly expanded his expertise into shipping, procurement, and sales, making him a well-rounded leader with a passion for driving the company forward.
Anthony has played a key role in Rastelli Foods’ global expansion, spearheading the company’s entry into South America’s retail and food service markets. His strategic vision and ability to develop strong international partnerships have positioned Rastelli Foods as a trusted provider of premium meats and seafood throughout the region, further solidifying its reputation on the world stage.
Strengthening Global Operations & Navigating Supply Chain Challenges
When global supply chain disruptions during COVID-19 posed major challenges to international imports, Anthony led a critical initiative to make Rastelli Foods its own import clearing house. By taking full control of customs clearance and international logistics, he ensured that the company could maintain seamless operations and deliver products without delay, reinforcing its self-sufficiency and industry leadership.
With a sharp focus on innovation, efficiency, and global expansion, Anthony continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Rastelli Foods Group. His commitment to quality, strategy, and operational excellence ensures that the company remains at the forefront of the industry, delivering premium products to customers around the world while staying true to the family’s legacy of hard work, integrity, and innovation.
Lauren Rastelli DeMarco
Vice President of Marketing
Lauren Rastelli DeMarco brings passion, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit to her role as Vice President of Marketing at Rastelli Foods Group. Growing up in the family business, she witnessed firsthand how hard work, innovation, and a commitment to quality built the Rastelli name into a trusted brand. A graduate of St. Joseph’s University with a degree in Food Marketing, Lauren began working in the industry during her college years and quickly established herself as a strategic, results-driven leader.
With a strong vision for growth, Lauren has been instrumental in expanding Rastelli Foods beyond foodservice and into retail and eCommerce. Under her leadership, the company has launched its branded products in major retail chains and online marketplaces, making premium, responsibly sourced proteins available directly to consumers. Her focus on innovative marketing, brand storytelling, and consumer engagement has positioned Rastelli Foods as a rising force in the retail food space.
A Champion for Entrepreneurship & Community Impact
Lauren is also passionate about mentorship, community, and entrepreneurship. She led the company’s partnership with Rowan College of South Jersey and played a key role in launching the Rastelli Entrepreneur Center, an initiative designed to support and inspire the next generation of business leaders. Her commitment to educating and empowering future entrepreneurs reflects the same values that have guided her family’s success for decades.
Balancing Family, Business & a Legacy of Excellence
Continuing the Rastelli legacy is at the heart of Lauren’s mission. She brings that same dedication to her home life as a devoted wife and proud mother of four young children, juggling the fast-paced worlds of marketing and motherhood with grace, determination, and humor.
Through her leadership, creativity, and relentless drive, Lauren is helping to shape the future of Rastelli Foods Group, ensuring that the brand continues to evolve while staying rooted in the values that built it.
Brittany Rastelli
Director of QVC Merchandising
Brittany has been working in the food industry since she was 13. She is a St Joseph’s University graduate. In 2014, Brittany left an Event Coordination job for all 20 of the Philadelphia Steven Starr Restaurants to join the Rastelli Market Fresh Team and develop/manage the catering department. In 2015, she joined the Egg Harbor Seafood brand as a brand manager and spokesperson, becoming the on-air guest host for seafood products. She is a full time working mom of 2 beautiful kids and a proud wife. Brittany loves spending time with family, friends and dining out wherever they serve Egg Harbor’s Faroe Islands Salmon.
Carl H. (Chip) Zerr III, M.S.
Director of FS/QA and Regulatory Affairs
Chip has been protecting leading meat and seafood processing facilities and companies for 20 years as one of the country’s most knowledgeable and respected Food Safety (FS) and Quality Assurance (QA) professionals. Since 2007, he has developed and implemented Rastelli’s SQF Certification System, Organic Certification, Halal Beef Certification, USDA Process Verified Program and more. Today, the USDA recognizes the Rastelli facilities as SQF Level 3, the top in Safe Quality Foods, and Chip’s works has earned several national awards for the company.