DEERFIELD, ILL. — Kimberly Letizia has joined Cosi, Inc. as director of culinary innovation and menu strategy. Ms. Letizia most recently was a corporate chef consultant to Kraft Foods Inc., where she supported numerous national restaurant chains with menu development and consumer intelligence.

During her career at Kraft, Ms. Letizia linked marketing trends and consumer insights with restaurants’ core competencies to develop new menu concepts for several chains, including McDonald’s Corp., Subway, Marie Callender’s, Famous Dave’s and Great Harvest Bread Co. Earlier, she worked for Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago and was a research chef at Chef Services Group in Rhode Island.


Ms. Letizia received a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts and a master’s degree in hospitality and tourism marketing at Johnson & Wales University.

“We’re thrilled to have someone with Kimberly’s unique experience and talent to lead Cosi’s effort to be innovative with freshly prepared, unique menu items for our breakfast, lunch and dinner day parts,” said James Hyatt, president and chief executive officer.