Todd Zimmer
Todd Zimmer-Chef/Partner
One of Todd Zimmer’s earliest memories is of watching his father enthusiastically and passionately prepare meals for his family on the weekends. The South Florida native grew up in Ft. Lauderdale and always aspired to cook like his father. Though he entered college in North Carolina as an aspiring law student, Zimmer quickly realized that his passion lay in the culinary arts and went on to earn a degree from Johnson & Wales University.
After graduating culinary school, Todd returned to Ft. Lauderdale and took a job at Darrel and Oliver’s East City Grill & Café Maxx where he quickly ascended the ranks to Sous Chef. He would spend several years with the group working alongside renowned local Chef Oliver Saucy one of the original “Mango Gang”.
In 1999, long time friend and East City Grill alum, John Hart, recruited Todd to join him at Mark Militello’s, new restaurant in Boca Raton, Mark’s in the Park. This serendipitous encounter put Zimmer in contact with Chef Mike Sabin and the two worked together for several years expanding the Marks’ Restaurant Group. After Sabin’s departure, Todd was named Executive Chef.
In 2003, Sabin lured Todd to take his talents to South Beach and assist with the opening of a new steak house called Prime 112. Here he would also reunite with John Hart who was hired as General Manager for the project. The rest is history.
Mike, John & Todd would go on to oversee the growth and expansion of Prime 112 and the Myles Restaurant Group. Todd was soon named Executive for Prime 112, and in 2014 he would become the Corporate Executive Chef for the group, responsible for managing the kitchens of Prime 112, Prime Italian, Prime Fish, and Big Pink.
In January of 2018 Todd left the Myles Restaurant Group and began a new chapter as the Chef/ Owner of Billy Jacks Shack with partner John Hart. Billy Jacks Shack is a casual bar and grill located in Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida. The restaurant is craft beer and burger centric and focuses on fresh ingredients and a relaxed local vibe.
Todd will be responsible for all BOH operations and assist with menu development for the BFF Burger Concept whose first location will be at SHOMA Bazaar in Sanctuary Doral.
