About
Carmen Rossi was born and raised in Frankfort, Illinois. He received four collegiate and post collegiate degrees while owning and operating five profitable companies. After graduating law school, he acquired and developed a number of hospitality venues in the Chicagoland area and currently owns and operates over ten such businesses.In 2013, Mr. Rossi proudly introduced “8”, a hospitality management company that manages and employs over 900 individuals. “A commitment to hospitality includes a series of promises to our communities as we seek to enrich the neighborhoods by providing quality food and beautiful spaces to accommodate groups and events of all kinds,” says Rossi.
In 2014, he started "Chicago Knight Life" a company he built to involve his hospitality portfolio with local Chicago charities. Chicago Knight Life reaches out directly to Chicago organizations and charities to provide a warm meal and companionship. All employees of his hospitality portfolio are encouraged to volunteer for weekly visits to charities. These calls range in purpose from passing out food, helping serve and engaging in conversation to enhance life. Chicago Knight Life has worked with Little Black Pearl, Sarah's Circle, Ronald McDonald House, Asian Youth Services and many others.
In addition, Carmen was appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and serves as a Commissioner on the City of Chicago Landmark Commission. He is a board member to the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce PAC and serves on the Board of Directors and Finance Chair for the Illinois Restaurant Association. In April 2016, Carmen was appointed by Governor Rauner to serve as a board member on the Illinois Economic Development Board (now “Intersect”).
“Over the years I have also been fortunate to interact and work with many people. Any success I have experienced has wholly been a product of my dynamic network and persistent work ethic. It’s all about making a mark with the time you have. My involvement in academic, charitable, community and professional endeavors has been quite diversified and, as a result, I stand in a stronger position to make a difference in the greater Chicagoland community.”
