Chef Russell Davis’s interest in food began early, surrounded by the traditional Southern
Italian food of his mother’s family and inspired by their respect for local, quality ingredients.
 
Davis began his career under Ella Brennan at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, mastering every station from busboy to Kitchen Manager to Sommelier. He then became the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group’s Director of Operations, overseeing multiple restaurants, before he branched out on his own to open Saltwater Grill in the Riverbend neighborhood of New Orleans.
 
In 2015, Chef Russell and his wife Sally relocated to Baton Rouge to be closer to family.
Together, they opened their first joint venture, Eliza Restaurant & Bar in 2016. Named after the couple’s daughter, Eliza is a contemporary Creole restaurant serving Louisiana cuisine crafted with the freshest ingredients from the region’s farmers and purveyors - all served with an abundance of genuine Southern hospitality.
 
In 2018, the couple opened JED’s Local, an authentic Louisiana po’boy shop, featuring local Gulf seafood and a laid back, welcoming atmosphere to match.
 
A 30 year restaurant veteran, Chef Russell’s greatest joy is in the training and cultivation of his restaurant staff. His knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for the hospitality industry is a gift he’s always ready to share with new team members to prepare them for their next steps.