Chef Bill Collins
Bill Collins grew up on Long Island, and from a young age
was always involved in the restaurant business. He began
working in his family’s hotel and restaurant then moved on
to working for various corporate concepts at the
management level. 15 Years ago Bill moved to Western
Massachusetts to be close to family and began working for
the Spoleto restaurant Group. He finished his tenure with
the group as the Chief Operating Officer.
From a young age Bill wanted to open his own restaurant,
and proudly after his time with the Spoleto Group and being
mentored by Restaurateur Claudio Guerra, he did in 2014.
Center Square Grill opened in East Longmeadow, MA. On
May 5, 2014. Center Square Grill was an immediate hit,
being named Best Family Run Restaurant, Best Waitstaff,
Best Bartenders and Best Outdoor Dining for the last 7
years running by the Reader’s Raves Awards.
Bill has opened 8 Restaurants over the span of his career
employing thousands and feeding millions.
In 2008, Bill was awarded the prestigious Business West 40 Under 40 Award. Bill has trained with Chefs in Tulum, Mexico and has taken classes on wine blending at Lenz Vineyard on Long Island. Bill has an unlimited passion for wine, food and the restaurant business.
He has been a major supporter of Shriners Hospital for
Children in Springfield, The Ronald McDonald House
Springfield, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Unify
Against Bullying, and he is one of the founders of the
Northampton Jazz Festival. He continues to be as active as possible with local nonprofits that benefit the community.
