Who We Are
Founded in 2010, The Chubby Chickpea aims to be at the cutting edge of Middle Eastern Cuisine, fusing traditional favorites and authentic recipes with fresh local ingredients and contemporary styles. As a Mobile Food Truck and full service catering company, The Chubby Chickpea is committed to making your meal or event top notch. With our customers in mind, we promise to deliver the very best in ethnic comfort food.
About Our Team
Avi Shemtov, Executive Chef/Founder/Owner
Avi is a restaurant trained chef, having learned under the tutelage of his father, Chef Yona Shemtov in various restaurants owned by the family. Since 2010 Avi has curated a menu that is both fun and ambitious, aiming to popularize and push middle eastern food to its limits. The author of the nationally released 'The Single Guy Cookbook' (2015, Page Street) and the owner of TAPPED Beer Trucks, Avi counts his participation in various charitable showcases among his varied accomplishments. When he isn't writing menus, planning events and working the line, Avi is teaching classes to young restauranteurs, consulting on quick serve openings, playing with his two young children and spending time with his loving wife.
Matt Cohen, Chief Operation Officer
After graduating with a degree in finance, Matt worked in loss prevention for Dunkin Brands Corporate Offices. In addition to other franchise and small business accounts, Matt oversees back end operations at the Chickpea.
Chris Riegel, Director of Operations
Chris oversees daily operations and "boots on the ground" for both our brick and mortars and our food trucks. If Chris is not busy in the kitchen prepping, you'll find him on the road overseeing various events.
Erik Auerbach, Director of Business Development
With a background in hospitality, social media, and community engagement, Erik is in charge of brand and business development, growing community relationships, and event management.