Culinary Entrepreneur and Community Advocate | 17+ Years of Experience
"Feeding Communities, Fueling Change"
Chef Ari Kendall is a culinary entrepreneur, operations strategist, and community advocate with over 17 years of experience in the food industry. His career bridges the worlds of culinary excellence and social responsibility, from his early days in Boston kitchens to co-founding a beloved kosher food truck and now advising new restaurants on development and operations.
A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, Ari began his culinary journey in Boston, where he developed a passion for Middle Eastern cuisine and community-focused dining. That passion led him to co-found ChikChak, a kosher food truck that quickly became a local favorite despite early setbacks, including a major fire. Ari’s resilience and vision helped turn ChikChak into a Boston staple.
Career Highlights:
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Co-founded ChikChak, a kosher food truck serving Middle Eastern cuisine in Boston
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Speaker at NECAP Culinary Arts School on food, leadership, and community impact
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Consults on restaurant development, new location launches, and business growth
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Fluent in Hebrew and Spanish, with international culinary experience in Israel
Ari’s holistic approach to food is rooted in sustainability and education. He is in the process of launching a nonprofit focused on healthy living for at-risk youth, and his passion for gardening aligns with his commitment to wellness and self-reliance.
As a member of Toastmasters, Ari is also a strong communicator and leader, known for inspiring teams and building community through food.
What Sets Ari Apart:
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Resilient: Overcame early business challenges with perseverance and purpose
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Strategic: Expert in identifying growth opportunities in the food space
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Multicultural: Brings a global perspective and inclusive culinary approach
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Mission-Driven: Dedicated to creating meaningful impact through food