Scaling Up and Serving Out: Hungry Chickpea’s Circle of Community Story
Kristi and Mario Baonga, owners of Hungry Chickpea, LLC, are bringing bold flavors and professional catering to their community. With support from the Circle of Community Grant, they have invested in the tools and resources that allow their business to confidently scale and deliver high-quality service beyond their storefront.
Investing in Growth
The Baongas used their grant funds to purchase essential catering supplies, including:
Hot holding equipment
Transportation containers and carts
Signage and service ware
These investments have allowed Hungry Chickpea to safely and efficiently manage larger catering orders, expand revenue streams, and showcase their brand professionally at community events.
Impact So Far
“We have been able to confidently accept larger catering orders, creating additional revenue streams and extending our reach and recognition within our community,” the Baongas share.
Major Wins in 2025
Participated in the Commerce Uplift Cohort, dedicating time to polish and strengthen their business plan
Competed in the Pitch Competition, winning third place and earning additional grant funds to support business growth
Expanded catering operations beyond the storefront, increasing visibility and professional brand presence
Engaged in The Grind & Growth Workshops, One-to-One Business Coaching, and other BEFH events, building skills and networking with other entrepreneurs
Looking Ahead
Hungry Chickpea is seeking continued support in areas like networking, marketing, and funding opportunities to further expand catering operations and community impact.
Giving Back and Growing Forward
The Circle of Community Grant has enabled Kristi and Mario to invest in the tools, strategies, and confidence needed to grow their business while strengthening connections in the community. Hungry Chickpea is a vibrant example of how BEFH empowers entrepreneurs to scale, innovate, and serve with excellence.
