Growing the Circle: Hungry Chickpea’s Journey with BEFH
For Hungry Chickpea, founded by Mario and Kristi Baonga, what began as a small operation built around a kitchen table has grown into a thriving food business rooted in community, collaboration, and opportunity. Through partnership with the Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills, their business has expanded not only its reach, but also its understanding of what a true “circle of community” can become.
“When we first started, that circle could fit around our kitchen table where we were testing recipes, dreaming, and building the foundation of our business,” Mario and Kristi shared.
Today, that circle looks very different. Through BEFH, it has evolved into a network of support, visibility, and shared growth.
A pivotal moment in that expansion came when Hungry Chickpea participated in catering last year’s Circle of Community Gala. That opportunity introduced the business to a broader audience and opened the door to new relationships and future catering partnerships.
“BEFH has consistently opened doors we could not have accessed alone,” they noted, emphasizing how those introductions have continued to shape their growth beyond a single event.
Support through programs like the Commerce Uplift Cohort also played a key role in strengthening their foundation. The cohort provided mentorship, resources, and confidence that helped the business refine its direction and build momentum with greater clarity and intention. This ultimately led to them placing in the Commerce Uplift pitch competition.
Looking ahead, Hungry Chickpea is especially excited about its involvement in the development of the Yuma Street Cultural Center. As members of the design committee, Mario and Kristi have been able to contribute directly to conversations around kitchen design and functionality, ensuring the space reflects the real needs of food entrepreneurs.
“What excites us most is seeing what BEFH has already built without a dedicated space, and knowing that impact will only grow with a kitchen and gathering place to call home,”they shared. The Cultural Center represents more than a facility. It represents expanded access, deeper collaboration, and a long-term home for entrepreneurs to grow their work.
For the Baongas, the journey with BEFH has been about more than business growth. It has been about transformation. From a small circle around a kitchen table to a growing ecosystem of opportunity, their story reflects the broader mission of building sustainable pathways for Black entrepreneurs across the Flint Hills.
