Dirt Burger
Vendor
About
Dirt Burger was conceptualized in 2016, and began with outdoor vending at Valley Junction, Ames Farmers Markets, and various festivals in 2018. In July of 2019 Dirt Burger opened a brick-and-mortar store in the East Village. We closed our operation in late 2021 and we are currently a vendor at Well Fargo Arena for a variety of sports and entertainment events. 2023 Dirt Burger will be branching out in both vending, as well a manufacturing for retail sales. Current owner and operating partners are Christopher Place, and Shawn Chapman with the recent addition of “Curbin’ Cuisine” owners Jarrod and Misty Fontanini.
Location
Des Moines, IA
Manager
*Christopher Place: Chris attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY and has worked as a chef in the Des Moines metro since 1996. He is a Certified Executive Chef (CEC) from the American Culinary Federation. Mr. Place has a wide range of culinary experience, including private restaurants, hotels, corporate dining and as the Executive Chef for the Office of the President at Iowa State University. Chris is committed to increasing the availability of chemical-free, plant-based and locally sourced food for all income levels. That passion drives his motivation to create the food systems, restaurants, and sustainable workforces of the future.
*Shawn Chapman: With 25 years as a leader in the Food & Beverage industry, Shawn brings a wide range of valuable experiences in restaurants, hotels and catering. He has worked every position, starting as a busser and working his way to General Manager, Director and Owner. Chapman honed his skills working for hospitality giants but has come to value the importance of individual viewpoints each team member brings to the table. He is focused on the impact the hospitality industry has on the environment and believes companies of the future are ethically bound to make stewardship of the planet a top priority. Shawn also manages the organization’s corporate culture which is focused on inclusivity, mutual respect and global perspective.
*Jarrod Fontanini: Jarrod is a self-taught chef that started at the age of 15 with his first job at the Italian Express at the Windsor Heights Hy-Vee. From there he mastered every cooking position, all the way up to Executive Chef for Greek House Chef’s at an Iowa State University sorority house. Jarrod has served George Bush & the Secret Service, to the Governor of Iowa. In 2013 Jarrod and wife Misty opened Curbin’ Cuisine as a food cart that traveled to various farmer’s markets and outdoor events. Two short years later they launched their award-winning Food Truck. From major events like RAGBRAI to serving the country music stars at Guthrie River Ruckus, Curbin’ Cuisine grew very popular. In 2019, four short months before COVID shut down the world, Jarrod & Misty opened their first Brick & Mortar restaurant in the heart of Beaverdale. Despite all the challenges, Curbin’ was named Best New Restaurant in 2020, Best Take Out in 2021 and many other awards, Curbin’ Cuisine is still operating strong to date. Jarrod’s culinary skills allows him to create flavors that are unique and robust with adding additives or “junk”. Focusing on creating food that makes you eat good & feel good.
*Misty Fontanini has an Associates Degree in Business Management from DMACC, she is the mother of three beautiful daughters and does all the day to day business management & promotions for Curbin’ Cuisine. She is also the face that you see often when you walk in the doors. Misty is an accomplished businesswoman, not only with Curbin’ Cuisine but in her long-term career as a Client Services Director for Interactions Marketing. She has been named twice to the Top Women in Grocery by Progressive Grocers as well as voted one of the Top 40 Iowa Women to Watch in the Hospitality Industry, two years in a row. Misty has an excellent work ethic and many talents in the arenas of creativity, research, communication and collaboration. She is always looking to the future and what can make Curbin’ Cuisine and now Dirt Burger better than ever.
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