JEFF ENDERVELT, PRESIDENT/CEO
Jeff Endervelt has been our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since February 2004. He was elected President May 2006. Mr. Endervelt previously served as Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Blimpie International, Inc. from January 2002 until October 2005. Mr. Endervelt is also President and CEO of Blimpie of California, Inc., (BOC) Blimpie’s Southern California subfranchisor in Los Angeles, California.

Mr. Endervelt has served as President and Chairman of the Board of various public and private companies involved in the consumer products field, including food and non-food products and services since 1974.

MARK ELLMAN, FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE CHEF
Celebrity Chef Mark Ellman began his culinary career at age 13 in Los Angeles, California. His entrepreneurial spirit was born some years after when he and his wife Judy launched Cant Rock ‘n’ Roll, But Sure Can Cook, a catering company for rock stars and recording studios in Malibu, California. He didn’t stop there, over the years, Chef Ellman and his partners opened several restaurants on the West Coast before he and his wife Judy decided it was time for a change and relocated to Hawaii. There Mark opened the acclaimed Avalon restaurant in 1988 across the street from the beach in Lahaina, Maui. With Avalon’s reputation for unique Pacific Rim cuisine, Chef Ellman became known as one of the original 12 Hawaii Regional Chefs. Chef Ellman realized that paradise lacked great Mexican food and as a result opened the first Maui Tacos in 1993 in Napili, Maui. Chef Ellman opened several more locations throughout the islands before launching the brand on the mainland.

Chef Ellman’s resume is filled with well-earned awards and experiences. He has been featured on television programs such as “Emril” and “The TODAY Show” and in several magazines including Food & Wine, Wine Spectator, House and Garden, Bon Appetit and L.A. Style. Chef Mark and Judy Ellman own and operate 8 Maui Tacos on the islands, as well as MALA Ocean Tavern and Penne Pasta Cafe. All of Maui Tacos authentic recipes are approved by Chef Ellman and feature an unexpected combination of your favorite Mexican dishes, delicious spices of Hawaii and the spirit of Aloha.

MARK GELISH, VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS
Mark Gelish has over 30 years of experience in restaurant operations, all of which have been in the hospitality field. Serving in both culinary and management positions, Mark has a strong and established track record from managing a variety of company-owned and franchised restaurants from the ground level up.

Mr. Gelish’s background includes growing start-up brands such as Houlihan’s Old Place, Millard Fillmore’s, Au Bon Pain Bakery and Bertucci’s Brick Oven Pizzeria. Mr. Gelish has extensive experience in franchise support, working with Doctor Associates (Subway) and Blimpie International, Inc. Mr. Gelish has a degree in Occupational Science from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York and is currently a student of Polynesian culture.

CHEF SERGIO PEREZ
Chef Perez came in to this world destined to cook. Born in Mexico City, he spent much of his childhood in his family’s Carnitas Café taqueria in the heart of Mexico City. Chef Perez eventually moved to Lakewood, California and worked for the popular Greek restaurant, Acropolis. After 8 years, Chef Perez moved to Maui to introduce the Denny’s franchise to the island. There he met one of the founding fathers of the Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, Chef Mark Ellman and his life hasn’t been the same since. Chef Perez quickly developed a passion for Pacific Rim Cuisine and joined Chef Ellman at his ever popular Avalon restaurant. Chef Perez has been with Maui Tacos since its beginnings and is the Executive Chef and partner of MALA Ocean Tavern and Penne Pasta Cafe.

CHEF PEPE VEGA
Chef Vega was born and raised in Tepa, Mexico. His mother, a Chef and teacher at a local culinary institute, was a big influence on his career. Chef Vega went to Hawaii in 1985 to work with Compadres, a Mexican restaurant which had him traveling between restaurants in Honolulu, Lahaina, Napa and Australia. Chef Vega returned to Hawaii for good in 1996 to work for Maui Tacos. Together with Chef Sergio Perez and Chef Mark Ellman they opened several Maui Tacos locations and partnered in the successful Penne Pasta Café and MALA Ocean Tavern. Pepe's involvement in community and church along with a little surfing keep him very busy on his little island called Maui.