Daniel Shemtob

"Daniel Shemtob is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, and entrepreneur best known as the founder and CEO of The Lime Truck – an iconic Cali-Mex food truck that has been a Southern California staple for over 15 years. As a pioneer of the region’s gourmet food truck movement, The Lime Truck under Shemtob’s leadership has garnered a wide range of accolades, from winning Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race (twice, including an All-Stars championship)  to being named one of the top 5 food trucks in America three years in a row . It even became the first food truck ever to earn a “Best Restaurant” award in Orange County , solidifying its reputation for quality and innovation. Beyond the truck, Shemtob expanded his culinary ventures by opening Hatch Yakitori + Bar in downtown Los Angeles – a modern Japanese tapas grill – and co-founding Snibbs, a company designing comfortable non-slip footwear for industry professionals .

Shemtob’s career is defined not only by culinary success, but also by a deep commitment to community service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he provided free meals — and even free Snibbs shoes — to those in need. Even when the 2025 Palisades Fire destroyed his home, he mobilized The Lime Truck to feed evacuees and first responders in partnership with World Central Kitchen. Through these efforts, Shemtob exemplifies resilient leadership and an unwavering passion for uplifting the culinary and entrepreneurial community.