Chiddy's Cheesesteaks Featured At Citi Field; Farmingdale Hosts Special Olympics

FARMINGDALE, NY — Chiddy's Cheesesteaks hit a grand slam, as the sandwich shop's creations were featured at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, said Farmingdale Village Mayor Ralph Ekstrand.

The business is selling two cheesesteaks — Chiddy's Signature and the Citi Fielder — at the Coca Cola food truck until May 21.

Chiddy’s CheeseSteaks was founded as a food truck in 2014 in Bay Shore by Mike Chidester, nicknamed "Chiddy," according to Esktrand. He added a second food truck for catering and events in 2017.

Chidester partnered with Daron Benbenisti and Evan Deitch and opened the first Chiddy’s storefront at 191 Main St., Farmingdale, in 2018. The eatery boasts a food truck counter.

In 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, they moved ahead with franchising as part of their long-term plan and solidified online ordering. In 2021, the trio opened a West Islip location and team member Joe Archipolo bought the Commack location as the first franchisee.

Chidester had worked at Coca-Cola for many years, and Chiddy’s was invited to be a part of Coca-Cola Corner at Citi Field, as part of the Mets' community outreach to local restaurants.

"Citi Field is the opportunity of a lifetime for all of us — we are lifetime Mets fans and being at Citi field on opening day has been a dream come true for all of us — having Chiddy’s here, and a line of people waiting for Chiddy’s has been amazing," Benbenisti said.

Chiddy's also won Best Cheesesteak on Long Island in the 2022 and 2023 Bethpage Best of Long Island Awards, and Best of the South Shore from Connoisseur Media twice.

"Congratulations Mike, Darren, Evan and all of the team at Chiddy's - truly amazing!" Ekstrand said.

The Farmingdale School District hosted the Special Olympics Spring Games on Saturday at the Farmingdale Athletic Complex at Howitt Middle School. Roughly 500 athletes competed.

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees and myself, we were thrilled to welcome back the Special Olympics Spring Games to the Village of Farmingdale and congratulations to all involved!" Ekstrand said.

Approximately 300 coaches helped the athletes, who spent months training for an Olympics-style competition, which included track and field events.

Ekstrand also congratulated all Farmingdale winners in the 2023 Bethpage Best of Long Island Awards.

Some Farmingdale winners include:

• Flower Shop of Farmingdale (Best Florist)
• Runner's Edge (Best Sneaker Store)
• Chocolate Duck (Best Chocolatier/Best Cookies Custom Made/Best Bachelorette Party Venue)
• Elise's Niece's Cafe (Best Cookies)
• Chef Eric LeVine - 317 Main Street and Vico (Best Chef)
• Charlotte's Speakeasy (Best Nightclub)
• Chiddy's Cheesesteaks (Best Cheesesteak)
• Alibi Lounge & Speakeasy (Best Signature Cocktail/Best Whiskey Bar)
• Yaaas Tea (Best Bubble Tea)
• Gurwin Home Care Agency (Best Health Aides)
• Priestley Chiropractic (Best Chiropractor)
• Ed Mojica Installations (Best Garage Door Company)
• Window World of Long Island (Best Window Company)
• T.O.A. Asian Fusion (Best Japanese Restaurant)
• High Tide Taco Bar (Best Tex-Mex Restaurant)
• Pinelawn Memorial Park & Arboretum (Best Cemetery)
• Infinite Yarns (Best Hobby Store)
• LPS Direct (Best Office Furniture Store)
• Bethpage State Park Golf Course (Best Golf Course)
• Adventureland (Best Haunted House)
• Camelot Sports Management (Best Sports Management)
• Max Effort Training (Best Sports Training)
• 1888MYTUXES at Gino's Galleria (Best Men's Formal Wear)
• Farmingdale Village (Best Downtown).

"We look forward to upcoming spring/summer community events, check the website for more details," Ekstrand said. "Just a reminder to shop and dine local, support the local merchants."