Jonathan Cheban
Foodgod (born Jonathan Cheban; February 21, 1974) is an American entrepreneur, social media influencer, and television personality best known for founding the Foodgod brand, which focuses on culinary experiences and food culture, and for his longstanding friendship with Kim Kardashian that led to recurring appearances on the E! reality series Keeping Up with the Kardashians.[1][2][3] Born in present-day Moldova during the Soviet era, Cheban immigrated to the United States as a child and grew up in Fort Lee, New Jersey, where he attended Fort Lee High School before studying at Hofstra University.[4] He began his professional career in public relations, working as a publicist and even starring in the 2010 E! docuseries The Spin Crowd, which followed the operations of a New York PR firm.[3][4] Cheban's transition to fame accelerated through his association with the Kardashian family, becoming a fixture on Keeping Up with the Kardashians starting in the early 2010s, often providing comic relief and candid commentary.[3] In 2016, inspired by a suggestion from Kanye West, he rebranded himself as Foodgod, launching a dedicated Instagram account (@foodgod) that has since amassed over 4 million followers (as of 2025) by sharing photos and reviews of viral and gourmet foods, such as rainbow bagels.[3][2][5] This pivot led to entrepreneurial ventures, including the meal delivery service Prepped in 2016, the podcast Foodgod: OMFG in 2019 featuring guests like Kim Kardashian, and partnerships with brands in the food and lifestyle sectors.[2][4] In October 2019, he legally changed his name to Foodgod in Florida, solidifying his public persona.[2] By 2017, he had signed with the talent agency WME to expand his digital and television opportunities, and he has since been recognized as a top food influencer, including honors at events like the World Bloggers Awards, continuing to grow his brand through social media and events as of 2025.[3][6]Early life and education
Family background
Jonathan Cheban was born on February 21, 1974, in Chișinău, Moldova, which was then part of the Soviet Union, to Russian-Jewish parents Mikhail and Galina Cheban.[7] Cheban's early years were shaped by his parents' professions: his mother worked as a real estate agent, while his father was a diamond dealer who later passed away in 2011.[8] Cheban's family immigrated from the Soviet Union to the United States at the age of four in 1978, settling in Fort Lee, New Jersey.[9][7] This move reflected the broader wave of Soviet Jewish emigration during the period, driven by antisemitism and economic hardships, as many families sought greater opportunities and religious freedom in America.[10] Upon arrival, the Chebans adjusted to life in a new cultural and linguistic environment, navigating the challenges of integration while maintaining their Russian-Jewish heritage through family traditions and community ties.[11] From an early age, Cheban was exposed to business dynamics through his parents' careers, observing his mother's real estate dealings and his father's work in the diamond trade, which instilled an entrepreneurial mindset amid the family's transition to American suburban life.[8] This foundational influence highlighted the resilience required for immigrant families like his own to establish stability in a foreign land.Schooling and university
Jonathan Cheban attended Fort Lee High School in Fort Lee, New Jersey, where he graduated in 1991.[12] Following high school, Cheban enrolled at Hofstra University on Long Island, New York, where he pursued studies in communications as part of an interdisciplinary program. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1995.[13][14] During his time at Hofstra, Cheban engaged in extracurricular networking activities, frequently driving into New York City to build connections in the nightlife and entertainment scenes, including visits to clubs and restaurants. These experiences fostered his early interest in media and publicity, laying the foundation for his future career in public relations.[13]Public relations career
Founding of agencies
Following his graduation from Hofstra University in 1995, Jonathan Cheban entered the public relations industry, initially working as a publicist for Peggy Siegal before launching his own venture.[12] In 2001, he founded CommandPR, later taking on Simon Huck as a partner in 2010.[12][15][9] CommandPR operated as a full-service public relations firm, specializing in celebrity and entertainment publicity, with offices in New York City and Los Angeles to serve clients across both coasts.[16] The firm experienced significant growth during the 2000s, expanding its staff from a small team to a larger operation capable of handling high-volume event coordination and media placements, reflecting Cheban's strategic focus on building a robust network in Hollywood and New York media circles.[17] By the early 2010s, CommandPR had solidified its position in the industry, but Cheban's involvement ended in 2013 when he sold his share to Simon Huck, effectively closing his direct operational role in the firm. This transition allowed Cheban to shift focus toward other pursuits while maintaining consulting ties initially.[15][18]Notable clients and achievements
Throughout his tenure at CommandPR, which he founded in 2001 after leaving a previous firm, Jonathan Cheban represented a roster of high-profile celebrities and brands starting in the mid-2000s. Notable clients included Jennifer Lopez, with whom he collaborated on promotional efforts during his early PR years, as well as Sean "Diddy" Combs on various projects.[19] He also built relationships with Paris Hilton and the Olsen twins while at Peggy Siegal's firm, and these clients followed him to CommandPR, contributing to the agency's growth in celebrity representation.[20] Additionally, Cheban's firm handled accounts for the Kardashian family, including Kim Kardashian, whom he befriended and promoted through media placements and events.[21] Other key clients encompassed brands like Banana Republic and Baccarat Crystal, as well as figures such as boxer Oscar de la Hoya, the Backstreet Boys, and Playboy, for whom CommandPR managed publicity campaigns.[16] Cheban's professional achievements at CommandPR centered on orchestrating successful product launches and event-driven promotions that amplified client visibility in entertainment and lifestyle sectors. For instance, the agency oversaw campaigns for music acts like the Backstreet Boys and lifestyle brands like Playboy, focusing on high-impact media exposure through parties and endorsements.[13] In one highlighted effort documented in the E! series The Spin Crowd, CommandPR prepared for the launch of a luxury lollipop product, showcasing the firm's expertise in blending celebrity influence with consumer goods promotion.[22] While specific crisis management cases for celebrities are not publicly detailed, Cheban's role in navigating high-stakes publicity for A-list clients like Lopez and the Kardashians underscored his reputation for handling sensitive media narratives effectively. The agency's operations were further spotlighted in The Spin Crowd (2010), which portrayed the inner workings of Cheban's Los Angeles office and its client strategies, marking a notable media recognition of CommandPR's influence before 2014.[23] In 2013, Cheban sold his share of CommandPR to business partner Simon Huck, transitioning away from day-to-day PR operations to focus on television and entrepreneurial pursuits.[4] This decision allowed the firm to continue under Huck's leadership while enabling Cheban to leverage his industry connections in new ventures. No major industry awards for CommandPR were publicly documented during Cheban's involvement, though the agency's client base and media exposure established it as a key player in celebrity public relations.Entertainment career
Reality television appearances
Jonathan Cheban transitioned from a behind-the-scenes public relations role to an on-camera personality with his debut appearance on the E! reality series Keeping Up with the Kardashians in 2009, during its third season, where he was portrayed as a close friend of Kim Kardashian.[4] His initial episode, "Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder," introduced him as part of the Kardashian inner circle, leveraging his professional connections as a publicist for the family to secure early TV opportunities.[24] Over the subsequent seasons, Cheban became a recurring figure on the show, appearing in more than 27 episodes through 2021, often highlighting his humorous banter and loyalty to the family.[4] In 2010, Cheban starred in his own E! reality series, The Spin Crowd, which documented the daily operations of his PR firm, CommandPR, and featured his business partner Simon Huck.[25] Produced by Kim Kardashian, the show emphasized Cheban's role in managing high-profile clients and events, but it lasted only one season due to low ratings.[4] This venture further solidified his visibility in reality television, bridging his PR expertise with entertainment exposure. Cheban made additional guest appearances on other reality and talk formats, including spots on the Fox daytime talk show The Real beginning in the mid-2010s, where he discussed his friendship with the Kardashians and food passions.[26] He also participated in the 2016 UK edition of Celebrity Big Brother as a housemate, exiting early after a week, and joined the dating series Celebs Go Dating in 2017 to explore romantic prospects.[27] These roles amplified his public persona, particularly through lighthearted, food-centric segments on Keeping Up with the Kardashians that foreshadowed his later branding as Foodgod and contributed to his recognition as a comedic, relatable figure in pop culture.[28]Social media influencing as Foodgod
Jonathan Cheban launched his Foodgod persona on Snapchat in 2015, initially focusing on sharing quick videos and photos of celebrity dining experiences and innovative food items during his frequent outings.[4] His content emphasized high-end, visually striking meals, often captured at upscale restaurants alongside friends from the entertainment industry.[3] One early milestone came in October 2015 when Cheban posted about rainbow bagels from a Brooklyn bagel shop, crediting his Snapchat share with sparking a nationwide viral trend for the colorful treat.[4] This post exemplified his approach to highlighting unique, indulgent foods, blending personal enjoyment with trendsetting influence. His friendship with the Kardashian family provided initial visibility, amplifying his early snaps through their shared social circles.[28] Cheban expanded the Foodgod brand to Instagram, where his account grew rapidly by posting polished photos and stories of luxury eats, such as elaborate desserts and global fusion dishes.[29] By late 2018, he had amassed over 3 million followers, drawn to his daily documentation of "eating out 365 days a year."[29] The platform's growth continued, reaching 3.4 million followers by early 2020, and as of 2025, over 4 million on Instagram with a cross-platform audience exceeding 10 million, solidifying his shift from public relations to full-time digital influencing.[30][31][32] In October 2019, he legally changed his name to Foodgod to fully embody the persona and enhance brand consistency across social media.[4][33] Foodgod's content style centered on aspirational luxury, featuring opulent spreads like multi-layered pizzas and exotic sweets, often from celebrity-frequented spots worldwide.[8] This approach attracted brand partnerships, including a 2021 collaboration with juice chain Pure Green to co-develop menu items and promote healthy yet indulgent options.[34] His posts continued to drive food trends, with viral shares of items like Dubai chocolate bars gaining traction into 2025. By that year, Foodgod maintained influence across platforms, recognized among top food influencers for shaping consumer interest in extravagant, shareable cuisine.[32][35]Film and television roles
Jonathan Cheban has ventured into acting with a limited number of roles in films and television specials, often portraying characters drawn from his public relations background or appearing as himself in celebrity events. His most notable acting credit is in the 2017 thriller film By Any Means, directed by Leighton Spence, where he played Phil Cohen, a savvy publicist managing a troubled C-list celebrity named Mimi Wyatt (Brooke Burfitt). The plot revolves around Wyatt's kidnapping after a nightclub appearance and the ensuing investigation, highlighting themes of fame, deception, and desperation in the entertainment industry. The low-budget independent film premiered on June 27, 2017, and received mixed reviews for its suspense elements but was praised for its cast's performances, including Cheban's debut.[36][37][38] Cheban has also made guest appearances as himself in the television special series Heidi Klum's Halloween Party, a recurring E! and Lifetime production documenting supermodel Heidi Klum's annual celebrity-filled Halloween bash in New York City. His first known appearance dates to the 2010 special, though he has been a frequent attendee and on-camera guest in subsequent editions, including the 2015, 2024, and 2025 installments, often showcasing elaborate costumes alongside other stars. These specials emphasize extravagant themes, costume contests, and behind-the-scenes celebrity interactions, with Cheban contributing to the event's social vibe. In the 2025 edition, held on October 31 at the Hard Rock Hotel New York, he arrived dressed as Neo from The Matrix, complete with a long black coat and slim sunglasses.[39][40][41][42][43] Additionally, Cheban has made cameo appearances as himself in coverage of the Formula 1 television series during Grand Prix events where he attended as a celebrity spectator, such as the 2023 and 2025 Miami Grand Prix and the 2024 Monaco after-party. These segments occasionally feature high-profile guests in the paddock or social gatherings tied to the races.[39][44][45][46]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | By Any Means | Phil Cohen | Feature film debut; supporting role as publicist in thriller about kidnapping and fame. |
| 2010–2025 | Heidi Klum's Halloween Party | Self | Recurring guest in annual TV specials; appearances in multiple episodes, including 2024 (costumed as Karl Lagerfeld) and 2025 (as Neo). |
| 2023–2025 | Formula 1 | Self | Cameo appearances in TV series coverage as celebrity spectator at select Grand Prix events, including 2023/2025 Miami and 2024 Monaco. |