Beloved North Fork Chef Cheo Avila to Lead Summer 2025 Food & Beverage Program at The Shoals Hotel

Greenport, NY — Summer 2025 — The Shoals Hotel is thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting new culinary chapter led by one of the North Fork’s most celebrated talents: Chef Jose “Cheo” Avila. Known for his inventive Asian Tropical concept Kontiki and his farm-fresh Venezuelan pop-up Maize, Chef Cheo will take over the hotel’s entire food and beverage program, debuting an all-new dockside dining experience that promises bold flavors, a chic but laid-back vibe, and a front-row seat to the stunning Peconic Bay.

Launching Memorial Day Weekend, Maizeat by Cheo Avila is a Latin-Asian fusion food truck concept designed exclusively for The Shoals’ Dockside—the hotel’s marina-side dining area, where Adirondack chairs and picnic tables invite guests and transient boaters to unwind and indulge. The concept is a culmination of Cheo’s culinary journey around the world, combining the greatest hits of his previous ventures and infusing them with inspiration gathered during his recent winter travels through Japan and Thailand vibrant food scene.

“Maize is a travel-fueled food and beverage concept—eclectic by nature, blending hits from Kontiki with South American soul and Asian flair,” said Avila. “This summer’s collaboration with The Shoals brings all of that to one of the most stunning waterfront hotels on the North Fork. We’re embracing a true zero-mile approach, sourcing ingredients as close to home as possible—from neighboring farms and local fish markets—to keep things super fresh and deeply rooted.”

Maizeat will operate Thursday through Sunday, 12–6 PM, with extended hours on holiday Mondays. Live music every Saturday from 2–5 PM will add an extra layer of ambiance, turning afternoons at Dockside into a must-visit ritual for locals and summer visitors alike.

A Menu Rooted in Place, Inspired by Travel

Chef Cheo’s menu is a playful, elevated spin on street food from both Latin America and Asia, with a strong commitment to seasonality, sustainability, and local sourcing. Signature bites include nods to his Venezuelan heritage. Raw bar selections feature Little Ram Oysters, farmed just feet away from the hotel—bringing a whole new meaning to "hyper-local."

The drink menu is just as carefully curated. Guests can expect inventive craft cocktails like the alongside a robust mocktail and refresher program for laid-back day sips. Local wine by the bottle offers a European-style wine garden vibe, while rotating taps from Greenport Harbor Brewing Company and Ale Wife keep the beer selection rooted in regional pride.

A Destination for Every Type of Guest

Whether arriving by bike, car, or boat, The Shoals Dockside will be the place to gather, graze, and unwind this summer. With Maizeat’s approachable pick-up service, guests can enjoy their meals at the water’s edge or take it on the go for a picnic on the sand. From families and foodies to day-trippers and hotel guests, the new program is built around ease, flavor, and the freedom to flow with the day.

ABOUT THE SHOALS HOTEL

Located in Greenport, NY, The Shoals is a boutique waterfront hotel offering modern accommodations, marina access, and a curated North Fork experience. With a focus on relaxation, design, and local culture, The Shoals blends maritime charm with contemporary hospitality.

ABOUT CHEF CHEO AVILA

Chef Jose “Cheo” Avila is a culinary innovator with deep North Fork roots and a globe-spanning palate. From his cult-followed Asian Tropical pop-up Kontiki to his Latin-inspired Maize, Cheo has built a reputation for creating bold, layered flavors that celebrate both tradition and originality.