We welcome Kristen Ahman and Jay Sharma, the new owners and operators of the West End Cafe!
the West End Cafe
Kristen is a dedicated pastry chef with years of experience working in luxury hospitality companies. Most recently and notably, she ended her tenure with Barclay Prime in Philadelphia as Pastry Chef.
Kristen grew up as part of the large Ahman clan. She spent her childhood visiting her family on Fishers throughout the seasons. No matter where she’s lived or traveled, Fishers has always felt like her one true “home”. Her passion for pastry comes from her times spent baking with her grandmother, Lillie. Her grandmother often brought her along to help in the community– picking up litter on their walks, volunteering during events to serve food, or bringing their sweet treats to anyone/everyone out working in the heat or cold. For Kristen, it feels bittersweet to have this opportunity to emulate her grandmother so soon after her passing.
It’s always been Kristen’s dream to own her own food business on Fishers. At the center of it all, she wants absolutely everyone in the community to feel seen and taken care of at the Cafe. She is so incredibly excited and honored to continue the West End with her partner, Jay–they are ready to fill some big shoes (and make some egg sandwiches)!
Jay is a proud Queens, NY, native with years of experience in retail management, but his real passion lies in photography and the outdoors. Capturing landscapes, unforgettable moments at concerts and events, and hiking just about wherever he can. Jay’s ties aren’t just to New York, but also India-being first generation in the country after his parents emigrated. His father has served with the FDNY for 28 years, and his mother works with the USPS, teaching Jay the importance of service and community from a young age.
Like many, even though he grew up so close to Fishers, he’d never heard of the island before meeting Kristen. Jay has visited the island several times over the past few years. He fell in love with Fishers the moment he got off the ferry, enamored with the sheer beauty of nature and tight knit community. Now, he’s excited to start a new adventure continuing The West End with his partner, Kristen, and sharing some Queens charm with the Island not so far from it. Jay can’t wait to dive into the community, share his love for photography and people, and bring his energy and enthusiasm to this exciting new chapter.
Kristen and Jay are hiring for this summer. Find the job opportunities HERE. And they are in search of housing for some of their staff. Come by the West End Cafe as they set up for business, or contact them, kristen.ahman@thewestendfi.com and
jay.sharma@thewestendfi.com.
