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A Small But Mighty Family Business

About

With its elevated comfort food, indulgent baked goods, and recognition as Best of New York by New York Magazine, Evelyn’s Kitchen has grown into something of a hidden gem in East Harlem, built steadily over time through relationships, consistency, and care.

Before founding Evelyn’s Kitchen, Ayala Donchin spent more than fifteen years working in sports and entertainment, leading community and philanthropic initiatives for athletes, celebrities, and the brands that do business with them.

As Director of Community Relations for the New York Knicks and later as a founding partner of Standards Inc., Ayala built a career creating innovative programs with heart and integrity and connecting people through shared experiences. Those same principles continue to guide Evelyn’s Kitchen today.

In September 2009, Ayala decided to follow her passion for food and hospitality, launching Evelyn’s Kitchen from her studio apartment on a whim. Named after her late godmother, Evelyn, the goal was to bring people together with great food, genuine hospitality, and a belief that every gathering should feel fun, personal, and memorable.

One year later, with Madison Square Garden as its first major client, Evelyn’s Kitchen moved into its East Harlem home. What began as a side venture quickly grew into a company defined by relationships, reputation, and a commitment to taking care of people.

Over the years, Ayala has built Evelyn’s Kitchen into a nationally recognized brand while raising her daughter, Brooklyn. As Brooklyn grew up, so did the business, reinforcing the values that continue to shape Evelyn’s Kitchen today: hard work, integrity, teamwork, adaptability, and a commitment to building lasting relationships.

East Harlem has been home to Evelyn’s Kitchen since 2010, and the neighborhood continues to shape who we are. Through charitable partnerships, donations, volunteer efforts, and community leadership, we’re committed to supporting local schools, organizations, and families. Giving back has always been part of our mission, and we remain proud to invest in the community that has supported us from the very beginning.

At the heart of Evelyn’s Kitchen is Team EK. Our core team has worked together for more than a decade, bringing consistency, trust, and a shared sense of purpose to every event. In an industry known for turnover, we’re proud of the culture we’ve built and the relationships that have kept our team together for so many years.

At Evelyn’s Kitchen, we believe great food brings people together. A great time and a team they can trust keeps them coming back.

Over the years, our work has been featured on Food Network, recognized by New York Magazine, and expanded nationwide through Goldbelly and QVC.

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