AJ’s Alan J Cohen (AJ) entered Barnard Elementary School in 1970, then continued at Albert Leonard and graduated New Rochelle High School in 1978. AJ then went to Sullivan County Community College, Westchester Community College, followed with a bachelors’ degree in hospitality management from Florida International University in 1981.

AJ’s career began as young teenager, busing tables in hotel coffee shops located in the Catskill Mountains. He then went on to work at the legendary Thruway Diner as a busboy. A couple of years later AJ moved up the ranks in the Catskills becoming a short order cook, then went on to become the assistant chef at Davenport Country Club, also located in his native New Rochelle. He then worked at Alex and Henry's in Scarsdale, Saparito’s in New Rochelle and Michael Angelo’s in Sliver Lake. While earning his degree in Miami, AJ worked at Rogers On The Green in Key Biscayne and chef owned restaurant Il Papa Gallo in Perrine. After graduating from FIU, AJ worked (trained) as an Assistant General Manager in the Holiday Inn in Orlando Florida. After two years AJ returned to NY and became the Head Chef in Torchia’s Restaurant in Briarcliff Manor. In 1989, AJ rejuvenated the Original Wedge Inn located on Boston Post Road between Pelham and the Bronx. The Wedge Inn was a family Italian restaurant featuring homemade dishes and gourmet specialties. AJ restored a wood burning oven to prepare bread & pizza which he later sold to supermarkets and local restaurants. As years went by AJ continued to study and honed his skills in providing a great atmosphere, excellent food and exceptional service.

AJ believes in building a team that will execute his standard of food and service. To accomplish this AJ recruited life long friend Sal Teodosio. It was at the Thru-Way Diner where he met Sal his fellow busboy. Today Sal is the Chef / Kitchen Manager at AJ’s Burger. Sal came to the USA in 1970 from Sicily and graduated from New Rochelle High schooled in 1976. Sal like AJ went through the ranks as a busboy, short order cook, Broiler man and Chef. He worked in many local diners throughout his career thus is no stranger to satisfying our guests. In addition to working in famous diners such as the Thru-Way, Red Derby, and the Pelham Bay, Sal also worked for the Saga Corporation as a Chef in their dinning service for IBM.

Devoting most of his time to ongoing training for his team AJ is out front making all the guests feel welcome as well as following up on quality service.