Our story

Istry, emerging from the lively heart of Jamaica, embodies a passion for pioneering an exceptional food and beverage experience. Our ethos, ‘Excellence needs no explanation’, fuels our relentless pursuit of pushing the envelope in gastronomy and molecular mixology. We celebrate freedom, unfettered by the confines of the traditional, encouraging our team to explore and innovate.

At Istry, creativity and excellence are not confined to our culinary arts. We are a vibrant collective of artists, from photographers and graphic designers to chefs, DJ’s, and journalists. Our collective’s diverse talents and perspectives enrich our ethos and manifest in the extraordinary experiences we curate.

We believe in the power of collective creativity, united by a shared dedication to excellence. Every individual in our team brings a unique flavour to the mix, contributing to the distinctive charm that is quintessentially Istry. As we grow and evolve, we remain anchored to our core values, steadfast in our mission to redefine the creative landscape. We invite you to join us at Istry, a celebration of creativity, excellence, and freedom where every experience is a memorable journey.

Meet Our CEO

Michael Chen

Meet Michael Chen, the dynamic CEO at the helm of Istry. With his clear vision and strategic thinking, he guides our voyage, transforming our creative aspirations into tangible, successful events.

Michael’s leadership fortifies the inventive spirit of Istry, marrying our culinary and mixology artistry with well-orchestrated execution. This harmonious blend of creativity and sound management places Istry at the cutting edge of the food and beverage industry.

Alongside his pivotal role at Istry, Michael stands as the Managing Director for several successful businesses across Jamaica. His expansive industry experience and entrepreneurial mindset enrich our operations, injecting an innovative perspective and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

In collaboration with Jamie and Matt, Michael plays a key role in creating the extraordinary experiences that are the hallmark of Istry. His guidance and insight translate culinary magic into reality, cementing Istry’s reputation as a beacon of innovation, creativity, and unbounded freedom in the gastronomic world.

Meet Our Executive chef

Jamie Allen

Jamie Allen is the powerhouse Executive Chef and Co-Founder behind Istry, an avant-garde food and beverage event company based in Jamaica. Prior to co-founding Istry, Jamie honed his culinary skills in the bustling kitchens of New York City, where his passion for food and creative flair allowed him to leave a remarkable imprint.

Upon his return to Jamaica, Jamie leveraged his rich culinary background to revolutionize the gastronomic scene. His innovative and creative approach to cuisine has garnered recognition in prestigious competitions. In 2022, he triumphed at the Jamaica Food Awards, taking home the ‘Pork Palooza’ title. His winning streak continued into 2023, where he secured victory in the ‘Whopper Your Way’ competition, hosted by Burger King.

At Istry, Jamie’s role extends beyond his executive chef duties. He is the guiding force behind our culinary creativity, consistently pushing the boundaries and exploring new realms of gastronomy. Jamie’s unique blend of passion, innovation, and commitment to excellence continues to shape Istry’s culinary journey, as he creates unforgettable food experiences for a global audience.

Meet Our Mixologist

Matthieu Duval

Matthieu Duval, affectionately known as ‘Fada Duvie’, is a master mixologist and the co-founder of Istry, an innovative food and beverage event company with roots in Jamaica. Although Matthieu’s professional background is in the medical field, his passion for mixology and creative blending led him to co-found Istry and bring his unique flavor profiles to the world.

His flair for combining unusual flavors and his expertise in bartending techniques have set him apart in the world of mixology. Matthieu’s prowess was recognised in the 2023 JUBAM bartending competition, where he was lauded as the runner-up. This achievement echoes his commitment to his craft and underscores his dedication to excellence.

At Istry, Matthieu, or ‘Fada Duvie’ as he is warmly called, contributes not only his expertise but also his innovative spirit. He continuously pushes the envelope, creating distinctive and memorable cocktail experiences for Istry’s patrons. Matthieu’s unique blend of creativity, scientific background, and a passion for mixology make him a vital element of Istry’s success story.

Meet Our COO

Thaon SIMMS

Presenting Thaon Simms, the vigilant and skilled Chief of Operations at Istry. Thaon is the dynamic linchpin that ensures our events are executed to perfection from the planning phase right through to the final act. His unwavering commitment to operational excellence is pivotal to the harmonious flow of our culinary experiences.

Every facet of our events, from intricate pre-planning to ensuring a seamless show on the day, is expertly orchestrated by Thaon. His strategic oversight allows us to foresee potential challenges, maintain operational fluency, and consistently deliver the extraordinary experiences that our patrons have come to expect.

Thaon embodies Istry’s commitment to excellence and adaptability in his operation management role. His talent for steering complex operations, without curtailing creativity and freedom, contributes significantly to shaping the unique ambiance and high-quality standards that define our events.

In collaboration with the entire team, Thaon transforms Istry’s innovative visions into reality. His dedication and expertise in operations are invaluable in affirming Istry’s position as a trendsetter in the food and beverage landscape, consistently crafting culinary adventures that celebrate creativity and exceptional quality.

Meet Our Chief of Design

Toussaint Chen

Meet Toussaint Chen, the creative maestro and Chief of Design at Istry. His remarkable artistic skills breathe life into the aesthetic persona of our experiences. From striking photography to sleek website design, his creative contributions not only showcase Istry’s unique identity but also weave a visual story that deeply resonates with our patrons.

Rather than crafting physical elements, Toussaint’s role revolves around ideation, meticulously conceptualizing the design aspects of our events. His innovative vision translates into beautifully conceptualized products, sparking the creative process that leads to the remarkable end result seen at our events.

Toussaint’s deep understanding of design’s transformative power infuses all aspects of Istry with a unique artistic flair. His work beautifully encapsulates our values of innovation, creativity, and freedom and plays a key role in establishing the distinctive ambiance and aesthetic of our events.

Working in harmony with our dedicated team, Toussaint’s imaginative concepts become the foundation for the unforgettable experiences that Istry offers. His visionary input is instrumental in positioning Istry as an innovator and trendsetter in the food world, creating experiences that are not just enjoyed, but truly remembered.