ABOUT
ABOUT US
We’re not your parents' white tablecloth Indian lunch buffet. We’ve made it our mission to break down the past’s two-dimensional concept of what an Indian restaurant is in America and rebuild it to reflect who and what Indian-American culture is today.
To us, that means combining the authentic flavors of India with contemporary cooking practices and everyday ingredients in a vibrant space filled with art. It means enjoying well-crafted, creative drinks made from a distinctly desi perspective enjoyed to the tune of contemporary Bollywood. While our energetic space evokes the feel of old-world, urban India, we hope that our modern plates and craft cocktails breathe new life into the culture’s diverse and flavorful cuisine.
OUR TEAM
OWNER
Ankit Chellani is the owner and operator of Sherkaan Indian Street Food, inspired by his family’s deep roots in the restaurant industry, including his father, an accomplished Indian chef who founded popular Connecticut establishments such as Royal India and Taste of India. Growing up, Ankit regularly visited India, where he developed a strong connection to the culture and cuisine, fueling his vision to bring the vibrant flavors of Indian street food to the U.S. At Sherkaan, he pushes the boundaries of traditional Indian cuisine, going beyond familiar dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala to showcase the diverse offerings of Indian street fare. Ankit is passionate about the creative potential of the cuisine and credits Sherkaan's dedicated team for its ongoing success.
ANKIT CHELLANI
GENERAL MANAGER
Eileen Shekman has been the General Manager at Sherkaan Indian Street Food since its opening in April 2019, guiding the restaurant through its growth and solidifying its place in the New Haven dining scene. With over 20 years of experience in hospitality, she has been instrumental in adapting Sherkaan's operations, particularly during the pandemic, by expanding delivery services and optimizing outdoor dining. Eileen is passionate about making Indian street food approachable while preserving its authenticity, and she takes pride in fostering a close-knit, family-like environment among both staff and regular guests. Her leadership continues to contribute to Sherkaan’s success as both a restaurant and a vibrant community space.
Eileen Shekman
EXECUTIVE CHEF
Bryan Burke has been the Executive Chef at Sherkaan Indian Street Food in New Haven, CT, since its opening, where he combines bold Indian flavors with modern culinary techniques. Prior to Sherkaan, he served as the chef at Taprock Beer Bar in Unionville, CT, where he developed a passion for innovative, beer-centric cuisine. At Sherkaan, Bryan is dedicated to interpreting and presenting Indian street food in a fresh, creative way. His attention to detail and commitment to culinary experimentation have made him a key figure in the restaurant's success.
Bryan Burke
BAR MANAGER
Bar Manager Kelly Shi comes to Sherkaan with five years of industry experience that began with serving and led her to discover her passion for bartending. Although new to Indian cuisine before joining Sherkaan, she has embraced the challenge of creating unique cocktails that complement the restaurant’s bold and flavorful dishes. Kelly is also dedicated to training and mentoring her bar staff, ensuring they deliver the same high level of service and creativity. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active by playing pickleball and taps into her creative side through her hobby of building intricate Lego sets.
KELLY SHI
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Caleb Martinmooney brings a diverse professional background to Sherkaan that includes roles as a preschool teacher, operations director, bartender, and manager. His time Sherkaan has deepened his appreciation for Indian street food, and he takes pride in helping the restaurant strike a balance between a welcoming family atmosphere and a refined dining experience. Caleb values the camaraderie of the Sherkaan team and enjoys being part of a space that feels like more than just a workplace. Outside of work, he spends time with his two beloved dogs, plays chess, and contributes to his community as a board member of the nonprofit Haven’s Harvest.
CALEB MartinMooney
totally bindaas