|
Fataneh Dowlatshahi, owner
Always dreamed of opening her own cafe since she was a child. She holds many fond memories of spending afternoons at a local cafe near her childhood home. There was a sense of energy and community she recalls and hopes that BiBi can provide a sense of community for Westwood as she had once experienced. |
Our Name
BiBi means great-grandmother in Fataneh's culture, and many of the items for sale come from recipes directly passed down from her BiBi. Many residents have tried and fallen in love with our Gata Sweet bread and fresh homemade Carrot Jam. Together they make a sensational breakfast pairing. |
Cynthia Highers, pastry chef
Has been in love with baking since she was 12, when she began learning from her father. After briefly exploring a career in education in English literature, she realized that baking, with its mix of creativity and science, was her true passion. As a result, she dedicated herself to her new career, working full time while completing her certificate in baking and pastry arts at Newbury College, which she received in 2017. She came to BiBi in 2018 with eight years' experience in food service, specializing in cake decorating. Cynthia was delighted to train under founding pastry chef Ambreen Hassan and looks forward to bringing her own experience and taste to the traditions and high standards that Ambreen established at BiBi.
Has been in love with baking since she was 12, when she began learning from her father. After briefly exploring a career in education in English literature, she realized that baking, with its mix of creativity and science, was her true passion. As a result, she dedicated herself to her new career, working full time while completing her certificate in baking and pastry arts at Newbury College, which she received in 2017. She came to BiBi in 2018 with eight years' experience in food service, specializing in cake decorating. Cynthia was delighted to train under founding pastry chef Ambreen Hassan and looks forward to bringing her own experience and taste to the traditions and high standards that Ambreen established at BiBi.
Beth Rodio, bread chef
Started learning how to make bread when she lived in San Francisco and couldn’t get enough sourdough. After experimenting at home for years, she went back to school to learn from the experts. She joined BiBi in 2017 while attending Newbury College, where she completed her associate's degree in baking and pastry arts in 2018. Prior to baking, Beth worked in publishing and communications for more than 10 years and has a BA from Providence College and an MA from Boston University, both in English literature. She still dabbles in writing and editing both on a volunteer basis and as the BiBi website manager.
Started learning how to make bread when she lived in San Francisco and couldn’t get enough sourdough. After experimenting at home for years, she went back to school to learn from the experts. She joined BiBi in 2017 while attending Newbury College, where she completed her associate's degree in baking and pastry arts in 2018. Prior to baking, Beth worked in publishing and communications for more than 10 years and has a BA from Providence College and an MA from Boston University, both in English literature. She still dabbles in writing and editing both on a volunteer basis and as the BiBi website manager.
Ambreen Hasan, founding pastry chef
Helped Fataneh launch BiBi in 2014. Although she moved on to her next adventure in June 2018, Ambreen is still part of the BiBi family, and her influence is found in many of your favorite foods, including our Nutella Rugelach and a variety of our scones, just to name a few. Ambreen started her career as a Chemical Engineer but from a very early age had an interest in baking and experimenting. This interest solidified into passion when Ambreen baked her sister's wedding cake. To sharpen her skills, Ambreen enrolled in the pastry arts program of the French Culinary Institute in New York City. There she had an opportunity to work alongside and learn from world renowned chefs. After graduating from FCI, Ambreen worked at some of the famous restaurants and gourmet food magazine in NYC, finally ending up at BIBi Cafe!
Helped Fataneh launch BiBi in 2014. Although she moved on to her next adventure in June 2018, Ambreen is still part of the BiBi family, and her influence is found in many of your favorite foods, including our Nutella Rugelach and a variety of our scones, just to name a few. Ambreen started her career as a Chemical Engineer but from a very early age had an interest in baking and experimenting. This interest solidified into passion when Ambreen baked her sister's wedding cake. To sharpen her skills, Ambreen enrolled in the pastry arts program of the French Culinary Institute in New York City. There she had an opportunity to work alongside and learn from world renowned chefs. After graduating from FCI, Ambreen worked at some of the famous restaurants and gourmet food magazine in NYC, finally ending up at BIBi Cafe!
