Abay is owned by James W. Wallace, Esq. Jamie has been selected as a "40 Under 40" honoree. This award recognizes 40 individuals under the age of 40 who are making a positive impact in the Pittsburgh area.

Although opening Abay might have been an easier process had it been the case, Jamie does not come from a restaurant background. In fact, he is an attorney. Jamie's practice focused on corporate law both as an associate at Buchanan Ingersoll and as in-house counsel at ALCOA.

After dining in a variety of Ethiopian restaurants, Jamie was convinced that an Ethiopian restaurant could succeed in Pittsburgh. Selecting the proper location for a unique "ethnic" restaurant was a primary concern. The East End, a neighborhood which was on the upswing of revitalization, provided the perfect location. Jamie purchased a vacant building on the border of Shadyside and East Liberty in June of 2003.

During the building's conversion from a former retail fur store into a restaurant, Jamie spent time in Ethiopia. The bulk of the artwork decorating the walls of Abay is the result of this trip. Abay opened its doors to the general public on June 8, 2004. Jamie has not had a sound night's sleep since.