Haitian-American entrepreneur Jonathan Pierre-Lafleur builds jobs and culture through food in Brooklyn

NEW YORK, United States. At a time when coverage of Haiti and Haitian immigrants in the United States is often dominated by immigration uncertainty, political instability and crisis, Brooklyn-based entrepreneur Jonathan Pierre-Lafleur says he is working to widen the narrative.

The Jacmel-born businessman, a 2026 finalist for Haitian-American Young Entrepreneur of the Year, describes himself as a food and beverage strategist, culinary storyteller and cultural programmer. With more than 15 years of experience in restaurants, hospitality and events, he said on 29 October that his work now spans four connected ventures: Quartier Hospitality, Rogers Burgers, Taste of Haiti NYC and Atelier Artist.

Caribbean flavours on a burger

Rogers Burgers, which he co-founded in Flatbush with his husband and business partner, Josue Pierre, layers Caribbean flavours on to the American burger. Its Burger Créole uses Haitian pikliz and pikliz aioli, while its Yard Burger draws on Jamaican jerk.

Pierre-Lafleur said the restaurant has created more than 20 local jobs, expanded beyond its original Rogers Avenue storefront and supported community groups, schools and cultural initiatives. He said it was one of only 19 burgers highlighted by The New York Times in its 2026 citywide burger coverage, and that it has taken part in the Brooklyn Children's Museum's Culinary Residency Incubator Support Program.

Teaching Haiti through food

In 2026 he launched Taste of Haiti NYC, which uses food as a way into Haitian history, identity and traditions. Its first event was a hands-on pikliz-making workshop at the Brooklyn Children's Museum, and a later workshop at the Brooklyn Public Library's Library for Arts & Culture reached a full waiting list.

"Food has the power to bring people together while creating conversations about history, identity, and culture," Pierre-Lafleur said.

Through Quartier Hospitality he works on food and beverage strategy, restaurant operations and event production. Atelier Artist, a Central Brooklyn creative hub he co-founded with other Haitian and Caribbean creatives, runs residencies and exhibitions, including Lakay, which explores identity, belonging and the Caribbean diaspora.

He previously served as special assistant for events and community engagement to New York State Assembly Majority Whip Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, and in 2026 joined the board of the Flatbush Development Corporation, including its Small Business Committee.

Pierre-Lafleur said he understands why Haiti's challenges require serious attention, but believes those stories should sit alongside accounts of Haitians in the diaspora building companies, employing New Yorkers and investing in their neighbourhoods.

"The projects may look different, but the purpose is connected: To build, create opportunities, tell our stories and invest back into the communities that support us," he said.