Pot’iwa Pizza Opens in Brooklyn, New York
Brooklyn, New York – A touch of Caribbean sunshine is spicing up the streets of Flatbush: Pot’iwa Pizza, the renowned Haitian artisanal pizza brand, is opening in New York City and stirring up the local culinary scene. Starting June 1, 2024, at 5 p.m., taste lovers can discover a unique gastronomic experience, fusing Haitian tradition with the universal pizza format.
From Pétion-Ville to Brooklyn: A Bold and Delicious Journey
The Pot’iwa adventure began in 2015 in Pétion-Ville, in the hills above Port-au-Prince. The goal: to offer pizza rooted in Haitian culture. Eight years later, the brand has won hearts (and stomachs) across the country, and even beyond its borders.
After opening in North Miami in 2023—becoming the first Haitian restaurant franchise in the United States—Pot’iwa continues its ascent by targeting another iconic city of the diaspora: Brooklyn.
A Pizza Like No Other
Pot’iwa is making waves primarily thanks to its bold and deeply distinctive recipes. It’s a far cry from the classic pepperoni pizza. Here, you’ll find smoked herring on crispy crust with the famous aransò pizza, or the robust taste of griyo (fried pork) generously topped with the griyo pizza. More than 20 variations await the curious, all created with respect for Haitian flavors.
A Symbolic Return for Jude Vaillant
For Jude Vaillant, co-founder of the brand with Rock André, this Brooklyn opening is much more than a simple expansion: it’s a return to one’s roots. Having lived in New York before 2014, he decided to return to Haiti that year to launch Pot’iwa. A decade later, he returned to the same city, not as an expatriate, but as an ambassador of Haitian gastronomy.
This restaurant embodies Haitian pride. The design, the music, the welcome, and of course, the cuisine: everything has been designed to reflect Haiti’s cultural grandeur, he confides.
A Presence Growing with Ambition
With this new location at 1456 Flatbush Ave, Pot’iwa joins a dynamic network of five restaurants:
- Pétion-Ville – Rue PanAméricaine
- Cap-Haïtien – Boulevard Carrénage
- Les Irois – Downtown
- North Miami – NE 6th CT
- Brooklyn – Flatbush Avenue
The business is capitalizing on the strong demand from a diaspora proud of its roots, as well as the growing interest of an international audience in global cuisines.
A Grand Opening with a Festive Flair
The launch of the restaurant in Brooklyn will be marked by a grand celebration open to the public, with tastings, live music, and, of course, pizzas with unique flavors. A rendezvous for gourmets, the curious, and anyone who wants to celebrate the richness of Haitian culture through a universal dish.
Pot’iwa Pizza doesn’t just sell pizzas: it tells a story: the story of Haiti, its people, its traditions, and its creativity. Brooklyn is about to bite into that story... slice by slice.
