Today we’d like to introduce you to Jo.
Hi Jo, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Jojo Fritay is truly a story of family, faith, and flavor. We started as a family with a simple idea to bring the bold, authentic taste of Haitian food to our community. One day we said, “Why not us? Why not now?” and that spark turned into what is now Jojo Fritay.
Like many small businesses, we faced real challenges, especially during COVID. There were moments we weren’t sure we would make it. But we pushed through, stayed creative, stayed connected to our roots, and our community showed up for us in ways we’ll never forget. That’s really what kept us going.
We’re proud to be a small, unique restaurant serving food that feels like home , full of culture, love, and a little bit of fun in every plate. But the true stars of our story are our customers. Their feedback, their support, and even their honest opinions have shaped us into who we are today. We listen, we learn, and we constantly try to improve because they deserve the best.
At the end of the day, Jojo Fritay isn’t just about food, it’s about heritage, family, and community. We’re not perfect but we’re humbled by how far we’ve come and excited for what’s still ahead. And we’ll always keep the vibes friendly, the food flavorful, and the doors open to everyone who wants a taste of something real.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been a meaningful one. Like many small businesses, we faced some major challenges along the way. COVID hit us hard. As a restaurant, we had to completely rethink how we operated just to survive.
Even after the pandemic, the economy brought its own struggles. Prices of ingredients skyrocketed, and people’s spending habits changed. Trying to balance rising food costs while still keeping our menu affordable has been one of our biggest ongoing challenges. We never want to compromise quality, but we also want to stay accessible to the community we serve.
Another major hurdle has been keeping up with technology and trends. Nowadays, being a great restaurant is only half the job, you also have to be present online, understand delivery apps, social media, and constantly create content to stay visible. For a small family business, that’s a big learning curve, but we’ve embraced it because it’s necessary to grow.
Despite all of that, every challenge has made us smarter, stronger, and more connected to our purpose. We’re still here and that alone is a blessing we don’t take for granted.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Jojo Fritay, we specialize in bringing authentic Haitian street food to life — the kind of food that feels like home even if you’ve never been to Haiti. We’re best known for our fried specialties, pikliz, griot, marinad, fresh-made sauces, and bold, unforgettable flavors that make people say, “I’ve never tasted anything like this before!”
We don’t see ourselves as just a restaurant we’re a cultural experience. Every dish we serve carries history, pride, and a whole lot of love. We take traditional Haitian recipes and present them in a fun, approachable way that makes people excited to try something new.
What sets us apart is the combination of authenticity, family values, and innovation. We’re a small business, but we’re always thinking big whether it’s through partnerships, creative pop-ups, social media presence, or engaging with the community. We listen to our customers, we adapt, and we stay true to our roots while keeping things fresh.
One thing we are extremely proud of is being able to create a space where people from all backgrounds feel welcome where Haitians feel seen and represented, and where non-Haitians get to discover and fall in love with our cuisine. We’ve had customers drive hours just for our food, and that still blows us away every time.
At the end of the day, our goal isn’t just to serve food , it’s to share culture, spread joy, and keep showing the world that Haitian cuisine deserves its spotlight.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson we’ve learned is that community is everything. No matter what challenges come whether it’s a pandemic, rising costs, or growing pains , the support and feedback from our customers have been the heartbeat of Jojo Fritay. We’ve learned to listen, adapt, and stay humble because growth doesn’t happen alone.
We’ve also learned that staying true to who we are matters. Trends come and go, but authenticity lasts. When we stay rooted in our culture, our values, and the love behind our food, everything else falls into place.
Most of all, we’ve learned that every setback is just a setup for a comeback and with faith, hard work, and a loyal community behind you, you can get through anything
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jojofritay.com
- Instagram: jojofritay
- Facebook: jojofritay
Image Credits
Photocredit: JojoFritay
