We were lucky to catch up with Farah-Jane Jean Pierre recently and have shared our conversation below.
Farah-Jane , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?
I have been blessed to have such a supportive family and friends. From day one of sharing my business idea until today they have motivated me, helped me however they could, shared my social media pages. They call me to check up on me because been a business owner is not easy and some days you might feel like you are not doing enough. They have told everyone they know who are either visiting Denver or live in Denver about my business so they can stop by and support. My friends and family who currently lives in Denver will help me on busy days and would not expect anything in return from me because they know I am at my beginning stage.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
My name is Farah-Jane Jean Pierre, born and raised in Haiti. I am the owner and chef of Fritay Haitian Cuisine which is a food truck serving Haitian street food in the Denver metro area. I started with this concept when I realized after moving to Colorado about 4 years ago that Haitian cuisine was not known in Denver. There was no where to get some good griot and bannann peze (fried pork and fried plantains) which are some Haitian staples. I provide catering services to corporate events, weddings, birthday parties or any small gatherings. I am proud that in so little time my brand is getting known in the community and I am getting referrals for special events. My followers on social media are increasing and I am getting a lot of positive reviews on google.
My main goal with my food truck is for people to have another concept of Haiti and the best way to my opinion is through our bold cuisine. My love for Haitian food is unconditional and I want to share it with the Denver Community and take it as far as I can.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Been the only one who is currently providing Haitian food has helped me a lot, it was missing in this market. I have not hesitated to ask questions to other people who have been in the industry longest than I have been. Providing great customer service and having a friendly personality in this industry is a plus. People always remember how you treat them and my goal is for my customers to feel welcome when visiting my food truck.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Delicious food is the number 1 strategy because I get referrals and word of mouth plays an important role in growing my clientele. I have been featured in couple magazines such as 303 Magazine and Denverite which helped get the word out about the food truck. Social Media Ads has helped a lot and pop up events at farmers market when I first started and passing flyers has been efficient in growing my clientele.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fritayfood.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fritayhaitianfood/?hl=en