The Fayetteville community is abuzz over a new Haitian restaurant that opened its doors over the weekend.

On Saturday, June 27, friends and family gathered at Germène's Home Kitchen & Bakery, located at 1205 Robeson St. in Fayetteville, to celebrate their long-awaited grand opening. 

What began as a weekend get-together to share food with loved ones has grown and evolved into a permanent location where the community can gather to experience authentic Haitian Caribbean cuisine. 

Brought to the community by Owner and Head Chef Eddie Claude, everything from the names of the cocktails to the food featured pays tribute to his home country of Haiti and his late grandmother, after whom the restaurant is named. 

“She was a very kind woman. Back when I was growing up in Haiti, me and my cousins [would] go over there to her house, and we [would] have this thing called Akasan, like one of the Haitian's favorite breakfast. Every morning we would go there and she would feed us Akasan, just because we loved it so much,” recalled Claude. “Not only did I know she was a kind person, I care more about her generosity, how she would make sure that somebody had a plate, or a bowl of Akasan with some bread or coffee. Because even if a person came by who didn’t have money, she would make sure she would feed them. So I named this place after her so I can honor her name, her legacy of being a great person.”     

The restaurant features a handcrafted menu created by Claude that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Food such as chayote with pork and mixed seafood, jute leaves (Lalo), taso kabrit (fried goat), and fried chicken and plantains are available all week, with special additions to the menu scheduled for the weekends. 

“It was me sitting down and thinking about what I want to cook and the food I like the most, thinking about Haitian culture. A spot like this one, I feel, should be connected to the world, so I have some burgers, some fish & chips,” shared Claude. “For the drinks, I choose places in Haiti that I like, or have been or know about. We'll be doing breakfast. I think breakfast will be amazing. I have my favorite French toast platter that I make.” 

This is the second restaurant opened by Claude, who opened his first back in Haiti. He was able to rely on the Women's Business Center of Fayetteville at CEED staff members Danice Langdon, Stuart Walters and Business Solutions Officer Magaly Rivera at the Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF) to provide guidance and resources he used to open.

“The Women's Business Center of Fayetteville, with Miss Danice and Mr. Stewart, they helped me get in contact with Miss Magaly, and the very moment that Miss Magaly received my email, she was honest. She was reaching out and [we] connected so much, she would help me on the weekends,” shared Claude. “I already had a business plan, everything structured, but then I wanted more of it. Danice and Stewart helped me finalize it and structure it to the way I wanted it, to what it is now. It was them helping me out, so it was very helpful for them to connect with me and advise me to reach out to the Carolina Small Business Development Fund.” 

Germène's Home Kitchen & Bakery is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday and Saturdays from 7 a.m. until midnight, and from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. on Sundays. 

For up-to-date hours, follow them on their Facebook here or on their website here. 

Claude and his team say they are ready to meet the community. 

“I opened this restaurant because I wanted to share the rich flavors and beautiful culture of Haiti with the people of Fayetteville, while creating jobs, strengthening our community and serving every guest with love, respect and genuine hospitality. So, my hope is that every person who walks through our doors lives not only with a full stomach but with a full heart. If we can make someone feel welcome, cared for and connected, even for just one meal, then we have accomplished our mission,” concluded Claude. “The restaurant belongs to our community, so whether you are Haitian, American, military, Caribbean, African or simply visiting our city,  everyone has a seat at our table.”