Shoutout Colorado
Meet Farah-Jane Jean Pierre | Owner & Chef of Fritay Haitian Cuisine LLC
November 9, 2021
We had the good fortune of connecting with Farah-Jane Jean Pierre and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Farah-Jane, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
There’s a saying in French that says ” Qui ne risque rien n’a rien” that I grew up hearing back in Haiti. Starting my business it’s a risk that I have taken and that I am proud I did because I am turning my passion into profit and also providing something that is missing in the state of Colorado which is Authentic Haitian Food. It has not been easy but I am grateful for the unconditional support of my family and close friends. I think having them by my side during this journey of starting my food truck made me strong and more confident.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Cooking has always been a passion for me since my teenage years. I remember putting a menu together and cooking for Sunday dinner and also cooking for some events for my classmates when I was 14. I started with culinary school back in Haiti at l’Ecole Hoteliere but unfortunately couldn’t get my diploma because of the earthquake on January 12th,2010. I moved to the United States and pursue with culinary classes by going to Culinary Arts Institute-HCCC and obtained my associated degree in Culinary Arts. I obtained my bachelor degree in Hotel,Tourism and Restaurant Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University and started my professional career in the hotel industry. As I was working in hotels I couldn’t stay away from the kitchen I would still cook for friends and family,for some events and that would always make me happy. I love seeing people smiling when enjoying my food. It brings me joy. When I moved to Denver and trying to find what makes me happy, what I want to do for the rest of my life only one thing will resonate to me : Cooking. Something always kept me from doing what I love and it was self-confidence, I had to work on myself to believe that I can do it. Nothing can stop me now. Starting with the process of owning my business was not easy. There was days of doubts, of anxiety, of feeling overwhelmed but I couldn’t let that from reaching my goal. Today I can proudly say that I am a food truck owner who brings authentic Haitian food in Denver.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A few places that I would take my best friend or any family member visiting would be Lustre Pearl, Viewhouse in Rino,there’s also a few other cool bars in the area.I also like Blanchard Family Wines on Blake St. Logan Street Restaurant and Bar, Postino Wine Cafe and The Lobby are some of my favorites places to go and have a good time with great company. Happy Camper is another place I discovered not too long ago and loved. I am not a beer drinker but Raices Brewing Co a latino owned brewery is definitely my favorite brewery in Colorado. I enjoy the vibe and love how they are involve in the community. I am not really into skiing or mountain activities but I have been to Steamboat Springs with couple friends and family members and I would definitely go back.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people that I need to thank for motivating me, supporting me during this journey of starting with my food truck business. I would like to start with my parents for their unconditional support as well as my brothers. I would like to thank Aleda, Eric Lee, Marcia Davisson for her mentorship, Mi Casa Ressource Center and team for their workshops on how to start a mobile food business and so many other resources, Yolande, Don, Ena, Jonathan, Shane, Abekelle,Sarlinde,Regina,Danielle,Thaina,Summer,Coralie,Raven,Diefie,Miraissa,Chase,Tati Yannick, Tati Joujou, Tati Founa, my cousins in Haiti and in the States, and everyone who has supported me, sent me words of love and encouragement. Last but not least to my angel Harley Junior Theodore may you Rest in Peace, I love you.
Instagram: @fritayhaitianfood
Facebook: @fritayhaitianfood
