Pemba Foods was inspired by a simple moment of creativity. After a catering event left us with an abundance of ingredients, we decided to experiment with making hot sauce. The positive feedback from friends and family encouraged us to take the next step: creating products that share the full range of authentic Haitian flavors from our previous restaurant. Our story is rooted in resilience and rich cultural heritage. In 2004, our family restaurant gained national recognition when it was chosen to represent Haitian cuisine at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, commemorating Haiti’s 200th year of independence. This defining moment reinforced our commitment to sharing the beauty of Haitian flavors with the world. Pemba TO US means "hot mama", a strong woman who keeps going no matter what while staying fiery and resilient. 2007, our family restaurant in Maryland faced a life-altering event when it was robbed. During the incident, our children and Lyonel were held hostage. Yanick, who was running errands in D.C., returned to find the restaurant locked. Trusting her instincts, she found two police officers who were loyal customers. That day, instead of coming to eat, they stepped in to save the day, calling for backup and ensuring our family’s safety. Pemba represents the strength and perseverance we found in that moment and continue to carry with us today. What makes Pemba Foods unique is its authenticity. We don’t just bring the heat; we bring the full depth of Haitian flavors that made our restaurant beloved by so many. Every jar captures the warmth and authenticity of a Haitian meal—a taste of home, family, and culture. Looking ahead, our goal is to expand into retail stores and introduce new products that continue to tell our story. Every step forward is a reflection of our journey, our resilience, and our passion for sharing Haitian flavors with the world. When you try Pemba Foods, we hope you feel the love, heritage, and authenticity that’s been poured into every jar.