OUR STORY

Our Story

Pemba Foods was born from a passion for sharing authentic Haitian flavors with the world.

Our journey began with Chez Yonyon, a beloved Haitian restaurant on Chillum Road in Hyattsville, Maryland. For years, Chez Yonyon introduced customers throughout the Washington, D.C. area to the rich and vibrant flavors of Haiti. While rooted in Haitian culture, the restaurant welcomed everyone, bringing people together through great food, warm hospitality, and a shared appreciation for authentic flavor.

As the restaurant’s reputation grew, Chez Yonyon catered weddings, cultural celebrations, embassy functions, and community events throughout the region. In 2004, our family restaurant was honored to help represent Haitian cuisine at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival during Haiti’s 200th year of independence. This milestone strengthened our commitment to sharing Haitian culture through food.

After overcoming life’s challenges, Chez Yonyon closed its doors in 2008. Our family relocated to Florida, carrying with us the recipes, traditions, and passion that had made the restaurant so special.

Not long after, a simple moment of creativity sparked a new beginning. Following a catering event with an abundance of ingredients, we began experimenting with hot sauce. The response from friends and family was overwhelmingly positive, inspiring us to create products that could bring the authentic flavors of our restaurant into homes everywhere.

That idea became Pemba Foods.

To us, “Pemba” means “Hot Mama”—a strong, passionate, and resilient woman who keeps moving forward no matter the challenge. That spirit continues to guide Pemba Foods today.

From our Pickled Cabbage Slaw (Pikliz) and Pickled Papaya Slaw to our marinades, seasonings, and sauces, every Pemba Foods product is inspired by the recipes, traditions, and flavors that made Chez Yonyon special. We don’t just bring heat—we bring the full depth of authentic Haitian flavor.

Today, Pemba Foods proudly shares the Taste of Haiti with people from all backgrounds. Every jar reflects our heritage, our resilience, and our passion for bringing authentic Haitian flavors to every table.

Pemba Foods is the continuation of the Chez Yonyon legacy—born in Maryland, rebuilt in Florida, and proudly sharing the Taste of Haiti with the world.

Pemba Foods — Born from Tradition. Crafted with Passion. Shared with the World.