A Brooklyn-based Caribbean-American food brand is expanding its reach after securing a residency at one of the borough’s most historic cultural institutions.
Rogers Burgers, founded in Flatbush, has begun operating inside the Brooklyn Children’s Museum as part of the museum’s Culinary Residency Incubator Support Program (CRISP).
The initiative provides emerging food entrepreneurs with an opportunity to reach new audiences while building their businesses. For Rogers Burgers, the residency represents both its second operating location and its first collaboration with a museum.
The brand was created by Haitian-American entrepreneurs Josue Pierre and Jonathan Pierre-Lafleur, who say the partnership is about more than expansion.
According to Josue Pierre, one of the biggest hurdles facing small businesses is gaining access to capital and opportunities for visibility.
He explained that programmes like CRISP help reduce those barriers by connecting local businesses with the thousands of families who visit the museum each year.
Pierre noted that Rogers Burgers was built within the Flatbush community, and the residency allows the brand to grow while maintaining strong neighborhood ties.
Operating Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum location offers a streamlined menu designed for families visiting the institution.
Among the featured items is the brand’s popular Créole Burger, which has been praised for its Caribbean-inspired flavor profile by publications such as The New York Times and New York Magazine.
Other menu options include:
Classic cheeseburgersCrispy chicken tenders served with jerk sauceFresh salads made with ingredients sourced from Flatbush marketsKid-friendly meal selections
The restaurant’s concept blends American comfort food with Caribbean seasoning, a combination that has helped the business build a loyal following in Brooklyn.
Representation in Cultural Spaces
For co-founder Jonathan Pierre-Lafleur, the residency also represents a milestone for Caribbean-owned businesses operating in cultural institutions.
He said the opportunity to serve visitors at the museum reflects both representation and community pride.
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum, which has served families in Central Brooklyn for more than a century, has played an important role in the development of generations of local residents.
Supporting Local Entrepreneurs
Museum leadership says the partnership aligns with its mission of supporting both families and the local economy.
Atiba T. Edwards, who was born in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, said the CRISP programme is designed to help small businesses grow by offering access to new markets.
He added that the initiative reflects the museum’s commitment to functioning not only as a cultural space but also as an economic catalyst for Central Brooklyn.
Looking Ahead
As Rogers Burgers continues its expansion, the founders say the residency demonstrates how small businesses can grow without losing their connection to the communities that supported them from the start.
For the Pierres, the move represents a model for community-centered growth, increasing exposure and opportunity while staying grounded in the neighborhood that built the brand.