your neighborhood Social Escape
Welcome to Katyé — where culture and connection meet. Here you’ll experience Haitian-inspired hospitality that embody the spirit and heartbeat of community.
Born from the spirit of our Haitian food truck, Katyé — which translates to “neighborhood and community” — blends culture, music, and hospitality in one cozy and elevated setting.
Keep scrolling to learn more about the essence of what we’re about.
OUR WHY
For nearly six years, we’ve roamed the streets of the Triangle with our Haitian food truck, Bon Fritay, serving countless people and introducing them to the rich, soulful flavors of Haiti. But after years on the road, we realized it wasn’t enough. We wanted to spread our wings and set down roots.
Katyé was born from that desire — a permanent home for our food truck and catering operations, and a creative space where ideas, flavors, and culture can take shape. It’s where our passion for hospitality meets our love for design and storytelling. Every detail here — from the textures to the music to the food — is a reflection of the neighborhoods and experiences that have shaped us.
Katyé isn’t just another business venture. It’s a continuation of our journey — a place built with heart, where our community can experience something familiar yet beautifully unexpected.
WHAT WE DO
Catering
From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, Katyé delivers bold Caribbean-inspired hospitality to any occasion.
Curated Dining Experiences
Our dinner parties and pop-up experiences are thoughtfully designed to spark connection and delight every sense.
Event Services
We specialize in crafting events that feel intentional, seamless, and unforgettable.
Private Rentals
Our space is perfect for intimate weddings, photo shoots, business gatherings, or milestone celebrations.
Graphic Design
Our in-house creative team offers design services—from event flyers to other event materials—that capture your vision and bring your message to life with style and impact.
In-house Programming
From chef-led dinners to community mixers and cultural showcases, Katyé curates a calendar of signature events that reflect artistry, connection, and celebration.
A peek at our Haitian Caribbean-inspired menu
WHO WE ARE
Dafney Tales-Lafortune
Andre Lafortune
The Lafortunes Dafney and Chef Andre bring together a shared passion for Haitian culture, cuisine, and community. Dafney, the youngest and only daughter of Haitian immigrants from Brockton, Massachusetts, studied journalism in Philadelphia and enjoyed an award-winning career before transitioning to sales and events. In 2015, she and Andre founded the first Haitian catering company in the Triangle, which grew into a popular food truck and later inspired a successful food festival—introducing even Trevor Noah to Haitian food for the first time.
Andre, born and raised in Belair, Haiti, was the youngest of 11 children and grew up with his mother and two older brothers, where he discovered his love for the rich flavors of Haitian cooking. After emigrating to the U.S. in 2000 and earning a degree in Biomedical Engineering, he chose to follow his true passion: cooking and entrepreneurship. Together, Dafney and Andre have helped put Haitian food on the map in the Triangle, creating experiences that celebrate culture, flavor, and community.
kATYÉ: MEANING OF THE NAME
Katyé [kah-tee-yay] means “neighborhood” or “community” in Haitian Creole.
For us, it’s more than just a word, it carries belonging. We chose this name because our own lives have been shaped by the power of community. Everywhere we have lived, from Massachusetts to Philadelphia, Haiti to Durham, the concept of neighborhood and community has rung true. Different places, same lesson: belonging takes root where people gather.
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DINE
Haitian Caribbean-inspired menu, crafted shareable boards, inspired beverages and signature libations.
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GATHER
Weekly programming that brings the neighborhood together — from lo-fi socials to open mic nights and curated dinner parties and everything in between.
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PERFECT FOR
Date Night, Girls’ Night Out, Intimate Dinner Parties, Networking Mixers, Creative Content Shoots, Private Celebrations, After-Work Wind Downs
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CELEBRATE
Our space is yours. Host birthdays, private dinners, corporate mixers, or creative shoots in an intimate, ambient setting.
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CONNECT
More than just four walls, Katyé embodies the rhythm of the neighborhood.
