Our story

Our journey begins with the love of Haitian food and culture, which was embedded in us since childhood. Built from our food truck roots, Katyé is designed for people putting down roots—transplants and locals looking for a place that feels like community. In fact, “katyé,” means “neighborhood” in Haitian Creole, and we exist to honor the essence of Haitian hospitality, not water it down. It is for people who want more than a meal. It’s a place to settle in, share plates, sip something crafted, and feel at home—whether you’re new to the area or simply looking for your regular hangout spot.

Katyé isn’t a nightclub. It isn’t a formal event venue. It’s a food-forward social dining lounge built for lingering, celebration, conversation, and community.

The Lafortunes 

Chef Andre and Dafney 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.