A distinctive approach to making burgers using Caribbean flavors has been discovered by a Haitian duo that was looking for something new and intriguing. Rogers Burgers, owned by Haitian-American partners Jonathan and Josue Pierre, found this concept of Caribbean-influenced burgers. Enjoying a quality burger no longer means leaving the zip code for residents in Flatbush, Brooklyn, also known as “Little Caribbean.”
Rogers Burgers serves wings, fries, ice cream, and, of course, burgers that can be custom-made. The menu includes their bacon cheeseburger and burger créole, as well as veggie and Impossible choices for non-meat consumers. The Pierres strategically opened this eatery, knowing they wanted a different yet helpful business for the Flatbush community.
This business reflects Jonathan and Josue Pierre’s backgrounds that they intertwined for their restaurant. Jonathan Pierre has about 14 years of experience in the restaurant industry, while Josue Pierre specializes in economic development, real estate, and expressed, knowing the Flatbush area “very well.”
Rogers Burgers’ veggie burger and impossible burger with truffle parmesan fries and their different sauces. (Brenika Banks photos) 
Rogers Burgers, with Owner Josue Pierre talking to a customer, with the veggie and Impossible burgers with truffle parmesan fries in the foreground. (Brenika Banks photos) 
Rogers Burgers owners, Haitian-American partners, Jonathan and Josue Pierre. (Brenika Banks photos)
“We already knew that we wanted to have some type of eatery,” said Josue. The inspiration for an ideal local restaurant came from a barbershop visit, when their barber shared how he believed Flatbush needed a burger shop. “And then the fact that we thought about it a week before and said, ‘You know what? Let’s add this to the list of concepts that we might potentially do,’” said Josue.
The Pierres were aware that Flatbush needed a restaurant, specifically a burger restaurant, to mirror the neighborhood. “We wanted to envision Caribbean spice, the roots to what we wanted to do,” said Jonathan. He continued, “We didn’t want to do anything where we feel like we don’t have any connections with it.” The duo is committed to their burger spot having “a little bit of Flatbush in it.”
A business like this is essential to increasing the number of Black-owned businesses in New York City. According to data from Advancing Black Entrepreneurs in NYC, 22% of the NYC population is Black or African American. From this, only 2% of businesses are owned by Black people. This data also shows that these Black-owned businesses are newer, or since 2020, and are predicted to shut down within five years.
The Pierres are focused on staying open for years to come. Rogers Burgers plans on expanding as well as catering for various occasions. “We want to make sure to do more events,” said Jonathan. “We definitely want to expand and share the love of food to Brooklyn and eventually [open] in other neighborhoods.”
AmNews Journalist Brenika Banks interviewed Rogers Burgers owners Haitian-American partners Jonathan and Josue Pierre. The owners discussed their distinctive approach to making burgers using Caribbean flavors like jerk aioli and house-made pikliz.
(Brenika Banks video)
“We’re working towards profitability, that’s very important,” said Josue. The pair said they love being community involved because of their desire to proudly represent Flatbush. “We do have to make sure that we hit the mark when it comes to how many burgers we sell because it is a business,” he continued. The Pierres also intend on maintaining great quality food while elevating their top-selling items.
Jonathan shared how locals in Flatbush were calling the restaurant, thanking them for being close to their block. “I feel like the neighborhood needed this,” said Jonathan. “The response from the neighborhood, from the community, was so encouraging and supportive.”
In addition, Josue highlighted his goals to keep “the dollars circulating in our communities” to help Black businesses grow in Brooklyn.
Rogers Burgers, located at 801 Rogers Ave, is open daily from Monday through Sunday.