Haitian-American entrepreneur Cassandre Davilmar focuses on building Lakou Café

As Black History Month and New York City Small Business Month hit full gear, Haitian-American Cassandre Davilmar, the owner of Lakou Café in Crown Heights, Brooklyn has focused on building up her business since she graduated from the DoorDash Accelerator for Local Restaurants Program and received a $10,000 grant to support her restaurant.

Last fall, thanks to the resources available through the program, Davilmar closed on a financing deal to purchase the building housing Lakou Café, applied best small business practices for success to make operational improvements, and expanded options for customers by obtaining a liquor license.

All month-long in June, the mayor and city agencies are convening resources and information to help small businesses thrive, acknowledging their contributions to the city’s economy and the diversity they bring to the restaurant scene.

Davilmar has not only shown how to survive in New York City’s tough restaurant industry but also has utilized resources like the Accelerator program to grow as a critical part of her community.

As a graduate of New York University (NYU) School of Law, with a background in finance and accounting from the University of Miami, Davilmar brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her entrepreneurial endeavors.

But she told Caribbean Life that it’s her passion for community impact that drives her, and it’s the force behind Lakou Café.

Through her vision to expand Lakou Café, Davilmar said she aims to “create a welcoming space that celebrates Haitian cuisine and culture while fostering a sense of community among neighbors in the Weeksville neighborhood of Crown Heights.”

The interior of Lakou Cafe. Photo by Sweeten

She said she sees her journey as a “potential inspiring path for others to turn their ideas into reality,” stating that she is filled with optimism about the future of Lakou Café.

She said the support she has received from DoorDash’s Accelerator for Small Business Program has strengthened her belief that, “with the right support and determination, it is possible to thrive even in New York City’s tough restaurant industry.”

Davilmar said she is focused on sustaining her business, but also expanding its impact, stating that she sees her restaurant as “a gathering place for community and a vibrant part of Crown Heights’ diversity.”

She said graduating from the Accelerator program marked a turning point for her. She used the $10,000 grant and the resources tailored to small business owners provided by the program to apply best practices for success in the restaurant industry and to make operational improvements.

Last October, with the help of the grant, she said she was able to secure enough capital and close on a deal to purchase the building housing Lakou Café.

Davilmar said the long-term stability of owning the building allows her to focus on expanding the business and bringing tangible improvements.

She said the training and personalized business advising she received also played a “crucial role” in helping her obtain a liquor license.

The bar of Lakou Cafe located at 195 Utica Ave., Brooklyn, NY, 11213. Photo by Sweeten

“Lakou now has expanded offerings, attracting a broader customer base and enhancing the overall dining experience,” she said, adding that the operational improvements she instituted, thanks to the program, have “streamlined processes, increased efficiency and elevated the quality of service.”

Davilmar said she takes pride in these improvements and views them as “essential steps in ensuring the sustainability and growth” of her restaurant.

She was part of DoorDash’s Accelerator for Local Restaurants Program 2023 Cohort.

“The program is dedicated to promoting equality in entrepreneurship and enhancing opportunities for small businesses, with a focus on supporting women, immigrants and people of color,” Davilmar said.

She said this program offers various benefits, including a $10,000 grant, comprehensive training and education, personalized business advising, marketing advantages, and eco-friendly packaging through program partner DeliverZero.

Lakou Café is located at 195 Utica Ave., Brooklyn, NY, 11213. Davilmar can be reached at (347) 295-0566 and info@lakoucafe.com.