Lakaye means "home" in Haitian Creole, and that's just what owner Norbert Lau wants his new store and cafe to feel like. Opened in early June, Lakaye grocery and cafe is a small convenience store on Central Avenue that features a small seating area and hot coffee. The walls are covered with paintings, and Lau hopes the artwork will inspire conversation when customers walk in. Meanwhile, recently installed air conditioners keep the store cool on a hot summer day.Lau is trained in carpentry and real estate, and this is his first foray into retail. He opened the store because he wanted a consistent income, he says. Retail is "a business where you get paid," unlike real estate, he says.
The store specializes in Haitian goods including cooking spices. Lau hopes to capitalize on the large population of Caribbean-Americans in the nearby neighborhood. His business partner, who hails from Haiti, knows what merchandise they should stock, he says. He relies on her knowledge and good sense, he says.
Eventually, he would like the store to expand to include two more rooms in the building, where hot food could be served. He's also like to sell furniture out of the back of the store. This will depend on licensing from the city, he says.
