A new kind of celebration is cooking on Douglas Avenue. Haitian.ish is opening its doors with food that brings people together and flavors that honor Haiti’s soulful culinary roots. On Saturday, October 11, the Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) will host the grand opening of this vibrant new venture at 391 Douglas Avenue in Providence. The event runs from 4-7pm, featuring a ribbon-cutting at 5 and a community celebration to follow.
The vision behind Haitian.ish comes from Chef Anne Rabel, whose 15-year culinary journey spans multiple cities, from Washington, D.C.’s Southern comfort food kitchens to Boston’s fine dining scene. Founded in 2022, Haitian.ish began as a love letter to Haitian cuisine and has since grown into a full-scale culinary experience that includes private chef services, catering, mixology, and a popular food truck.
Chef Rabel’s menu captures the heart of Haitian cooking: bold, soulful, and layered with meaning. Favorites include Creole spring rolls, boulet meatballs, Haitian spaghetti, and traditional diri rice. Each dish bursts with creativity and cultural pride, blending old-world comfort with modern flair.
“Haitian.ish is a powerful example of what happens when passion, culture, and opportunity come together,” said Lisa Ranglin, President and CEO of RIBBA. “Chef Rabel’s dedication to sharing the beauty of Haitian cuisine enriches our community and contributes to the growing diversity of Rhode Island’s business landscape. We are proud to have supported her on this journey.”
RIBBA provided Haitian.ish with $3,000 in grant funding, technical assistance, and support in obtaining MBE/WBE certification. These resources helped Chef Rabel expand her dream from a food truck to a permanent home.
For Rhode Islanders craving a taste of the Caribbean with a side of community spirit, Haitian.ish offers more than just a meal. It is a celebration of heritage, flavor, and the power of local entrepreneurship. For more information on RIBBA, visit RIBBA.org.
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