Small Business, Big Impact: How Flatbush’s Rogers Burgers is Redefining Community Investment
Imagine if just five or six small businesses did this. It doesn't take hundreds of thousands of dollars to invest in our community
BROOKLYN, NY — Those were the words of Josue Pierre, co-founder of Rogers Burgers, speaking to us amidst the vibrant energy of Joe’s Pub in Manhattan. He continued,
Imagine if a handful of us came together to sponsor events like these—think about how much we could elevate not only the community, but improve participation across generations for people to come and experience a powerful artist like BélO - and more.
The Flatbush-based Pan-Caribbean-American burger brand—recently celebrated by The New York Times as one of the 19 Best Burgers in NYC—wasn’t just there to enjoy the music. They were there as the driving force behind a masterclass in grassroots community sponsorship.
The occasion was the highly anticipated NYC return concert of Haitian music icon BélO. For over two decades, BélO has stood as a pioneer of conscious music, trailblazing a unique genre he calls “Ragganga”—a masterful, intelligent fusion of reggae, jazz, soul, rock, and traditional Afro-Haitian rhythms.
Through songs that entire generations have grown up on, like "Jasmine" and "Istwa Dwòl," BélO has a rare, poetic way of creating. His music sings the blues, the beauty, and the stark reality of Haitian lives—yet his intelligent lyricism carries a universal truth that mirrors the struggles and resilience of people in any country.
Watch BélO perform his timeless classic live on stage, blending his signature conscious message with striking acoustic arrangements:
At a time when the Haitian diaspora faces immense challenges, Rogers Burgers stepped up not just as a restaurant, but as a dedicated community partner. By sponsoring the evening, they created a powerful ecosystem of support, bringing an intergenerational delegation of over 30 distinguished guests straight from the heart of Brooklyn to the front rows of Manhattan's premier intimate venue.
The guest list read like a directory of community resilience, featuring representatives from Little Haiti BK, Haiti Cultural Exchange, Life of Hope, and Flanbwayan, alongside human rights activists, artists, local influencers, and loyal Rogers Burgers customers.
For the founders, Jonathan Pierre-Lafleur and Josue Pierre, the initiative stems from a core business philosophy: local businesses must actively pour back into the neighborhoods that sustain them.
Our community is going through challenging times, and moments like this remind us why celebrating our culture matters," the co-founders shared. "BélO has spent years using his music to tell our stories and uplift Haiti. We're proud to support his return to New York and bring our community together.
Founders Josue Pierre (left) & Jonathan Lafleur (Right)
What Rogers Burgers proved at Joe's Pub is that community investment isn't reserved for corporate giants. By leveraging their platform to push local talent, bridge generational gaps, and honor a conscious pioneer like BélO, this Flatbush staple is setting a blueprint for how small businesses can champion cultural preservation. The message was clear: when local businesses invest in local culture, the entire community wins.
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