New York Congressional District #9

District Success Story:
Yo Yo Fritaille

In June 2015, Ermite Gassant became a client of the Brooklyn Small Business Development Center. Ms. Gassant, in business for over thirty years, owns three successful restaurants in Brooklyn called Yo Yo Fritaille. “Fritaille” is a Haitian specialty of fried pork, beef, sausages, plantains, cassava, and other vegetables. Haitian food is often a commingling of French and West African techniques and ingredients. Ms Gassant’s restaurants boast a healthy following on Yelp, with reviewers raving about their excellent and authentic food. Ms. Gassant is working with the Brooklyn SBDC to grow her business by manufacturing and distributing her very own proprietary hot sauce. With help from Business Advisor Ryan Letts, Ms. Gassant has learned the necessary steps to implement a strategy for the manufacturing process, including food labeling, food lab testing, and business plan development. This small business owner is just one example of how small business owners in Brooklyn have leveraged their skills, creativity and their heritage to create jobs, care for the vibrant growing market segments and celebrate the diverse culture that makes Brooklyn special. Ryan Letts and his Brooklyn SBDC colleagues continue to bring world class business expertise to the small business community.