Atlantic City’s Goute Creole Scores on World Stage After Serving Haiti National Team During FIFA World Cup
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a continuation of stories celebrating National Black Business Month as Front Runner New Jersey.com recognizes businesses run by all communities of color.
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
ATLANTIC CITY — Atlantic City restaurant owner Jacky “Jay” Jean never imagined that his family-run eatery, Goute Creole Caribbean Restaurant, would become an international focal point during the FIFA World Cup.
But when the Haiti National Soccer Team chose Atlantic City as its training base, the team reached out for authentic Haitian cuisine — and found exactly what they needed on Atlantic Avenue.
The restaurant, located at 2309 Atlantic Avenue, has been open for just a year and a half, but its reputation for homemade Haitian and Jamaican dishes has already spread far beyond the city’s borders. That reputation reached the Haitian Football Federation, which contacted Jean to provide meals during the team’s stay.
According to Bruce E. Weekes, assistant director of economic development for the City of Atlantic City, the moment was bigger than just food.
“This opportunity highlights the power of local businesses to deliver world-class experiences while showcasing the culture, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit that exists right here in our community,” Weekes said. “Congratulations to Jay on this incredible achievement and for representing Atlantic City on an international stage.”
A Family Legacy Reborn
Jean’s journey to this moment began long before the World Cup. He previously operated a restaurant in Atlantic City from 2009 to 2014, but structural issues with the building forced its closure. He returned to Haiti to open a gas station, supermarket, and restaurant in his hometown of Croix-des-Bouquets, just outside Port-au-Prince, while his family remained in the United States.
Eventually, he felt the pull back to Atlantic City.
“We realized the community needed the restaurant again,” Jean said. “Me, my mother-in-law, my father-in-law, my whole family — we gave it to God and opened back up.”
Since reopening, Goute Creole has become a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike, offering dishes made “with love” by family members in the kitchen.
World Cup Connection: Pride Over Profit
When Haiti qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1954, the team was stationed at the Sheraton Atlantic City. Jean, a lifelong soccer fan, reached out to the Haitian Federation to offer support.
“For us, it wasn’t about money. It was about pride,” Jean said. “Our country was in the competition, right here in our area. We felt it was necessary.”
The team accepted, and Goute Creole provided meals after two major matches — one in Philadelphia against Brazil and another following a game in Boston. While the players weren’t fed daily, their families were. Many stayed locally and visited the restaurant every day.
The players’ favorites included legume (a traditional vegetable stew), white rice, griot (fried pork shoulder), black rice with mushrooms, plantains and other Haitian staples.
“They were in love with the legume and the griot,” Jean said. “All Haitians love Creole food.”
A 70% Boost and Global Attention
The World Cup connection brought more than pride — it brought visibility. Jean estimates a 70-73% increase in business during the team’s stay. Customers came hoping to meet players or their families, and the restaurant became a hub of excitement.
Major media outlets took notice with Jean sitting for interviews with Fox News and an Italian television. The Philadelphia Inquirer named Goute Creole the No. 1 new restaurant in South Jersey during the World Cup.
“People came just for the activities, to see the parents, talk to them, take pictures,” Jean said. “It brought a big boost to the restaurant.”
A Community Staple With International Flavor
Goute Creole is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., serving dishes that reflect Haiti’s rich culinary heritage and the warmth of a family-run kitchen.
Jean says he is grateful for the support and excited for what comes next.
“The locals were waiting for something like this,” he said. “We’re doing pretty good, and we’re proud of what we bring to Atlantic City.”
For authentic Haitian and Jamaican cuisine, Goute Creole Caribbean Restaurant can be reached at 609-783-8981.
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