Sponsored post by Dadou’s Restaurant
At Dadou’s Restaurant – Caribbean Best, located at 14 Robert St, Middletown, New York, the tantalizing aroma of sizzling Pork Griot, the tender warmth of Goat Cabrit, and the comforting embrace of homemade black rice create more than just a meal—they weave a tapestry of family, culture, and community love.
A family dream rooted in faith and tradition
Guerda, affectionately known as Dadou, is the heart of the restaurant, joined by her husband Claudy and their two daughters, including Ashley. Their journey began in Haiti, with Guerda arriving first in the U.S., living in Queens and Philadelphia before settling in Goshen for a better life for their children. The dream of opening a restaurant took root in 2009, sparked by family gatherings where her kids and siblings savored her cooking. “My children said, ‘Mom, Dad, why don’t we open a restaurant?’” Guerda recalls. “But it wasn’t our time yet—we waited on God.”
After running Dadou’s Party Rental in 2011 and weathering the challenges of the pandemic, the family’s persistence paid off. In 2024, they found the perfect spot in Middletown to bring their vision to life. “Having my daughters help feels so good,” Guerda says. “They know technology and what’s needed in this area. We’re proud to do this together as a family.”
Food that carries a culture
For Dadou’s family, Caribbean food is the soul of their heritage. “It’s where we began, what we eat every day,” Guerda shares. From the top-selling Goat Cabrit with black rice to the savory Pork Griot and hearty legume stew—a vegetable medley often made with beef—every dish is a love letter to Haiti. “We keep our culture alive by using the same recipes and spices we used back home. We don’t change a thing,” Guerda emphasizes, ensuring authenticity in every bite.
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With Guerda’s 20 years as a Quality Assurance Manager for major food suppliers like Costco and BJ’s, and Claudy’s experience rising to manager at Wendy’s, the family brings professional expertise to their craft. “We strive to keep the food quality, hygiene, and taste just right,” Guerda says, blending industry standards with homemade care.
A mission to nourish and unite
Dadou’s is more than a restaurant—it’s a mission to serve affordable, healthy food to the community. “We’re here to make sure everyone can enjoy good food they can afford,” Guerda says. “That’s the value we want to pass on to our children and our customers.” This commitment resonates deeply, as they aim to make quality meals accessible to all, fostering a sense of shared joy. “When customers love our food, it’s the best feeling,” Ashley adds. “We put so much love into it.”
The Middletown and Goshen communities have embraced Dadou’s warmly. “In Goshen, it was like a family circle for 19 years,” Guerda reflects. “Here in Middletown, the city supported us, especially on our opening day.” From neighbors to city officials, the community’s support has been a cornerstone of their success.
Overcoming challenges with faith and unity
The path to opening Dadou’s wasn’t easy—finding the right location, securing permits, and navigating post-COVID hurdles tested their resolve. “We prayed and waited, prayed and waited,” Guerda says. “When the time was right, it happened.” Ashley echoes this, noting, “Permits and building issues were tough, but we stayed patient, worked with the city, and got it done together.”
Their faith and family bond kept them grounded. “The desire in our hearts and the hard work we’ve put in for 20 years keep us motivated,” Guerda says. Ashley adds, “It’s a challenge, but we fix things as a family. It’s like bringing home to the restaurant.”
Advice for dreamers
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Ashley’s words ring true: “Stay the course. Have patience. Remember why you started, and stay consistent with that passion.” The family’s journey—from a dream in 2009 to a thriving restaurant in 2024—is proof that perseverance and purpose can overcome any obstacle.
A family table for all
At Dadou’s, every dish is prepared with care by Guerda, Claudy, Ashley, or her sister, just as they’ve always cooked together for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. “It’s like bringing home to the restaurant,” Ashley smiles. The result is food infused with love, served in an atmosphere that feels like family.
Dadou’s Restaurant – Caribbean Best invites you to experience the warmth of Haitian hospitality and the flavors of their heritage. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, come for the food, stay for the love, and leave as part of the family.
📍 14 Robert St, Middletown, NY
📞 845-394-0000
🕒 Lunch Specials: 11 AM – 3 PM
🚗 Just 3 minutes from the DMV!
✨ Enjoy 10% OFF your order through 11/30/2025
Sponsored post by Dadou’s Restaurant
