In the heart of Miami’s Little Haiti, Lakou stands as a testament to the power of community and culture, with a scheduled soft opening of the Lakou Yard on November 1, 2024. The vibrant new space, set to fully roll out in Spring 2025 — which will include the garden and The Kitchen @ Lakou — is not just a venue; it’s a movement, a convergence of art, food, and cultural expression. The vision behind Lakou? Aaron Goldstein, of Midgard Group, whose passion for cultural immersion and community-driven spaces birthed this ambitious project. 

Lakou Comes to Life

But, Goldstein didn’t work alone. From Day 1, he engaged the Little Haiti community and local government to ensure residents’ buy-in and participation in crafting the blueprint for Lakou as a community space. To design and curate the Lakou experience and brand, Aaron partnered with The Bright Republic, a design agency with roots in both Miami and New York. Two of the agency’s creative leaders, Ruen Ellis and Tiffanni Spann, were pivotal in shaping the space’s cultural authenticity and visual identity. Ruen, known for leading Citi Bank’s Team USA activation for the 2016 Rio Olympics, brought his expertise in concept design and production to the Lakou project. His experience in building immersive environments shines through in Lakou’s thoughtful layout and event-driven spaces.

Tiffanni, a seasoned Creative Director with experience at agencies like BBDO and Publicis, ensured that every element of Lakou stayed true to its Haitian roots. Her involvement was key in weaving cultural storytelling — through Haitian iconography, color and art — into the fabric of the space, from the design aesthetics to the spirit of the brand and curated events. Together, Ruen and Tiffanni’s leadership at The Bright Republic played a vital role in ensuring Lakou’s authenticity, identity and impact.

Together with James Quinaz — the designer of the physical Lakou space, and passionate advocate for cultural preservation in Little Haiti — they created a space that fuses tradition with modernity. They worked in harmony with James, to craft a design that feels deeply rooted in the culture of the Haitian community.

A Sense of Place, and Connection to Little Haiti

James’ commitment extends beyond Lakou’s walls—Quinaz is actively leading efforts to revitalize Little Haiti’s streets with traditional Haitian colors and styles, ensuring that the essence of the neighborhood is felt not just in Lakou but throughout the entire area. So far, they’ve upgraded several properties’ facades with traditional Haitian type, art and color. His artistic vision is unmistakable, from the vibrant hues adorning Lakou’s exterior to the lush outdoor seating area nestled under the majestic Mapou Tree, a traditional Haitian symbol of wisdom and connection.

The Spaces That Define Lakou

Lakou is designed as a multi-functional cultural hub for the local community, with distinct and unique spaces that cater to a variety of experiences that celebrate events, art and food. Lakou is more than just a physical space—it’s a concept that draws from the traditional Haitian idea of community gathering spaces, or "lakou." The project contains several key areas, each designed to offer something unique to its visitors:

• The Yard: This open area is designed for music, cultural events, food and flea markets, making it a vibrant spot for both the community, visitors from Miami and tourists from farther afield, to experience the best of Little Haiti’s artistic and creative offerings.
• The Kitchen: Set to open in 2025, this full-service bar and restaurant will feature notable Haitian chefs, mixologists, and food visionaries. It promises to be a culinary destination that brings authentic Haitian flavors to the forefront, blending traditional recipes with contemporary techniques.
• The Garden: This tranquil space is designed for relaxation, learning, and community events. Whether you’re looking to unwind, take a workshop, or host an intimate event, The Garden will provide a serene, green escape in the heart of the city.

From its culturally inspired design to its role as a center for community activity, Lakou is set to become a cornerstone of Little Haiti. Whether you're attending an event in The Yard, enjoying a meal in The Kitchen, or simply relaxing under the Mapou Tree, Lakou invites you to be part of a larger story—one that celebrates culture, connection, and creativity.

At the core of Lakou’s mission is community. The spaces within Lakou are designed not just as venues but as platforms for creativity, connection, and celebration. With its thoughtfully designed areas and dedication to honoring Haitian culture, Lakou is set to become a vibrant and essential part of Little Haiti’s cultural landscape.