News Summary
Pickled Pepper People, a new business in Greenville, SC, founded by Kelly Desmangles, aims to introduce the authentic flavors of Haitian cuisine to local diners. Desmangles, a former educator, launched her culinary venture with Pikay, a spicy slaw inspired by the traditional Haitian condiment Pikliz. Sourced from local farms, her offerings promise to elevate meals and reshape perceptions of Haitian food in America.
Greenville’s Newest Flavor Sensation: Pickled Pepper People
There’s a delightful new business turning heads and tantalizing taste buds in Greenville, South Carolina. Meet Kelly Desmangles, an energetic local educator who has traded her chalkboard for a commercial kitchen to launch her very own venture focused on authentic Haitian cuisine. Say hello to Pickled Pepper People, a brand that’s all about bringing the delicious flavors of Haiti to the American dining scene!
A Journey from Educator to Entrepreneur
With 15 years spent as a dedicated teacher, Desmangles has taken a bold leap into the world of entrepreneurship. She kicked off her culinary journey in 2022, introducing a scrumptious spicy slaw known as Pikay, inspired by the traditional Haitian condiment Pikliz. It’s a vibrant mix of cabbage, carrots, peppers, and a tangy splash of vinegar that packs a punch and adds flair to any meal!
Spice It Up!
Adventurous eaters will want to try all of the Pikay varieties offered by Desmangles. Whether you’re feeling mild with the serrano peppers, ready to bring the heat with habaneros, or looking to embrace the ultimate challenge with ghost peppers, there’s an option for everyone. The versatility of Pikay is one of Desmangles’ proudest selling points; it’s great as a topping on burgers, tacos, or even just as a zesty sidekick to grilled meats and veggies!
Bringing Haiti to the Plate
Raised in a Haitian enclave in Brooklyn, Desmangles grew up surrounded by the tantalizing aromas of her mother’s traditional Haitian cooking. Despite her experiences, she believes that Haitian cuisine deserves a bigger spotlight in the culinary world. Pikay is just the beginning of her mission to make Haitian food a popular choice among American consumers. She dreams big, envisioning her products rivaling well-known brands like Goya.
Local Partnerships and Fresh Ingredients
Desmangles is committed to supporting the local economy as she builds her business. Her peppers are sourced from nearby Rabbit Crest Farms, ensuring that every jar of Pikay is packed with fresh and vibrant ingredients. You can even find Pikay slaw available for purchase at well-loved local spots such as Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, Lowes Foods, and Harris Teeter.
Transitioning to Full-Time Business Owner
As of spring 2023, Desmangles has taken the exciting plunge into focusing on Pickled Pepper People full-time, leaving her teaching career behind. This change marks an important chapter in her life, allowing her to fully invest her creativity and passion into making her business thrive. She’s brimming with plans to expand her offerings beyond slaw, hinting at the possibility of introducing more Haitian-inspired products down the line.
Changing Perceptions
Desmangles sees her culinary venture as more than just a business; it’s a way to reshape perceptions about Haiti and its rich cultural heritage. Rather than focusing on negative stereotypes, she passionately advocates for the positive aspects of Haitian life and its delicious cuisine. By sharing her love for Haitian flavors, Desmangles hopes to provide a more balanced view of her homeland.
Get Your Own Taste of Pikay!
For those eager to add a little kick to their kitchen, Pikay slaw can be easily purchased online at www.pickledpepperpeople.com. Desmangles also encourages customers to not waste the brine, as it can enhance the flavors of countless dishes, making it a valuable addition to any pantry.
With her infectious energy and commitment to quality, Kelly Desmangles is destined to make a meaningful mark on the food landscape. So, come join the flavor revolution! Whether you’re already a fan of Haitian cuisine or just beginning to explore, Pickled Pepper People is poised to make your meals come alive with taste!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Pickled Pepper People
- Google Search: Haitian food
- Upstate Business Journal: Pickled Pepper Ppl
- Wikipedia: Haitian cuisine
- Norwich Bulletin: FiFi’s Grocery
- Google News: Haitian cuisine
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
