The Story of Estime’s Café & Chef Duke
Founded by brothers Dumond and Duke Estime in Colonia, New Jersey, bringing Haitian family traditions and New York culinary training to morning breakfast and weekend brunch.
Two Brothers, One Kitchen
Estime’s Café was founded by brothers Dumond and Duke Estime. Dumond manages business and operations, while Duke leads the kitchen. Together, they bring neighborhood warmth and scratch cooking to Colonia.
Duke learned to cook growing up in Haiti alongside his mother and five siblings. Those family recipes and techniques formed the foundation of his career in New York kitchens.
Dumond Estime
Business & Operations
Manages business operations, guest service, catering logistics, and community partnerships.
Chef Duke Estime
Executive Chef & Co-Founder
James Beard Foundation Honoree leading scratch cooking across our breakfast, brunch, and catering menus.
A welcoming neighborhood café serving scratch-made breakfast and brunch on Inman Avenue.
Honoree Chef Duke Estime
James Beard House Awarded Executive Chef • ICE NYC Graduate
From Caribbean Roots to the James Beard House in NYC
Chef Duke studied at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in New York City. At ICE, he trained in classical French technique while refining his own Caribbean-influenced cooking style.
“I believe you should respect the food you prepare. That means the freshest ingredients, trained prep chefs, and innovative ideas.”
Executive Chef Duke Estime
After graduation, Chef Duke continued his rigorous training at The Mark Hotel in New York. He began his professional career by working his way up the ranks in restaurants, doing catering, and cooking as a private chef.
He was later honored as a presenter at the historic James Beard House in Manhattan. Years earlier, he had volunteered in the very same kitchen as a young culinary student, making his return as a featured chef a full-circle milestone.
His cooking has also been featured on NBC New York Live, and in The New York Times, The Star-Ledger, Industry Magazine, and Golf Styles.
Featured Across Leading Culinary Publications & News
Explore recent news features, food reviews, and media coverage highlighting Chef Duke Estime and Estime’s Café in Colonia, New Jersey:
Haitian Cuisine at Estime’s Cafe in Colonia
Spotlight on Chef Duke's Haitian culinary heritage and creative breakfast fusion in Central NJ.
Woodbridge Restaurant Now Open For Dinner, Too
Highlighting expanded dining offerings and Chef Duke's warm neighborhood hospitality.
Dining News: Hearty Breakfasts & Chef-Driven Cuisine
Recognized among top destinations for hearty, scratch-made breakfast and artisanal morning fare.
Top Central Jersey Dining & Black-Owned Businesses
Celebrated in the Central Jersey community for culinary leadership and scratch hospitality.
James Beard House Honoree & Presenter
Honored at the prestigious James Beard House in Manhattan, after volunteering there as a young cook.
Television Spotlight: Chef Duke’s Signature Flavors
Broadcast feature on Chef Duke's scratch recipes and Haitian culinary craft.
Also featured in: The New York Times, The Star-Ledger, Industry Magazine, and Golf Styles.
Bringing the Very Best to Estime’s Café
After years in fine-dining kitchens and private catering, Chef Duke partnered with his brother Dumond to open Estime’s Café in Colonia, bringing scratch morning comfort food to Central Jersey.
Today, our kitchen serves everything from our signature Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and Amaretto French Toast to authentic Haitian Spicy Omelets, savory shrimp grits bowls with Creole sauce, signature burgers, and premium corporate catering party platters.
Freshest Ingredients
Farm-fresh eggs, real brioche, and premium cuts daily.
Trained Prep Chefs
Every dish handled with NYC fine-dining precision.
Innovative Ideas
Unique fusion of Creole soul and American comfort.
Teaching & Mentorship
Training kitchen staff and mentoring young cooks in classical culinary techniques.
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Shrimp & Grits
Amaretto Brioche Toast
238 Inman Ave, Colonia
Join Us for Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch
Join us for breakfast or weekend brunch, order catering for your next gathering, or reserve our dining room for a private dinner. We look forward to cooking for you.