In the heart of Flatbush, Brooklyn, 11-year-old Sebastian is showing that no dream is too ambitious. As the brains behind Sebastian’s Spices and Slices, this young entrepreneur is fusing two iconic New York staples: pizza and cultural diversity. His pizzeria not only offers mouth-watering food but also celebrates his Caribbean heritage, specifically Trinidad and Grenada.
Sebastian’s love for cooking began at home, where traditional dishes were a regular part of family life. “He lives in a house where we cook oxtail, make curry shrimp, and stew chicken. I always try to show him creative ways to play with our food,” shares his mother, Natalie. This exposure to a variety of flavors has led Sebastian to create a unique menu that highlights his Caribbean roots. His pizzeria features toppings like oxtail, shrimp, and even breadfruit, setting it apart from traditional pizza joints.
For Sebastian, his business represents more than just food; it’s also a platform to showcase the importance of Black-owned businesses. “This is just a good opportunity to show that Black businesses actually matter,” he says. His entrepreneurial spirit is nurtured by his parents, who are also business owners and have signed a 10-year lease for the pizzeria. “I think it can teach a sense of responsibility, discipline, money management, and time management,” his mother explains.
With the lease in place, Sebastian’s future in the business world looks bright. By the time he’s 16 or 17, his name will be officially on the paperwork, giving him full control by the age of 21. Reflecting on this opportunity, Sebastian shares, “I’m grateful because maybe one day I can show my kids how business works.”
Sebastian’s Spices and Slices is open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends, inviting all to enjoy pizza with a Caribbean twist.
Link: Brooklyn News 12
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