Aliyah Huey, co-owner of Continent Brooklyn, stands inside the dining room of the Caribbean-inspired restaurant located within the Indigo Hotel in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Photo by Flo Ngala
Continent Brooklyn, located within the Indigo Hotel, offers more than just a dining experience; it celebrates Caribbean culture, culinary innovation, and visionary leadership in hospitality.
Aliya Huey, a seasoned hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience at some of New York City’s most esteemed establishments, is leading the venture. Born in the United States and raised in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, Huey returned to the U.S. in 2001. Her distinguished career includes roles at Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club, P. Diddy’s former restaurant and lounge, Justin’s, and management positions at prominent boutique hotels such as 60 Thompson and the Tillery in Brooklyn.
Huey’s journey is especially significant given the broader context of restaurant ownership in the United States, where fewer than 8 % of establishments are Black-owned and less than one-third of 1 % are owned by Black women. Her success reflects a notable breakthrough in an industry long characterized by underrepresentation.
“There aren’t many women with a Caribbean background thriving in hotel hospitality,” Huey acknowledges. “So every breakthrough — a magazine mention, an influencer visit — we cherish.”
Currently, Huey leads three distinct venues within the Indigo Hotel: Continent Brooklyn, which showcases elevated Caribbean cuisine; Aliyah, a refined rooftop cocktail lounge; and Keep Sipping, a street-level café serving hotel guests and the local community. Additionally, her team manages room service for 187 hotel rooms, provides full-scale catering, and oversees a 10,000-square-foot event space.
With her business partner, Executive Chef Scotley Innis, Huey’s leadership supports a workforce exceeding 60 employees, serving an expanding customer base. Their flagship location in Atlanta, Continent ATL, continues to thrive, further establishing its reputation for excellence.
“When Caribbean folks come in and say they feel proud of what we’ve done — that’s the best feeling. They feel seen. They feel at home.”
Continent Brooklyn’s Sunday brunch epitomizes the establishment’s commitment to a distinctive dining experience. The ambiance is carefully curated, blending natural light and Caribbean rhythms with attentive service and innovative dishes that highlight the richness of Caribbean flavors. The menu reflects a sophisticated approach to traditional ingredients, featuring jerk-spiced entrees and tropical-inspired beverages, all presented with artistic flair.
Huey emphasizes the importance of hospitality and cultural authenticity in her hiring philosophy. “We don’t hire based on résumés; we hire for personality. Hospitality cannot be taught,” she explains. Her diverse team represents Caribbean nations, united by a shared mission to elevate their heritage through cuisine.
The enterprise extends beyond mere business operations. Huey describes the establishment as a cultural movement, underscoring the rarity of women of Caribbean descent excelling in the hotel hospitality sector.
In addition to daily service, Continent Brooklyn hosts various events, including weddings, corporate functions, and seasonal gatherings. The rooftop lounge Aliya transforms with the seasons, offering a poolside retreat during warmer months and an intimate cocktail setting in winter. Keep Sipping, named after Brooklyn’s Keep Street, symbolizes Huey’s persistent dedication to growth and community engagement.
Huey has opened three venues within a year and prioritizes sustaining operational excellence before pursuing further expansion. “Our focus is on maintaining this quality standard,” she states.
Continent Brooklyn represents a significant addition to New York’s culinary landscape — a space where Caribbean culture is authentically and elegantly showcased. The establishment invites patrons to enjoy exceptional cuisine and partake in a narrative of cultural pride, ambition, and community.
