The Acacia Brothers: the dynamic duo behind Piklìz

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of discovering Piklìz, you already know you’re welcomed with unmatched warmth and conviviality. Opened in 2019, this small Saint-Henri restaurant quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for Caribbean cuisine in Montreal. Always buzzing, Piklìz perfectly reflects the bond between two passionate brothers: Akim and Abdel Acacia.

“C’est one love, comme la perle des Antilles mon clan brille” – Muzion

Akim and Abdel, both born in Montreal to Haitian parents, grew up in an environment where cultural diversity was ever-present. As the sons of teachers, they lived in several Montreal neighbourhoods over the years, an experience that deeply shaped their adaptability and enriched their intercultural outlook. What could have been destabilizing instead became a strength, fostering an open-mindedness and ease navigating between cultures. “We grew up in many different neighbourhoods, with friends from a wide range of cultural backgrounds,” explain the two entrepreneurs.

Music—especially hip-hop—played a central role in their development. It nurtured their creativity, their sense of rhythm, and their approach to dining as a full sensory experience. “My older brother Akim introduced me to my two passions: music and cooking,” says Abdel, now the chef at Piklìz. At the restaurant, music is ever-present, echoing a passion inherited from their father, a true music lover who owned a CD shop in Haiti. Their love of rhythm is innate—you feel it the moment you walk into Piklìz or Rodman.

“Ayiti cheri se ou’k bam lavi” – Tabou Combo

Their many trips to Haiti profoundly shaped both brothers, anchoring their identity and deepening their connection to their roots. Their father, a passionate home cook, also played a key role, regularly preparing meals that filled the house with comforting aromas. In 1997, when he decided to move back to Haiti, the brothers joined him for a full year—an experience that brought them even closer to their heritage. “Haiti may seem modest materially, but its cultural richness is invaluable, and it left a deep impression on us,” says Akim.

Over time, Akim developed the dream of opening a small B&B in Haiti—a project he eventually brought to life, introducing many Quebec travellers to this Caribbean gem. Meanwhile, back in Montreal, Abdel cultivated his love of cooking by launching a small private catering business. Sharing his homemade dishes with friends and family, he quickly gained a loyal following. “My brother and I spent so much time cooking together—he helped me refine my recipes and elevate the flavours. He’s really the one who sparked it all,” Abdel says proudly.

When the political situation in Haiti became more unstable, Akim returned to Montreal, still driven by the desire to share his culture. He convinced his brother to host a pop-up event in Angrignon Park. To their surprise, the event drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, confirming a strong public interest in their cuisine. “We really didn’t expect it to go so well. People kept telling us we had to open a restaurant, and when the opportunity came, we had no choice but to take it.” That pivotal moment set everything in motion. The self-taught brothers decided to bring their vision to life by opening the restaurant we know today: Piklìz.

“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished with the restaurant—it really wasn’t easy at the beginning. Success came quickly, and we weren’t fully prepared for it. People weren’t sure about our concept, and we faced some criticism early on, but today the vision we had has truly come to life,” they explain.

The restaurant embodies the brothers’ spirit—a seamless blend of Haitian flavours and modern local techniques. “It was important for us to use quality ingredients.” Piklìz is a true tribute to their heritage and memories, with each dish telling a story and transporting guests on a journey filled with authenticity and nostalgia. Despite the challenges, they’ve created a distinctive experience that beautifully bridges tradition and innovation.

Rodman: A New Chapter in the Mile End

Staying true to their creative momentum, the Acacia brothers didn’t stop there. In 2025, they opened Rodman, a lively resto-bar at the corner of Saint-Laurent and Saint-Viateur, in the heart of Mile End. The name is no coincidence—it pays tribute to Dennis Rodman, the basketball icon known as much for his game as for his unapologetically unconventional personality. “Dennis Rodman never fit into a single category. His creativity and avant-garde spirit… we wanted Rodman to reflect that as well,” explains Akim. If Piklìz feels like home, Rodman is its bold, magnetic cousin—a place where taste knows no rules and style has no boundaries.

With Rodman, Akim also wanted to break free from expectations. “It was important for me not to be boxed into a strictly Haitian label—to show that we can do more,” he says. The idea was to create a space that transcends cultural boundaries. “With Rodman, we aim to celebrate Montreal’s diversity, energy, and boldness.”

The atmosphere at Rodman evolves throughout the evening like a great playlist—much like Akim and Abdel themselves. Before 10 p.m., it’s soft and intimate, perfect for dinner with friends or a first date. As the night unfolds, the energy builds: the lights dim, the playlist shifts between afrobeats, kompa, and hip-hop, and laughter blends with deep basslines. Rodman is exactly what you didn’t know you were looking for—a place where Caribbean soul meets modern flair, where you can eat late, drink well, and linger longer than planned.

The Acacia brothers are true role models for the next generation. From Piklìz to Rodman, their journey reflects a rare ability to turn passion into tangible projects while staying deeply connected to their roots. We wish them continued success in this exciting adventure.

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery