Gocha Hawkins is the visionary celebrity chef, entrepreneur, and the creative force behind Gocha’s Restaurant Group, including the renowned Gocha’s Breakfast Bars and Gocha’s Tapas Bar in Atlanta. Gocha’s entrepreneurial journey started in the world of cosmetology, working for A-list celebrities and as an image consultant for the Orlando Magic cheerleading team. Today, she’s famous for her transformative influence on Southern cuisine, something she achieved with unbridled tenacity, bold creativity, and a passion for bringing people together through food. Gocha has embarked on an exciting new chapter as a cast member on WE tv’s “Bold & Bougie,” joining four other influential women in a celebration of life, friendship, and self-discovery. Her accomplishments are recognized through numerous industry awards and high praise from critics and the communities she serves. To learn more about Gocha Hawkins, follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
May marks a timely milestone for Gocha as the latest location in her restaurant enterprise celebrated a one-year anniversary. In commemoration of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, we also discuss with her the advice she has for other entrepreneurs and those working in the hospitality field from her own experience to proactively maintain balance and wellness.
Q: How did you get started in the food industry as a second venture following the entrepreneurial success of your salons in the Southeast?
Gocha: I developed a love for cooking from watching my family cook and my friends thought I should open a restaurant and I did 10 years later.
Q: Could you share more about your local restaurants serving the Atlanta metro area?
Gocha: Gocha’s Restaurant Group is comprised of Gocha’s Breakfast Bar located at Cascade, Gochas’s Breakfast Bar in Fayetteville, Gocha’s Tapas Bar on Camp Creek and Campbellton, as well as Gocha’s Breakfast Bar food truck.
Our Mission is to provide fresh,and great tasting food with great drinks while delivering exceptional customer service, quality and consistent food with a friendly and convenient environment, welcoming all communities a pleasurable experience.
Q: How are you venturing further as a foodpreneur into ecommerce by selling food products online in 2024?
Gocha: We started our retail line in 2024. It’s been a great addition to our restaurant brand because so many people come to visit us, and they rave about the grits and pancakes. What other way to give them what they drive over to see us for other than to package it up and sell it to them so they can enjoy these items from the comfort of their homes. “We help them win” with these Instant, Flavor packed, and Convenient products.
Q: May is celebrated as a Mental Health Awareness Month, and mental health and wellness significantly impacts not only entrepreneurs but as noted in National Restaurant News, leaders and staff in the restaurant industry are especially affected. What are some recommendations you have for others to help achieve balance and focus on mental wellness?
Gocha: Wowww that’s a pretty interesting conversation to have. First I would like to start by learning how to prioritize and do what matters most, and the things that aren’t that important, learn to not stress yourself too much about getting them done. Work out to release some endorphins as well as delegate things to others to create a better work load. This should help clear up some mind space.
Q: What are your goals for your entrepreneurial ventures in 2024 and beyond?
Gocha: Cooking with Gocha cook book is on the calendar for 2024, as well as a new restaurant location.
Q: Prior to your rise to success, you had to overcome significant obstacles earlier in life. What advice do you have for future entrepreneurs who may be struggling to move forward on their dreams and tips for building resilience?
Gocha: Do not let your past dictate your future. You may have had some obstacles but don’t give up. There’s always opportunities to improve. First thing is to visualize yourself in the space you want to be in, and once you do that, start executing the path to get there one step at a time. Don’t give up no matter how hard it may be when trying to find your way–keep going. Nothing easy has ever been a track record to success for me, so know you will have challenges and they will be so worth the wait.
