Meet Latoya Lawrence | Owner/Operator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Latoya Lawrence and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Latoya, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Contemplation was the main thought process for opening Groovy Chicken and Waffles mobile food business. I dreamed of having my own food business as early as 14 years of age. Having a career in the food industry gave me insight on what I needed to start this process. During my relaxation time, I would browse the world wide web for business opportunities. In December 2020 a young lady posted a cargo trailer that she previously used for a mix drink vendor set up and I messaged her to see if she could decrease the price. After the exchange of a few messages, she agreed to lower the price. My friend from church drove me for 1 hour to purchase the trailer. At this point, I was thinking of potential benefits, the logistics of operating full-time, and the factors of being successful. I didn’t know what my concept/name would be, but I knew I had to get this small 6×10 trailer up to comply with my concept. I prayed, cried, and prayed some more because the concept I wanted was already being done. I remembered one day my daughter entered my room after I finished reading my bible Matthew 25:15 (To one he gave 5 talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability) and prayed. I told her my concern about having another chicken and waffle truck in the area already, and she looked at me and said, “SO momma your food will stand out because you love what you do, and people enjoy your food”. My daughter and faith gave me the push to move forward without hesitation with the Groovy Chicken and Waffle 6×10 food trailer.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I own and operate a food trailer by the name of Groovy Chicken and Waffles. I specialize in southern fried chicken that you eat at grandma or aunt house at the Sunday dinners. In 2019 I finally perfected by seasoning blend for fried food. At that point I knew whatever business I would own; it would serve fried chicken. The process was long and hard, because I had the passion and the product but not all the knowledge or connect with people that could help get things done correctly. In the process of finding people to assist with the build out of my trailer, I got frustrated because I knew if my father was still in the land of the living the process would have gone perfectly. I had to think of what he thought me and regroup. I regrouped and Groovy Chicken and Waffles was born April 26, 2021. Life gives you growing pain, that birth’s growth and purpose. I want people to know that each bite of food from our mobile business is touched and prepared to be served as perfection.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friends come to visit, we will start the time off with breakfast and coffee at Soiree while catching up on each other’s life events. We would go and check in at Hotel ZaZa for an inclusive self-care day. Most of my friends are committed to their families, careers, and hobbies so we must relax a little and enjoy good vibes. We would enjoy facials, pedicures, manicures, and waxing services while at ZaZa Dallas for the weekend. My friends would enjoy the outdoors at Eureka Park and Denton Community Markets. I enjoy local events on Facebook or Eventbrite to enjoy during visits from my friends or family. During the week we would have to go enjoy bible study Mt. Calvary Baptist Church to offer that balance for the week. A trip wouldn’t be complete for my friends if I didn’t personally cook and bake their favorite dishes while enjoying my other friends and family.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If I could have a superpower for 24 hours, I would bring my grandmother Addie “Soggy” Lawrence back to earth from heaven to show her that our shared passion for cooking and baking had finally put me on the track for success as a business owner. She was one of the first people I knew that used the concept we know today as Farm to Table. I learned so much from being right beside her while gardening, farming, cooking, and baking. I would like to give a huge THANK YOU to Jackie Collins and Jaron Collins for allowing me to pursue my dream while making sure Kenya (my daughter) was cared for. To my sisters Addie Lawrence and Nicole Cotton, and my brothers Terrance Ford and Liquori Campbell for always being honest with me and being my support system through life journey. Thanks to the Lawrence and Spearman family for always being supportive in person and afar. A huge SHOUT OUT to my mentor Chef Steven Leake at Southwest Tennessee Community College for teaching me what professionalism looks like and for being transparent about the hospitality career path. To my pastor Cedrick Chambers and church family at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Denton for encouraging me when I was at my lowest and allowing me to use my gift for the kingdom of God. I dedicate this to my beautiful daughter Kenya. I want her to know that things will happen in life that gets you off focus but refocus and move forward to your goals and purpose in life.

Website: groovychickenandwaffles.com

Instagram: groovychickenandwaffles

Facebook: groovychickenandwaffles

Yelp: groovychickenandwaffles

Image Credits
Image Credit Amber McNeil Kenya Collins-Lawrence