Gocha Dives Into The Grits Debate!

Sweeten with Sugar or Salt, Pepper, & Butter?

Atlanta, GA, October 24, 2024 - Southern brunch culture has long held a divide over one critical question: what's the best way to eat grits? Sweetened with sugar or seasoned with salt, pepper, and butter? Renowned celebrity stylist turned restaurateur and reality star, Gocha Hawkins, is the visionary celebrity chef, entrepreneur, and soon-to-be cookbook author behind Gocha’s Restaurant Group, including four renowned restaurants: Gocha’s Breakfast Bar (three locations including a mobile food truck) and Gocha’s Tapas Bar.

Gocha has created a brunch experience at her restaurants that celebrates the diversity of Southern cuisine, with grits playing a central role in uniting people at the table. She steps into the culinary debate about grits, settling it once and for all. "Grits are more than just a side dish—they're a symbol of Southern comfort," shares Gocha. "Whether you prefer them sweet or savory, the beauty is in their versatility. Both approaches deserve a place at the table. At Gocha’s Breakfast Bar, you can enjoy the best of both worlds - there’s no right or wrong way to savor them!"

Savory grits (with salt, pepper, butter, or cheese) are the traditional Southern way to enjoy them. They are often paired with dishes like shrimp, bacon, or eggs. The salt and butter enhance the corn flavor, creating a creamy, hearty base perfect for a rich breakfast or brunch. Sweet grits (with sugar, honey, syrup, and butter) offer a playful or indulgent twist, appealing to those who prefer the sweetness. Each version has its devoted fan base.

Gocha’s Breakfast Bar is more than an iconic brunch destination—it’s an experience! Along with its sister restaurant, Gocha's Tapas Bar, both establishments are redefining comfort cuisine by infusing the warmth of Southern flavors with progressive and innovative approaches that transcend time-honored meal traditions.

Whether paired with shrimp, perfectly fried flounder, or savored on their own, Gocha’s take on grits breaks away from traditional mealtime confines, transforming dishes like grits into an anytime, everyday indulgence. Her culinary creations have been dubbed 'Progressive Southern,' a style that is as forward-thinking as it is rooted in Southern tradition.

If you’re in Atlanta, visit:

• Gocha’s Breakfast Bar 3695 Cascade Road, Atlanta, GA 30331
• Gocha's Breakfast Bar Food Truck when not traveling is parked at the Cascade Crossing location
• Gocha's Breakfast Bar 834 Glynn Street, Fayetteville, GA 30214
• Gocha’s Tapas Bar 5829 Campbellton Road SW, Atlanta GA 30331

All locations serve brunch!

Can’t make it to the restaurant? You can recreate the Gocha’s Breakfast Bar experience at home with their pancake mixes in Lemon or Buttermilk; gourmet grits in three flavors - Original, White Cheddar & Jalapeno, and White Cheddar & Garlic. Don’t forget the Flippant Honey Hot Sauce! Click here to purchase Gocha’s Breakfast Bar branded products! Sweet or savory! #JustAddWater

For tips and recipes on how to create your breakfast bar at home, visit GochaBreakfastBar.com and GochasTapasBar.com. Stay tuned for Gocha's new cookbook release available soon. Follow @GochaHawkins, @GochasBreakfastBar, @GochaTapasBar for the pre-order link!

About Gocha Hawkins

Gocha Hawkins is known for putting a creative spin on breakfast and brunch. Her culinary style blends the richness of Southern tradition with contemporary flavors and progressive ideas. Gocha’s Tapas Bar is the newest addition to her growing food empire, which includes three Gocha’s Breakfast Bar locations—Cascade (opened in January 2019), Fayetteville (opened in January 2020) and the Gocha Breakfast Bar Food Truck which when not traveling can be found at the Cascade Crossing location. The Tapas Bar features an array of dishes like smoked salmon chips, lamb chops, shrimp ceviche, fried green tomatoes with crab salad, and more.