April 17, 2017

Meet Shauna Wright of CalaBar & Grill in Stone Mountain

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shauna Wright.

Shauna, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always been an artist. I always believed that I would be a fashion designer until my first Home EC class where it ignited something in me. It was then I figured out that drawing and fabric wasn’t the only art form in which I could express myself and create beautiful things.

Cooking became my art. and my new life passion. From there I attended culinary school and was in love! Years later upon graduating, my sister and I brainstormed and CalaBar & Grill was born. A combination of our heritage and an impeccable taste for food and drinks.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. We lost the support of family and friends along the journey to achieving success. Being young and naive in the restaurant industry is tough but we grew to be resilient and learned from our mistakes along the way.

So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the CalaBar & Grill story. Tell us more about the business.
I am the executive chef of CalaBar & Grill. I specialize in Caribbean cuisine with an international influence. We are known for our jerk chicken pasta, our live entertainment, and our artistic ambiance. We were in our early 20’s when we first started this restaurant and looking back that’s a real accomplishment being young, black women with a business. All the odds were against us but seven years later we are still the proud owners of a successful business. I believe that’s what set’s us a part form others.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t necessarily believe that luck played a part. Tenacity, hard work, and staying focused played the largest role in the success of our business.

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