Chef Wic of Stone Mountain on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Chef Wic and have shared our conversation below.

Chef, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Would I hire me?
Yes, absolutely. I would hire me because I bring a strong work ethic and genuine passion to everything I do. I’m highly creative and dedicated to producing quality results while collaborating effectively with others. I believe in teamwork and take pride in being part of a team that sets goals—and achieves them together. My commitment, creativity, and reliability make me a valuable asset in any work environment.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Chef Wic. I’m a chef by profession and an entrepreneur by choice. I have a passion for creating new concepts and bringing them to life while providing employment opportunities within the community.

Our brand is built on unique, family-friendly, and fun ideas. What makes us stand out is our ability to take the fast-casual dining experience and elevate it by offering chef-driven meals with healthier options for everyone.

I’m originally from North Carolina, and my journey hasn’t been easy. I overcame a disruptive childhood and challenges that included time in jail, prison, and probation. Through those adversities, I made the decision to change my mindset, believe in myself, and move forward—and I haven’t looked back since.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I used to be someone who placed limitations on myself. I had big dreams but lacked the confidence to believe they could become reality. Everything began to change when I truly understood that anything is possible—even for me. That realization shifted my mindset and the way I viewed life. Each small accomplishment became fuel to chase bigger goals and achieve more. I’ve also learned how to walk ahead of doubt; it may still linger in the background, but I no longer let it hold me back.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
One kind thing I would tell my younger self is this: you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to. The road won’t always be easy, but every challenge you face will shape you—and you will make it.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
The version of me that the public sees is the real me. I’ve grown to fully accept who I am and feel comfortable in my own skin without seeking validation from others—because I’ve already validated myself. I may not be the most outspoken person, but I’m a great listener. I enjoy hearing people’s stories, especially when they’ve overcome challenges in their lives—it’s something that truly inspires me.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I’ve learned that I can still give my best even when no one praises me for it. At the end of the day, I take pride in doing things the right way and maintaining good character. There have been many times when I’ve gone above and beyond my duties just to make sure the job gets done properly, even if it meant not being recognized for it.

One Thanksgiving really stands out. I was working as a chef at a restaurant when the oven broke down right in the middle of cooking our turkeys. Instead of panicking, I loaded the turkeys into my car, drove them home, and used my own oven to finish cooking them. My home oven wasn’t commercial, so I ended up smoking up the entire house! I spent the rest of the day driving back and forth between home and the restaurant—taking one turkey out, putting another in—until every single one was done.

In the end, the guests were happy and had no idea what went on behind the scenes. I didn’t get any praise or recognition for it, but knowing that I did what it took to make sure everyone had their Thanksgiving meal was enough for me.

Contact Info:

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