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

Hi Gail, how has your background shaped the person you are today?

Well… I was born in Berkeley California in the 70’s, so you already know I’m into all that love and peace sh!t! I’m the middle child of three girls, which explains the crazy side.My mom is Puerto Rican and my father black, I grew up in Sierra Vista, Arizona.AZ BABY!!But learned about life and how to hustle in GA!

No cap, I jumped into a dudes pick up truck at a liquor store! I was just trying to hustle enough money for my probation payment. Already on the no f@cks given tip…I asked the first man that gave me that VIBE, “DO YOU WANT TO BUY SOME WEED FROM ME?” He turned into my boyfriend around the third home delivery.
Like most things involving sex, drugs, and large amounts of alcohol… Our world wind love affair ended with two policemen, a television custody battle, a broken front door window, and an estranged wife. Street pharmacy, fizzled out after a very special friend took a charge on my behalf. I’ve had about 60 or so jobs…I like to call it career exploration, unfortunately others view it as an “Unstable employment history” I call bullsh!t! Jobs these days have salary expectations, but only offer a low hourly wage. So, I applied the knowledge acquired from several different place as a guide for my path to ownership.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
THE GREAT FOOD RESTAURANT GROUP was formed earlier this year. We support multiply brands: SIERRA VISTA BURRITO BOWLS, SANDWICHES OF MEXICO, SOUTH WEST MUNCHIES, LETTUCE TOSS YOUR SALAD, ATL FRY CLUB, and OAK ST BEVERAGE CO. Covid-19 made me want to write the narrative of my own life! So, I closed out my retirement account and purchased the equipment and said balls to the walls!  This time around, the hardest part far is remembering to fit “tag” “like” and “follow me” into every conversation! Learning how to edit and produce TickTock’s, reels, and stories has made me laugh, cry, get frustrated, cuss, and question my morals.

What has entrepreneurship been like for you?  

Entrepreneurship is far from easy, but hard work builds character, and we sleep when we die! Lol But the food game can be vicious!  My first venture was a learning experience, one that ended very badly. I walked away from everything I created at the height of being recognized by food critics, wonderful reviews, and even an award! But, I set a high value on integrity, honesty, and work ethics. And once I saw that my views weren’t in line with my former partner, I removed myself. This time around with a new partnership, no limits were set and no shortcuts were taken. The most valuable lesson I learned from all of that was to Always bounce back! What I want the world to know, is that The Great Food Restaurant Group serves the freshest ingredients, made with love, and packaged with care each and every order.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout out to my support team!!My Mom & Father, Jesus, Dre, Tina, Paylor, Amy, Chrystina, and Ed just to name a few….We’ve had several friends also pass out flyers, sticker bags, and sponsor much needed equipment and things.
We truly value all of your time, love, and support!
To my culinary mentor:
Keith “HOLLYWOOD” Norwood
I thank you for your guidance, wisdom, encouragement, and friendship.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge about liquor cost, food cost, leveraging your millennial staff, food safety 101, and most important…making yourself available at all times of the night!
You don’t give up on people
May this new endeavor bring a great harvest, so that you too can enjoy the fruits of this labor.
I love you Keith
To God be the glory, Amen.

Instagram: Sierra Vista Burrito Bowl,  SouthWest Munchies, Sandwiches of Mexico, Oak St Beverage Co, Lettuce Toss Your Salad, South West Munchies, and ATL Fry Club.

Facebook: SouthWest Munchies

Yelp: Sandwiches of Mexico

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.