By Grant Bevins on July 4, 2025
In the heart of Denton, Texas, you’ll find something special rolling through the streets: Groovy Chicken and Waffles. Founded by Latoya Lawrence, affectionately known as Toya, this food trailer is more than a mobile kitchen—it’s a slice of home-cooked heritage served with a smile.
Toya grew up in Grenada, Mississippi, and brought her love of Southern comfort food to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. After years of catering and perfecting her signature seasoning, she took the leap into full-time entrepreneurship with a simple goal: to serve food that feels like family.
The idea for Groovy Chicken and Waffles came together during the challenges of COVID-19. Working as a food service director at the time, Toya realized the passion and energy she poured into others’ businesses could be used to build her own. After prayer and perseverance, she transformed a small 6×10 trailer into her first mobile kitchen.
Chicken and waffles weren’t just a business decision—they were personal. The concept took root after a memorable trip to Atlanta, where Toya tasted the famous dish for the first time. Inspired, she brought the flavor back to Texas, blending her own custom spice mix and family traditions into every plate.
What makes Groovy Chicken and Waffles unique? For Toya, it’s all about the experience. Every piece of chicken is hand-cleaned, seasoned with her signature blend, and cooked with care. The goal is to bring people back to their roots—to that feeling of Sunday dinner at grandma’s or a backyard meal with family.
Now, Toya even bottles her proprietary seasoning for fans who want a taste of Groovy magic at home. Her commitment to quality and authenticity shines through in every dish she serves.
Based in Denton but roaming the wider DFW area, Groovy Chicken and Waffles offers both mobile food service and catering. Whether at local festivals, private events, or on the go, Toya brings warmth and flavor wherever she parks.
After four years in operation, the business continues to grow. Recently, Toya upgraded to a larger trailer, allowing her to serve more customers and expand her menu. The new setup reflects her journey: from humble beginnings to a polished brand with deep community roots.
Faith and family are at the heart of everything Toya does. Raised by a hardworking mother and father and a nurturing grandmother, she learned the value of community, resilience, and authentic cooking from a young age. These values fuel her vision to create not just meals, but moments.
With help from family during large events, Toya is looking forward to training a team that shares her dedication to quality. Her dream? To build a soul food experience that reflects the culture and warmth of the community she loves.
Toya isn’t just building a business—she’s uplifting a neighborhood. She quietly supports local charities and community events, believing in giving back without fanfare. Her loyalty program rewards repeat customers, and partnerships with Denton organizations show her commitment to making a difference.
Toya has big plans for Groovy Chicken and Waffles. With a new commissary kitchen and a growing brand presence, she aims to bring more soul food options to Denton’s fast-developing food scene. It’s about more than just great fried chicken and waffles; it’s about creating a space where food, culture, and community come together.
As she continues to grow, one thing remains the same: every plate is a celebration of roots, resilience, and real flavor.
Follow Groovy Chicken and Waffles
Denton, TX
Website: groovychickenandwaffles.net
Email: groovychickenandwaffles@gmail.com
Phone: 940-514-4851
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