Dolls kitchen, home of gourmet food, specializing in everything good! Let's take a look into the life and story of the woman behind it all.
DOLLS KITCHEN was established in 2015, by Ms. Gloria Hall, whose life and story embodies the simplicity of never giving up! Quiet as kept, Ms. Gloria Hall has had an interesting journey landing her to the restaurant she finally calls home! From selling plates on corners, to opening her own restaurant, giving up has never been an option!
Ms. Gloria Hall was born and raised in Fresno California, in the early sixties. She went to Kirk Elementary and graduated from Edison High School. In this era, she shared that families were tight, and “would always come together”. She was the third eldest of fourteen children. Her father Leo, was a hard working farm owner & pitmaster from Texas, who once ran for city council. Her mother was an awesome homemaker, affectionately known as Doll, who she credits for values, and her love for cooking. At 9 years old she told her mom, one day she would open a restaurant, they had a special bond, she’d often tell her, she could do anything she put her mind to, and to “keep the food consistent”.
In her younger years, life took a toll and Gloria found herself in a life of drugs. This was not the life she was taught and she knew in her heart, she would overcome. In October of 1994, after getting arrested for the first time, Gloria made the decision that would be her first and last time. Upon being released after two months, she attended the “Amazing Grace” program, which was the start of a new life for her and her children. She made the total change, and this is when her childhood love for cooking was rebirthed. By the grace of God, she has been sober since 1994.
From 2015 - 2017 Doll’s kitchen was on the corner of Jensen and Chestnut, in the supermarket. At the time, this was a dream coming true. This location will always be dear, as leaving this location was due to expanding. From 2017-2018 she moved to a store on Chestnut and McKinley, this was the start of offering the dine in experience. She closed her doors to support her family, unfortunately death had a toll.
The anticipated wait to return to the kitchen for Gloria is finally over! She has taken the time to restructure and is more prepared than ever to cater, serve and give the city of fresno, her nine year old dream that's come true! As the April 1st grand opening approaches, she is humbled and says this is all “Through the Grace of God”. This Great grandmother, Sports loving, cowboy fan, says she is here to stay, demonstrating resilience at its finest.
She Acknowledges her best friend Annette Harper, who reminded her in the tough times, to keep going. The efforts of Annette allowed her to make a name for herself in the Sacramento and Los Angeles area. She also Honors her friend and late sponsor, Rudy Jackson as a source of spiritual guidance and inspiration. She gives the utmost gratitude to her children and family, with a special thanks to her son Terrance for his personal sacrifices of relocating and leadership.
She aims to live a life and share a story that merely pleases God, while inspiring others . She is unashamed and lives in her truth and if she can inspire one person, is fulfilled. She wants other minority business owners and those that aspire to keep going. “ We need more of you”. She wants to thank all of her online and walk-in customers and invite everyone in the city to meet her at the new location! As for Ms. Gloria and Dolls Kitchen, the best is yet to come, and we hope to see you and your family, April first!
Proverbs 18:16 “A Man’s Gift Maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men”
Writer by: Tanisha Sorrell
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