About the owner.

Sonya Waddell is a Winston-Salem business owner with over a decade of experience in the restaurant business. She has a proven track record in establishing and leading successful businesses. Waddell grew up watching her mother cater at church and for family and friends. That was the beginning of her love for the culinary arts.

Waddell recently celebrated the tenth anniversary of her first restaurant, Simply Soul. Simply Soul was established in 2012 and quickly became one of the Triad's favorites for soul food. The success of Simply Soul gave birth to the Simply Brand – which includes three businesses.

In November 2021, Waddell opened Simply Sonya's Southern Cuisine and Cocktails, where she is the owner/operator. Simply Sonya's offers patrons a more upscale atmosphere with the same southern soul food charm. In addition, simply Sonya's has opened up opportunities for Waddell to partner with community partners and cater educational, governmental, and cultural events.

With the belief that food connects people, Waddell enjoys getting to know her restaurant patrons' professional and personal stories. When she's not cooking or considering her next business venture, Waddell enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to new places.