Randy Garcia ’04, founder of the popular Viva Chicken fast-casual dining chain, delivered the 2025 C. Ashton Newhall Endowed Lecture to a campus audience reminded that “you never know which part of your education will be crucial down the road.”
A graduate of Elon University’s Martha and Spencer Love School of Business has used his entrepreneurial instincts and a commitment to customer service over the past decade to build a fast-casual chain of popular restaurants.
Randy Garcia ’04 was delighted to share the story of the Viva Chicken chain – as well as advice to today’s students at Elon University – when he returned to campus on Feb. 18 to deliver the 2025 C. Ashton Newhall Endowed Lecture in the LaRose Digital Theatre.
Hosted by the Doherty Center for Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Garcia’s afternoon talk traced a journey rooted in family tradition and fueled by a passion for hospitality, ultimately leading to the successful Garcia Hospitality Group.
Growing up in Charlotte, Garcia’s parents owned Villa Antonio, a fine-dining Italian restaurant where he would help with every task imaginable: greeting customers, bussing tables, cleaning dishes and more.
“My father was one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever known,” Garcia said. “He showed me how to care for guests from the minute they walk in until the minute they leave. That dedication to making people feel welcome shaped who I am today.”
Despite harboring doubts about a future in the restaurant industry, Garcia found himself rejoining the family business soon after earning his business management degree in 2004.
A trip to Peru with his wife sparked an entrepreneurial drive that inspired Viva Chicken—a fast-casual concept specializing in Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken. Intrigued by the bold spices and inventive dipping sauces, Garcia persuaded himself, and later investors, that such flavors could thrive in Charlotte.
“At first, I questioned whether people in the Carolinas would know or even like Peruvian food,” said Garcia. “But I trusted the product so much. If we could introduce guests to that style of rotisserie, I knew they’d be hooked.”
Despite limited startup capital and the stress of opening just weeks before the birth of his first child, Viva Chicken gained a cult following. Before long, the brand grew to multiple locations across several states.
Stepping away from Viva Chicken’s day-to-day operations opened doors for Garcia’s next projects. In 2021, he launched Yunta, a high-end restaurant marrying Peruvian ingredients and Japanese cooking techniques known as “Nikkei” cuisine. It quickly became one of Charlotte’s most sought-after dining spots, with month-long waits for reservations.
Capitalizing on that momentum, Garcia unveiled Oshen, a neighborhood sushi concept that debuted in October 2024. Oshen’s accessible-yet-upscale approach has drawn consistent crowds since opening.
“People said, ‘Why would you open there? Everything else closed,’” said Garcia. “But I knew our combination of fresh sushi and hospitality would work. Location is important, but operations and genuine care for guests are what truly make or break a restaurant.”
Garcia credited the well-rounded business management curriculum for preparing him to handle real-world demands like budgeting, payroll and inventory.
“When I was at Elon, I thought, ‘I’m never going to use all these formulas,’” he said “But opening a restaurant means budgeting, payroll, inventory and so much more. I wish I had paid even closer attention in my classes. You never know which part of your education will be crucial down the road.”
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial path, Garcia shared key lessons:
- Embrace hard work: Hospitality isn’t confined to a 9-to-5 schedule—expect nights, weekends and holidays.
- Stay curious and keep learning: No knowledge is wasted, so remain open to fresh ideas and approaches.
- Value your people: Technical skills can be taught, but genuine warmth and respect come from within.
- Honor hospitality: When guests feel truly welcome, they become your most passionate supporters.
“Coming back to Elon feels like coming home,” Garcia said. “If my story encourages even one person to pursue their venture—whether it’s in restaurants or another field—I’ve done my part.”
About the C. Ashton Newhall Endowed Lecture Series
Named for a member of the Board of Trustees who is a 1998 graduate of Elon University, the C. Ashton Newhall Endowed Lecture Series brings accomplished entrepreneurs to campus each year to share their insights on managing risks, capitalizing on opportunities and innovating in today’s marketplace.
Featuring candid talks and interactive sessions, the series offers students, faculty, and the broader community a valuable window into the inner workings of entrepreneurial success, from sparking an idea to sustaining long-term growth.