Today we’d like to introduce you to Gigi Brown.
Hi Gigi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The idea for Gigi’s Music Café actually began in a very simple and spontaneous way. I used to ride past a small supermarket near my home, and for a while I kept noticing the same empty storefront sitting there. After seeing it several times, something about it stuck with me. One day I finally decided to stop wondering about it and take action. I wrote down the phone number on the “For Rent” sign and made the call.
From there, things moved surprisingly fast. I went through the process of inquiring about the space, meeting with the right people, and handling the paperwork. Before long, I had taken the leap and signed the lease. It all happened in a much shorter time than most people might expect.
The funny part is that my family didn’t even know what I was planning while it was all happening. After everything was finalized, I went home and casually shared the news: “Guess what? I’m opening a restaurant.” It was a bold step, but it felt like the right moment to follow an idea and turn it into something real. That spontaneous decision eventually became what people now know as Gigi’s Music Café.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like most small businesses, the journey hasn’t always been smooth. There have definitely been ups and downs along the way. In the early years, things were going really well. The café quickly became a place where people could come together to enjoy great music, good food, and a welcoming atmosphere. Watching the community embrace what we were building was incredibly rewarding.
Then, like so many businesses in the arts and hospitality world, everything changed when COVID hit in 2020. Live music and in-person entertainment—things that are at the heart of what we do—suddenly stopped almost overnight. For a couple of years, the energy that normally filled the space was gone, and it was a difficult period for everyone who depends on live performance and community gathering.
During that time, it sometimes felt like we had faded into the background as people adjusted to a new normal. But one thing about Gigi’s Music Café is that we’ve always believed in resilience, creativity, and the power of community. As the world began to open back up, we started seeing a renewed excitement from people who missed live music and the kind of intimate cultural space we provide.
Now, as we approach our 14th year, we’re experiencing a wonderful resurgence of interest. It’s been exciting to welcome both longtime supporters and brand-new guests who are discovering us for the first time. At the same time, we’re continuing to grow, innovate, and find new ways to keep the experience fresh and vibrant.
Our goal has always been to be more than just a café. We want to remain a true community staple—a place where people can connect, discover amazing talent, and share memorable nights of music and culture. And the message we want people to know is simple: we’re still here, we’re still evolving, and the music is still playing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Gigi’s Music Cafe ?
Gigi’s Music Café is more than a restaurant—it’s a cultural experience. For more than 13 years, we’ve been proud to serve as a vibrant community hub in Sunrise, Florida, where great food, soulful music, and creative energy come together. Our motto, “Where Harlem Meets South Florida,” reflects the spirit behind the café. Founder Gigi Brown, a former talent manager with a passion for the arts, created a space where culinary creativity and live entertainment could thrive side by side.
What sets Gigi’s apart is the atmosphere. Guests don’t just come for dinner—they come for an experience. Our menu features inventive dishes like deep-fried collard green spring rolls and beautifully plated meals accented with hibiscus, alongside signature cocktails inspired by music legends. At the same time, our intimate stage has become a platform for both emerging and established artists, giving audiences the chance to enjoy incredible live performances and even discover the next rising star.
Above all, Gigi’s is about community. It’s a welcoming space where artists, music lovers, friends, and families can gather, connect, and celebrate culture through food and music. We’re proud to be a place where creativity is nurtured and where unforgettable nights happen.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I never really had a mentor guiding me along the way. For the most part, I followed my instincts, trusted my heart, and figured things out step by step as I went. Building Gigi’s Music Café has been a journey of learning through experience—taking chances, making mistakes, and continuing to grow along the way.
Because of that, I understand how valuable guidance and support can be. While I didn’t have that kind of mentorship myself, I’m always happy to be a resource for others who are trying to find their way, especially creatives, entrepreneurs, and artists who are building something from the ground up.
For me, networking has always been about genuine connection. When you create a welcoming space, support other people’s talents, and build real relationships, opportunities naturally start to grow from that. That’s something we’ve tried to foster at Gigi’s Music Café—a place where people can connect, collaborate, and uplift one another. In many ways, the community that has formed around the café has become its own kind of mentorship network.
Pricing:
- New Saturday Unlimited Brunch 49.99
- Unlimited Mimosas 29.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gigismusiccafe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gigis_music_cafe/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GigisMusicCafe
Image Credits
Sunni Brown
