|
|
|
Gary Cocking
Hatteberg's People
Reporter: Larry Hatteberg
| February 4, 2006--If you’ve lived in Wichita any time at all you’ve eaten in one of Gary
Cocking’s restaurants. Since the 1960’s, Gary established eleven eating establishments. It’s
a game he loves. But in the last couple of years it’s been a game he couldn’t play. |
 |
Gary Cocking wants to make you feel at home in his second home…and that would be any restaurant
he happens to be running.
“Treat them right, do the best you can.”
“Well gosh, thanks!”
“Then usually you are successful.” |
 |
It started with the Little Giant, then The Embers, College In, Nirt & Girdy’s, The Rodeo,
Carlos & Wongs, Mesquitewood Molly’s, Lassen Bar & Grill, The Polo, Harry’s Safari, and Harry’s
Uptown.
But the Gary you see now is far different than the Gary of old. |
“I just never considered death an option.”
That’s because in a year’s time he faced by-pass surgery, cancer, a brain bleed and a blood
infection.
“That wasn’t a good year.”
“It sounds corny, but every day is a gift.”
“I probably wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for my wife.”
|
Gary gives his wife Michelle, a partner in his business, much of the credit for his continuing
recovery. Together, they decided to open a new restaurant called McGoo’s on South Oliver.
“I actually think that coming down here for three months and putting this together has really
brought me back to life.” |
 |
“When we put this restaurant in, it sure gave him a new lease on life.”
“You know I have a little thing every morning when I put the key in my car, I start it and I
have a little prayer that I say every morning and I’m so thankful to be here and to be able to
even think about opening another place.” |
 |
It’s a relaxed atmosphere in a part of town that isn’t used to new
restaurants.
“There’s some awful nice people in the south part of Wichita and we’ve found that out.”
“It’s kind of a new beginning and a new life for me.” |
“I’m just thankful for everything that I have and I thank God for it everyday.”
“There is a lot of fun to be had out there and I’m going to have some more of it.”
|
| Gary Cocking’s latest restaurant named McGoo’s is located near Oliver and
Pawnee in Wichita. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
