Former head nurse turns business owner after moving to America

May 26, 2026 - 03:23

After years of managing other people's restaurants, one longtime industry professional has finally stepped into the role of owner. Yaqui Dai, the owner of Gotcha Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, traded her nursing scrubs for an apron after moving to the United States, turning a lifelong dream into a reality.

Dai spent years working as a head nurse before relocating to America. Once here, she shifted careers into restaurant management, learning the ins and outs of the food service business from the ground up. But she never lost sight of the goal to run her own place. That goal became real when she opened Gotcha Smokehouse, a barbecue spot that reflects her passion for slow-cooked meats and bold flavors.

Running a restaurant, she admits, has been tough. The long hours, the physical demands, and the constant pressure to keep customers happy are all part of the job. Still, Dai says the struggle is worth it. Seeing her vision come to life and serving her community has made every challenge worthwhile.

For Dai, the journey from hospital hallways to a smoky kitchen is more than a career change. It is a story of persistence, adaptation, and the fulfillment of a promise she made to herself. Her advice to others with similar dreams is simple: keep working, stay patient, and never let go of what you want to build.