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A bistro with soul in Boyle Heights

Gogo's Bistro's baker Roderick Sweetwine Sr., left, 55, hands out free samples of barbecue to Devon Urbina, 8, of Boyle Heights.

Gogo’s Bistro’s baker Roderick Sweetwine Sr., left, 55, hands out free samples of barbecue to Devon Urbina, 8, of Boyle Heights.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

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Last year, the Sweetwine family pooled their life savings and retirement funds and took a gamble opening Gogo’s Bistro, the only soul food restaurant in Boyle Heights.
Read more: Soul food restaurant takes root in heart of Latino Boyle Heights

Gogo's Bistro

Roderick Sweetwine Sr. is the baker at Gogo’s Bistro. His wife, daughters and son also work there.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Gogo's Bistro

Dessie Sweetwine, 55, prepares a carry-out order. She got the nickname Gogo because she is always on the go.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Gogo's Bistro

Dessie Sweetwine, left, and her son Roderick Sweetwine Jr., 30, stand behind Roderick Sweetwine Sr., the baker at the restaurant.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Gogo's Bistro

Boyle Heights residents Solara De La Cruz, 8, and her grandmother Gabriela Giron, 56, visit Gogo’s.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Gogo's Bistro

Dessie Sweetwine, center, checks on her customers Saleen De La Cruz, 10, left, and her sister Solara De La Cruz.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Gogo's Bistro

Roderick Sweetwine Jr. sweeps up at Gogo’s Bistro. He chose the location and picked yellow and red for the interior because “it’s been proven those colors make you hungry.”  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

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