Gastonia restaurant serving soul food, new opportunities Gaston County restaurant changing lives with vocational program By Courtney Cole | December 16, 2020 at 7:04 PM EST - Updated December 16 at 7:04 PM GASTONIA, N.C. (WBTV) - Smith’s Soul Food Bistro is an up and coming restaurant in Gastonia, serving more than just soul food. Smith’s grand opening is in January but they’re also launching a vocational program in February. The six-month program is called “Champions Life Skills and Career Academy” or Champs. For owner Cheryl Littlejohn, opening the restaurant was a second chance for her to establish her business and give back to others.