In a heartbreaking turn of events, 40-year-old Nashville restaurant owner LaQuita “Quita” Cole, known to many simply as Chef Quita, passed away in her sleep after working nonstop for weeks. Her last words before lying down to rest were, “Quita needs rest.”
And tragically, she never woke up.
The beloved founder and owner of QC Kitchen had been working seven days a week, pouring every ounce of her energy into her business, her community, and her customers. Known for her radiant smile and soul-soothing dishes, Quita was a light in Nashville until burnout dimmed it forever.
According to friends and those close to her, Quita had been noticeably overwhelmed and fatigued in the days leading up to her death. She’d been vocal about needing a break. In one haunting post online, she simply wrote, “Quita needs rest.” Just days later, on April 25, 2025, she took a nap and passed away in her sleep.
Quita’s passing has hit hard not just in her city but all across social media. Her story is being shared as both a tribute and a cautionary tale.
“She was always moving,” one friend said. “Always checking on people, serving food, showing up. But who was pouring into her?”
Chef Quita wasn’t just a business owner. She was a dreamer who brought comfort and joy to others through her cooking. At QC Kitchen, her passion was felt in every bite, every plate, every hug from a regular. The restaurant wasn’t just about food. It was a place for family, friends, and community.
Her death has sparked an emotional wave online, with many reflecting on the pressure, especially for Black women, to constantly “push through” even when we’re running on empty.
“That Quita Cole story is sad, man. Black women, PLEASE get your rest,” one user tweeted. “Take that paid time off. Call off if you need a day to relax. My prayers are with her family.”
Another added, “Chef Quita was beautiful. Doing what she loved. And she was so tired she didn’t wake up. This has been bothering me since I read it.”
Quita’s story has since gone viral, with people across the country mourning the loss of a woman who gave so much to others and asked so little in return.
Rest in power, Quita Cole.
