Meet Wali Raja of Pineapple Sol

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wali Raja.

Hi Wali, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Pineapple Sol’s story is one of family, love, and a little leap of faith. It began not with a business plan, but with a desire to bring purpose and joy into the lives of two amazing people—my parents.

I am a lawyer based in Los Angeles, and like many adult children with aging parents, I often thought about how to keep them active and engaged after retirement. They’ve always been incredibly hardworking, community-minded people, and I knew that “slowing down” wasn’t something they’d embrace easily. I wanted to find something meaningful that would let them stay busy in a way that sparked joy—and that’s when the opportunity to purchase Pineapple Sol came into view.

When I found Pineapple Sol, I immediately saw something special. It wasn’t just a café—it was a place full of charm, warmth, and community. The sunny SoCal theme felt like a little piece of home, and it had so much heart already. I knew right away it could be the perfect family venture. My parents could manage the day-to-day with love and care, while I handle the business side.

Since taking over, we’ve poured ourselves into elevating the brand, expanding our catering services, and turning Pineapple Sol into a space that celebrates connection through food. Every grazing table we create, every charcuterie box we pack, and every brunch we serve is a labor of love—and a reflection of our family values.

Running a family business across two coasts hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been deeply fulfilling. We’ve grown together, laughed a lot, and found purpose in creating memorable experiences for others. Pineapple Sol has truly become a symbol of what matters most to us: experience, flavor, and beauty.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road—but one worth walking.

When we took over Pineapple Sol, we weren’t just stepping into a business—we were taking on the challenge of rebuilding one that had already failed. That meant learning everything from the ground up: new processes, new systems, new menu, new decor, and a completely new theme. We essentially started from scratch.

The first five months were a tough grind. We were operating in the red, trying to control costs while also investing in quality, branding, and a better customer experience. Every small decision mattered. From sourcing ingredients to designing our signature grazing tables, we had to be hands-on, resourceful, and incredibly patient.

We also had to earn the community’s trust. Taking over a space that had struggled before meant we had to prove ourselves—not just once, but over and over again. There were plenty of long nights, hard conversations, and unexpected setbacks.

But through all of that, we have stayed committed. We believe in the vision, and we believed in what Pineapple Sol could become. Slowly, we are starting to see momentum—repeat customers, word-of-mouth referrals, and events that are bringing people together in meaningful ways.

We’re still growing and evolving every day, but looking back, those early struggles were the foundation for everything we’ve built. They taught us resilience, grit, and the value of staying rooted in purpose. Now, we’re channeling that energy into a full grand reopening—we’re ready to reintroduce Pineapple Sol to the community in a big way.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Pineapple Sol?
Pineapple Sol is a family-owned café and catering company located in North Carolina, built around the idea of bringing people together through fresh, beautiful food and warm, intentional hospitality. Inspired by Southern California sunshine and the joy of shared meals, we specialize in artful charcuterie, brunch grazing tables, and elevated catering for events of all kinds—baby showers, corporate gatherings, intimate celebrations, and more.

What sets us apart is our attention to detail and the heart we put into everything we do. Every grazing table is curated with care and creativity, and every client experience is tailored to feel personal and memorable. Whether it’s a brunch board for a new mom or a full-service spread for a nonprofit gala, we show up with passion and purpose.

We took over Pineapple Sol in late 2024 as a family—my parents run the day-to-day in North Carolina while I manage strategy and branding from Los Angeles. We rebranded, revamped the menu, and reimagined the space to reflect a laid-back, sunny, SoCal-inspired vibe that’s both inviting and uplifting.

What I’m most proud of is the transformation: we stepped in to revive a struggling café and, in just a few months, turned it into a space that’s not only profitable but full of life, creativity, and community. We’re currently preparing for a grand reopening to showcase all that’s new and exciting about Pineapple Sol—and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back through our doors.

At the heart of our brand is connection. We believe food is a love language, and Pineapple Sol is our way of sharing that love with our community—one beautifully crafted table at a time.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Good food, family, connection, and God—those are the things that ground me and bring me the deepest joy.

Food has always been more than just nourishment in my life. It’s how we celebrate, comfort, and connect. There’s something sacred about gathering around a table with the people you love, sharing stories, laughter, and a meal made with care. That’s part of why Pineapple Sol exists—because I believe in the power of food to bring people together.

Family is at the core of everything I do. I built this business with my parents because I wanted to give them something meaningful in retirement—but truthfully, it’s given all of us a greater sense of purpose and pride. Working together across generations and coasts has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

Connection—whether through hospitality, community events, or quiet moments with loved ones—is what makes life rich. And above all, my faith in God keeps me centered. It’s the foundation that gives everything else meaning, and it reminds me daily to lead with gratitude, humility, and intention.

Those four things—good food, family, connection, and God—are what keep me going. They’re not just what makes me happy, they’re what make life full.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pineapplesol.com/menus
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pineapplesol/?hl=en
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pineapplesol