Volkan Koç: From Dishwasher and Busser to Operating Partner of CC Turnkey Events, LLC

Volkan Koç’s journey into the hospitality industry is one that reflects not just passion but also immense perseverance. Born in Turkey, he grew up surrounded by the hustle and bustle of restaurants and hotels, which his father owned. This early exposure provided Volkan with a deep understanding of the industry, as he took on various roles, from washing dishes to assisting at wedding venues. Even though he later pursued a successful soccer career as a goalkeeper, hospitality always remained close to his heart.

When an injury ended his soccer career, Volkan returned to his roots, managing a wedding venue in Turkey. This venture taught him how to handle large-scale events, hosting hundreds of guests, and furthered his skills in event management. However, in 2009, he decided to take a leap of faith and move to the United States, seeking new challenges and opportunities.

“Wedding season in Turkey only lasts 3 months out of the year, so I didn’t want to sit around and do nothing for the remaining 9 months of the year. I applied to various universities in the United States and was accepted to several. In the end, I chose to come to Texas because of the weather.” 

Volkan's move to the U.S. came with its own set of obstacles. Despite having degrees in Local Government and Public Administration from Turkey, he enrolled at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to pursue another degree—this time in Political Science, with a minor in Communications. While pursuing his studies, Volkan had to make ends meet, which led him to take on various jobs. He shared how, in his quest to survive and pay his bills, he took on whatever jobs he could find, including some sports-related work at the university.

Eventually, Volkan sought out any job that would help him financially, even if it wasn’t directly tied to his goals. He expressed the frustration of trying to find work that would allow him to finish his schooling, only to be faced with minimum-wage positions. During this time, he did odd jobs like trimming trees and doing labor wherever needed. It was around this period that Brewster Street opened, and they were hiring dishwashers and bussers. Volkan, eager to work, applied for the position. Even though he wasn’t familiar with the language and industry-specific terms, he dove right in, telling himself that if he could just work hard, he could pay his bills. For Volkan, the job title didn’t matter—what mattered was survival.

From those humble beginnings, Volkan never lost sight of his dream of working in hospitality. The experience only strengthened his resolve, and over time, he used the lessons learned to shape his future success in the industry.

Today, he is the Operating Partner of CC Turnkey Events, overseeing a diverse portfolio of businesses that contribute to Corpus Christi’s thriving hospitality scene. Among his notable ventures is Gallery 41, a waterfront dining restaurant located at the Art Center of Corpus Christi. Volkan recognized the potential to elevate the local dining experience by blending high-end cuisine with a casual atmosphere, a concept that has been warmly embraced by the community.

Volkan’s journey exemplifies the power of perseverance and innovation in the hospitality industry. From his early days in Turkey to his leadership role in Corpus Christi, he has continuously sought ways to combine his passion for hospitality with his love for community. His ventures under CC Turnkey Events, including Diamond Point Catering and Gaslight Square, have transformed the local landscape, making Corpus Christi a premier destination for dining and events.

For those pursuing a career in tourism and hospitality, Volkan’s story serves as an inspiring example of how dedication, vision, and a commitment to quality can pave the way for success.