CHARLES GOODSON

Charles Goodson has more than 40 years’ experience in the restaurant industry starting with Judge Roy Beans continuing with Café Vermilionville, Hub City Diner and eventually opening Charley G’s in 1985. In 2013, Charlie became an owner/partner of Southern Hospitality Kitchens which includes Charley G’s, Social Southern Table and Bar, The Tap Room and Pete’s. 

Goodson has been a Louisiana Restaurant Association member for over 30 years, and during that time served as chapter president, state president, state board of director and chairman of the associations Legislative HostPAC and Membership Development committees as well as Chapter President’s Council.  Goodson also served on the National Restaurant Association’s Board of Directors, Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Lafayette General Medical Center Board of Directors. 

Goodson has received several honors throughout his career including restauranteur of the year from the Acadiana chapter of the Louisiana Restaurant Association in 1987, 1988, 1994 & 1998.

The Louisiana Restaurant Association has awarded him “Active Member of the Year” in 1993, restauranteur of the year in 2001 and he was inducted into the LRA’s Hall of Fame in 2006.

In 2011 he received the Culinary Humanitarian Award by LA Cookin Magazine.  The magazine honors those who’ve paved the way and set a good example for what it means to give back to the community and support Louisiana’s unique culture.

In his spare time he enjoys supporting UL athletic events and spending time with his grandkids.