Restaurateur Charlie Goodson has died after a battle with cancer, according to The Advocate.
Goodson died Wednesday at home. He was 81.
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The Lafayette food scene is mourning the loss of one of its most influential figures.
Longtime restaurateur and business owner Charles Goodson died Wednesday at 81 after battling esophageal cancer.
hose who worked alongside him say his impact on the local restaurant industry—and the people within it—will be felt for generations.
Goodson, a native of Alabama, was responsible for several well-known Lafayette restaurants, including Hub City Diner, Social Southern Table, Marcello’s, Tap Room and Charley G’s.
His career in the industry spanned decades, beginning with entry-level positions and growing into restaurant ownership.
“Charley G's has been around since 1987, and it’s stood the test of time—and that’s a huge compliment to Charlie,” said Pat Mould, longtime colleague and friend of Goodson.
He described Goodson as a hands-on owner who never lost sight of customer service or community involvement.
“He was very much a people person,” said Pat Mould, another longtime colleague. “He was customer-centric. If you took care of a customer, the rest of the stuff would take care of itself.”
“The restaurant industry has lost an icon today,” said Ben Berthelot, who worked with Goodson through Lafayette tourism for years. “He was one of the finest people I’ve ever met.”
Berthelot recalled frequently seeing Goodson at community events personally serving his signature gumbo.
Charley G's general manager Justin Caldwell said Goodson led by example, working side by side with him during the early years.
“When I first started working here, he was still managing on the floor at nights,” Caldwell said. “I worked with him as a back waiter and busboy before I even became a server. Seeing how somebody runs a restaurant in that capacity was unbelievable.”
Those close to Goodson say his leadership helped elevate Lafayette into one of the strongest food scenes in Louisiana.
“We have one of the most thriving restaurant scenes in the state,” Mould said. “And he’s definitely somebody whose mark will always be felt here.”
No official plans have been announced regarding how Goodson’s restaurants will honor his legacy. Mould said the news is still fresh and staff are continuing to process the loss.
