While grabbing a bite to eat with his father at Char’s Hamburgers in 1983, city native Bryant George picked up an application to work at the burger joint located on Waughtown Street. At that time owning a fast food restaurant was the last thing on George’s mind.
Fast forward to 2018 and George has been the owner of Char’s for more than 20 years.
Four months after starting at Char’s, George was promoted to assistant manager and shortly after that manager. After years of hard work, in the summer of 1997, then owner David Speaks gave George the opportunity to purchase the restaurant and the rest is history.
George said when Speaks offered him ownership it was a total surprise. He said at the time he was actually looking for another job but when Speaks offered to sell he decided to stay.
“I was actually looking to go into business for myself but when Mr. Speaks came to me with the opportunity I decided to stay,” George said.
Just as Speaks gave him an opportunity in 1983, as owner George has continued to give young people in the community a chance to make an honest dollar. Over the years, Char’s has employed hundreds of local youth as a means to keep them off the streets and out of the prison system.
At a place in time where young people of color are falling victim to gun violence, drugs, and negative peer pressure everyday George said his goal has, and always will be to keep jobs for young people in the community.
“It has always been important to me to keep the kids off the streets and jobs in the neighborhood,” George continued during an interview earlier this week.
“As a business owner I feel like it’s my duty to let kids in our community know that nothing is free and that you have to work to support yourself.”
For his continued dedication to giving young people in our community an opportunity, on Saturday March 24, George was presented the Business of the Year Award during The Chronicle’s 33rd Annual Community Service Awards.
When discussing the honor George said, “it made me feel good to know that God has watched over this business for so many years and given me the opportunity to help young people in this community.
“I am thankful for Mr. Taylor and The Chronicle for taking notice.”
11 comments
Ive been eating at Char’s for years. There sausage dogs are the best n I love their ice cream n shakes. Char’s has been a constant in our community n their employees are the very cordial n polute. I pray that God continues to bless them with many more years of service in the community. My hat off to George for a job well done.
Congrats Bryant
You deserve the recognition
Aloha and Great Job cuz!! I am proud of you and your accomplishments. i always love to stop by Char’s when I’m home. Positive hard work and love will always prevail.
Dimple D AKA Darryl Geralds
Chars is a good place to eat and I will love too work there if I can get a chance too I love that place
Thank you Bryant George for your contribution to our youth. As he is supporting our youth we should be supporting his business.
My son is currently working there and I can see the difference he was in and out of trouble for year’s finally came home got back in school and was offered a position with Char’s which has changed his life for the better I’m so appreciative of you for giving him the opportunity to get his life on track God bless you wishing you continued success ❤❤❤❤❤❤
I had the opportunity to work with Bryant and he allowed our program to placed young students there in internships so they could gain vital softskills and develop a honest work ethic. Congrats on this well deserved honor B.
I knew him when he was young and came to the Sprague St recreation center where I worked quite some time ago. he was always respectful to everyone. Very proud of you.
brian is a amazing person him and my dad played soft ball together many years ago in the 80s everytime i go there he has the biggest smile and a heart of gold my dad loved the food and they where so close now may my dad tony speaks may he rest in peace as of a few years ago …brian always ask about him and my kids and gives us goodies for the kiddos …congrats brian you MADE IT to the news thats awesome
He has always been a stand up guy , and positive in the community
I was one that work there at Char’s in 1981 and then My Brother James Gaddy and my Daughter Sheneaka Gaddy .We keeping it in our family at that time. We Thank God for Our first Job. Thank you Bryant and David Speaks for believing in use .
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