Though unwilling to offer any details, Southern Hospitality Kitchens, the parent company of Charley G's, confirms it's taking over the old Canton City Inn location next to La Fonda. Southern Hospitality Kitchens, the parent company of Charley G's, is developing a new concept for the former Canton City Inn spot on Johnston Street next to La Fonda.
Jody Ferguson, left, Charlie Goodson and Marc Krampe are taking over the old Canton City Inn space on Johnston Street.
About six months ago, longtime Lafayette restaurateur Charlie Goodson teamed up with chef Marc Krampe, whose family owns the local McDonald's franchise, and Jody Ferguson, owner of Casa Olé Acadiana, to form Southern Hospitality Kitchens. Krampe and Ferguson are brothers in law.
The venture added a new generation of ownership to the 27-year-old Ambassador Caffery restaurant; additionally, Goodson's two daughters, Claire and Anna, stayed on board along with chef Holly Goetting and General Manager Courtney Vincent.
Southern Hospitality Kitchens was formed to pursue projects like cookbooks and new dining concepts. On Tuesday Charlie Goodson and Ferguson told ABiz they hope to open the new location in December for private functions - giving them an opportunity to perfect the concept while taking advantage of the holiday rush - and be operating as a restaurant in January. "It'll be a casual-themed, chef-driven concept," Goodson says, noting that Krampe will be the chef, with Goetting and Vincent assisting in training the new staff.
Goodson was not willing to disclose any additional information at this time. "It's too early," he says. "We're still changing as we go."
Last week Southern Hospitality Kitchens signed the lease on the 2,500-square-foot building, which is owned by Lafayette businessman Preston Guidry.
Canton City Inn closed its doors Aug. 1 after 34 years in business.
Read more about Southern Hospitality Kitchens' plans here.