WS Chronicle

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.”