Charleston's Brings Gourmet Experience To The Jesus House

Charleston's is one of Oklahoma City’s premier restaurants, but today as they prepare food, it isn’t for their typical clientele.

Charleston's was started by locally owned Hal Smith Restaurant group 32 years ago, there are currently 17 locations across six states.

“Hal Smith restaurants does community impact projects every year, every one of our stores has to do two a year, just to give back to the community,” said Abigail Marr, Executive General Manager for the Meridian location. 

So, in planning their impact project they took a close look at the Jesus House.

“It’s close to home, they have a good message and something we can do just to make those people feel the hospitality,” said Marr.

“Both men and women that need help getting their life back together because they are addicted to alcohol or other substance,” said Jesus House interim CEO, Jim Hopper

Charleston's employees showed up with food prepared for the residents, giving them the full restaurant experience.

“So, residents are going to come, they’re going to sit down and they are going to get waited on just like walk into Charlestons and you sit down,” said Russell Benson, Jesus House Director of Operations.

“Their roasted chicken, glazed carrots, mashed potatoes, salad, and croissants,” said Benson.

“One of the most important parts of the day is they’re actually going to experience service to them,” said Hopper.

 Many of the restaurant employees came to help on their day off, but just the appreciation from the residents made it all worth it

“Even though maybe they are going through some hard times they can still enjoy a nice meal and it a good feeling for everybody,” said Marr.