Andrew

We (my wife and I) knew the wife and husband team that owned that Charley's. We had eaten there so often over the years that we were "regulars", I think all we had to do was stand in line and the wife (your mother?) would just ring us up "on sight". She was always enjoyable to talk with. Eventually we met the husband. I was employed by Compaq, I believe he had been employed at Compaq.

We loved the "Philly Cheesesteak Combo". The sandwich itself, to this day, was the best I've had. And the fresh potatoe fries were also the best.

When Charley's was there at WM food court, I think we ate there approx. 95% of the time (5% at the other WM FC vendors). We knew and liked the people and the food at Charley's.

The other thing I remember is: Over the years, whether I went to WM in the morning, or late at night, any day of the week, I saw the wife of the team at the register at Charley's. She (or they, the owners) must have spent all of their waking hours there. I mean, that's how we got to know them, they were always there! I suspect this why they were successful with Charley's at WM, they were right-minded business people and invested thier time/money/passion in it.

I hope all is well with them.

-Gary K

That was my mother behind the register 6 days a week. I used to run the store on Sundays, and helped out other days cooking and prep in the back when I wasn't going to school. She actually worked for Compaq prior to Charley's. My father did work for Compaq for 10+ years before being laid off, then worked at McLeod USA before retiring. Eventually, she was getting tired/burned out from working and decided not to renew the lease and retired. My aunt and uncle had the Charley's in Baybrook mall and closed for the same reason a few years back. I went on to finish 8 years of school to become an Optometrist.

I certainly miss the food, and even though there is a Charley's at the Woodlands Mall, it isn't quite the same. We used a local bread company and toasted our buns on the grill and seasoned things differently.

I don't miss going home smelling like food though.

I'm glad you enjoyed the food and service.

I was at Willowbrook Mall recently (Sat. 4/4/09) for the first time in several years.

The mall was very busy, lots of shoppers. My family and I spent approx. $150 at J.C. Penny and other stores (including lunch for 3 at food court). Just doing our part to stimulate the local economy.

I was happy to see the mall busy. I could tell just by looking there was a high "shopper" count. Not possible for me to say that it was a good day WRT "money" count.

I have lived in in the area long enough that when we were at WM I was thinking:

"That big vacant lot, wasn't there a Lord and Taylor there?"

"That's the Foley*s store area".

"That's the Wards store area".

"That's where Old Navy was located".

"The Disney Store got a remodel".

"That's where Charley's Steakery was".

"And that's where Gloria Jeans Coffee shop was" (pre-Starbucks).

(and on and on ...)

Overall we had a positive experience at WM.

BTW at WM you would have never known there was any kind of recession or economic slowdown going on. To me it looked like "situation normal".

-Gary K

Funny you mention Charley's Steakery...my family owned that location for 8+ years.