The world’s first multipurpose domed stadium, The Houston Astrodome, made its debut in 1965 and was dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Home to the Astros and Oilers, the dome reigned supreme for 43 years until it was forced to close in 2008 due to code non-compliance issues.
In 1977, just 12 miles from the Astrodome, Goode Company began selling barbeque sandwiches at their barn turned restaurant on Kirby Drive. Smoked all night on a mesquite fire, Jim Goode and his Uncle Joe Dixie made a name for themselves with their authentic Texan fare. Fast forward 43 years, and Goode Company has become a Houston staple and part of what makes up the fabric of the city. With several restaurant concepts including the original barbeque, seafood, and Mexican food, the family-run business shows no signs of slowing down.
Levi Goode, CEO of Goode Company, showcases his family’s multicultural background and passion for an authentically regional experience.
“It is wonderful to be able to represent our family’s heritage as well as the great bounties of this region. I look at what we do as sharing a little bit of our family’s heritage with the public,” Goode says. “Our newest restaurant pays homage to our original seafood restaurant that opened in 1986. Opening this restaurant was an opportunity to take a look at what Goode Company Seafood means to the city of Houston. Our menu has offerings from not only Texas but Mexico, Louisiana, with Cajun and Creole influences, as well. There is a lot of love and thought put into our menus.”
The menus at all of Goode Company’s restaurants showcase food cooked over a mesquite fire grill. Examples of this include fresh woodfired oysters, Gulf Coast fish, and most famously, fajitas. “We developed our skillset cooking over live fire mesquite, and we were one of the first ones to do that with fajitas in Houston,” says the CEO.
When asked about what comes next for the family business, Goode laughs and says, “whatever is fun.” Goode may project a jovial attitude, but he is also hyper-focused on maintaining a deep connection in the community. The company remains innovative in its menu offerings, restaurant concepts, and even décor, but they do it in a way that still pays homage to their roots.
“I am aware of my family’s legacy, and the response of our customers is what fuels me. I feel a strong sense of responsibility to the community, and I think it shows in what we do with our food, culture, and region,” says Goode. “We put our best foot forward in everything we do to represent who we are as a brand and as a family in this city.”
The Astrodome’s premiere status in the city may have come and gone, but Goode Company keeps innovating with the times and is here to stay.