Henrico, NC— Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Charles Peter Richardson is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Platinum Professional for his contributions to the Food and Restaurant Industries.
Mr. Richardson began his long and illustrious career in the food and restaurant industry at 18 years old partnering with his mother as the co-owner of the restaurant, Lincoln, in Petersburg, Virginia. They enjoyed a very successful business, but decided to close after one year of operation when his father was diagnosed with cancer.
Mr. Richardson realized, however, that his passion for owning and operating a restaurant was still his dream and pursued a diploma in culinary arts at Paul Prudhomme’s Louisiana School of Cooking. He completed an internship at Wyndham Resort in Richmond, Virginia, purchased a small sports bar, and began adding additional restaurants to his portfolio for the next 10 years. Always seeking to hone his skills, he consistently attended food preparation classes in Louisiana and Virginia. It was the purchase of a failing restaurant, The Lake House, that was the catalyst for reestablishing the neglected restaurant into Lake Gaston Pizza & More.
The flagship restaurant offers southern-style food and pizzas inspired by his parents and serves thousands of customers during the summer season alone. Striving to provide a unique experience for his loyal customers, Mr. Richardson is consistently updating his menu based on those of the restaurants he visits while vacationing away from the restaurant. He is especially proud that Lake Gaston Pizza & More is the largest dining facility on Lake Gaston.
A testament to his dedication to excellence, Mr. Richardson and Lake Gaston Pizza & More has been honored with many awards and recognitions, including restaurants profiled in magazines; multiple Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Service from 2017 to 2019; Best Takeout from 2017 to 2019; Best Wings from 2017 to 2022; Best Pizza from 2017 to 2022; Best Server from 2020 to 2022; and best Sandwiches in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022. A highlight of his career, Lake Gaston & Pizza was recognized as the New Business of the Year in 2017.
Aside from his professional pursuits, Mr. Richardson is a civic leader in the community and supports his hometown in many ways, including the establishment of Lake-A-Palooza, a fundraising concert at Wabble Island, alongside country music artist Colton James. The concerts, organized in surprisingly short order, helped to raise thousands of dollars for those battling leukemia; breast cancer; pediatric illnesses; and other serious ailments. Mr. Richardson asserts that the event is immensely successful and was cited among the Top Five Outdoor Concert Events in the Nation. It has attracted extraordinary talent, including Eric Dunlow. Known for his generosity, Mr. Richardson also supports a local nonprofit war museum in Littleton; local fire departments and EMT services; the Northampton County Child Protective Services; and Halifax County Child Protective Services.
He would like to dedicate this honor with special thanks to his wife, Tamara Richardson.
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