“I’ve been involved in many industries over the years but never found a more enjoyable, energetic group of ‘can-do’ people to work with. People in hospitality want to create special milestone moments and memories for their customers. I’ve had many memorable moments in my life thanks to great restaurants, which makes my work even more personal.”
Leader…advisor…connector…supporter…fighter…innovator.
With a blend of experience, insight and involvement (he’s even ServSafe certified), Charles Hoff is a respected and active advocate in the industry.
A native Atlantan, Charles was encouraged to begin working with restaurants by one of the most successful players in the business: George McKerrow of Rare Hospitality and founder of Longhorn Steakhouse, Capital Grill, and Ted’s Montana Grill. Since that time, Charles has become General Counsel of the Georgia Restaurant Association in addition to running a thriving hospitality law practice. He was also the interim Chief Executive Officer for the association.
A respected author on hospitality issues, Charles also writes articles regularly in regional and national publications, such as Restaurant Forum and has been a featured author in Burger King’s Flame magazine.
EDUCATION:
- BA – Emory University
- JD – University of Georgia
- Executive MBA – Coles Business School at Kennesaw State University
RECOGNITION:
- 2008 Georgia Restaurant Association GRACE Award – Food Service Industry Partner of the Year.
- Atlanta Business Chronicle – “Top 50 Power Leaders in Georgia Hospitality”
- Featured speaker: National Restaurant Association’s Government Affairs Conference; National Restaurant Association annual industry trade show; the Dine Out America Conference; the American Culinary Foundation Convention; the Hospitality Lawyer Conference; conferences of the American Bar Association and International Bar Association.
- Author – National Restaurant Association educational materials on PCI-DSS compliance
- Facilitator – National Restaurant Association PCI-DSS compliance webinar
LEADERSHIP:
General Counsel and/or Board of Directors –
- Green Food Service Alliance (GFA)
- Atlanta Franchise Alliance (ATLFA)
- Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association (GHLA)
- Georgia Electronic Commerce Association (GECA)
- Atlanta Electronic Commerce Forum (AECF)
- Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA)
- Georgia State University Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality
- YES! Atlanta.
Chair – GRA Restaurant Chain General Counsel Roundtable
Chair – GRA Franchising Roundtable
Chair – GRA Industry Education Roundtable Founder/Advisor – GRA Legal Helpline
