Meet Ashley Nuchia, Business Relationships Director for Goode Co. restaurants. You might spot her when Goode Co. Armadillo Palace hosts the Tidbits Game Day Market this Sun, Sept 7.
Getting to partner with incredible people, companies, and brands across Houston, and beyond! I love exploring events, making connections, and figuring out how we can help each other shine. Plus, I get to dive into Texas (and national!) adventures with our e-commerce and wholesale programs. Every day is different and there is never a dull moment.
Tell us about your background and career.
I started as a graphic designer for a national seafood chain and worked my way up to content director and creative strategist, eventually helping launch a restaurant and hospitality-focused creative agency from the ground up. I went from designing menus to filming TV spots, negotiating music rights with Sir Mix-a-Lot, and even ended up on a Deadliest Catch boat in the Bering Sea. I have always been a huge fan of everything Goode Co., so when a friend told me this role opened up, well, the rest is history.
One thing our readers would be surprised to learn about the family-owned Goode Co. history.
Jim Goode was a graphic designer (like I was!) before he was a pitmaster. It’s proof that good design translates from paper to plate.
Your go-to barbecue cut, and what do you pair it with?
Brisket and a cold Shiner Bock is a classic Texas pairing that never fails.
Top three favorite Goode Co. dishes.
Campechana, redfish on any of our menus, and of course, the Damn Goode Margarita, I mean…we make our own triple sec and a margarita is definitely a dish in its own right!
Armadillo Palace will host the Tidbits Game Day Market THIS Sun, Sept 7. Favorite local brands to shop?
The Tidbits Markets at Armadillo Palace are some of my favorite events I’ve had the chance to help host. It’s always fun seeing the Armadillo show off its feminine side! I can’t live without my V is for Vintage conchos and brass horseshoe necklaces from our own Tidbits queen, Allison. Kelly in Stitches has the cutest bandanas and had the perfect hand-stitched table runner for my mother-in-law in Italy that I can never find anything for! I can’t wait to gift it in October.
Speaking of Game Day, what team do you root for?
I went to LSU, so I’ll always bleed purple and gold, Geaux Tigers! And with my Louisiana roots, if I’m not in Texans gear, I’m cheering for the Saints.
Tell us some Goode Co. partnerships of which you are particularly proud.
There’s a lot in the works that I’m excited about! I’m cooking up something fun with a certain iconic ranch brand, the Hotel Emma in San Antonio and, let’s just say, you might spot a limited-edition pie box at some beloved Houston spots this holiday season… stay tuned!
Your favorite elements inside Goode Co. restaurants?
All of our decor and antiques have been handpicked at some point by Levi and/or Jim Goode. Levi’s eye for detail deserves its own story.
Your favorite country-western song.
I’m a 90s country girly through and through. But right now, I have Texas Sun and Wildflowers & Wine on repeat.
Three tips for hosting an unforgettable event.
Make the first moment count with a thoughtful greeting or welcome cocktail.
Curate the playlist because music shapes the atmosphere like nothing else.
Connect the dots by introducing people and keeping conversations flowing.
Working in the restaurant industry, do you eat out all the time or love to cook?
Mostly eat out, which is a perk of the job, but I love cooking at home inspired by cookbooks and chef-driven recipes I find online.
Dream client to host?
Post Malone. I’m obsessed, and I’m confident that our BBQ and I could lure him to Houston from Dallas.
Best thing about working in Houston?
The people. The grit. The flavor. Houston always shows up and brings the energy. It’s a city that blends cultures, stories, and flavors in a way you can’t find anywhere else. This community will rally around you in a heartbeat, whether it’s for business, food, or fun.
First place you take an out-of-town visitor?
Armadillo Palace. The giant armadillo out front is worth the trip alone, but add in amazing food, a whiskey bar, not to mention amazing live music if you time it right, and you’ve got the perfect Texas welcome.
Goode Co. Armadillo Palace
5015 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
@armadillopalace