Tidbits sat down with April Zaharis, Director of Catering & Events at Goode Co., the host of the Tidbits Game Day Market this Saturday.
I’m still growing, learning and evolving, just like our company. The folks I get the honor to work alongside are the best in the business and make this job so damn fun.
Goode Co.’s Armadillo Palace hosts the Tidbits Game Day Market this Sat, Sept 14 – favorite local brands to shop?
I can’t get over Christina Greene’s turquoise hat bands. They bring an extra special touch to everyday looks.
Tyler Darling makes some of my favorite western prints.
Speaking of Game Day, what team do you support?
All Houston teams, but the Astros hold a special place in my heart. My 9-year-old son Cash is the biggest fan and I love to see his passion for our home team.
Tell us about your background and career.
I started at Goode Company Seafood Memorial as a hostess. It was my very first job, ever. I moved over to the Catering & Events department as a sales coordinator after five years at the company. I worked at both locations for two years, selling events during the day and serving cocktails in the evening. I’ve worked my way up and have enjoyed all the different stages, learning so much about hospitality and the guest experience. This year marks 22 years and I still love every day!
Three tips for hosting an unforgettable event?
1. Step out of your comfort zone — don’t center the party around your likes/dislikes. Instead, consider what might be meaningful to your guests.
2. Trust the experts. Hire help to elevate your party so you can actually enjoy it!
3. You don’t have to break the bank to host a thoughtful event. Do spend your time and budget on one wow factor that your guests will remember.
Most memorable event you’ve planned at a Goode Co. property.
ZZ Tops’ 50th anniversary and Dusty Hill’s birthday celebration at Armadillo Palace. Those were incredible parties and it was an honor to be part of such major milestones for these legends. Serving Kendra Scott at her private birthday party in Round Top is a more recent highlight!
Your go-to party tricks at your own home.
1. Batch a signature drink ahead of time. Give it a name and send your guests home with some at the end of the night. (If there’s any left!)
2. Label your serving bowls and platters ahead of time. This helps with prep and allows you to enjoy your guests without the stress.
What should we save on and splurge on for an event?
Splurge: Food. There’s nothing like sitting down for a good meal with family and friends.
Save on: Takeaway gift. (See batched cocktail recommendation above!)
Your favorite country-western song.
“Here for a Good Time,” George Strait.
Top 3 favorite Goode Co. menu items.
Chicken enchiladas at Kitchen & Cantina
Migas with a breakfast margarita at Goode Co. Taqueria
Redfish Beignets at Goode Co. Seafood
Three apps you can’t live without in your job.
Wunderground – it is THE weather app and helps us plan more strategically for our events.
Spotify – every party needs the right playlist!
Pinterest – this is where we brainstorm on the look and feel of our events and pull together our creative ideas. We’re always pinning!
Choose a Goode Co. property and tell us your favorite table and why.
Goode Company BBQ Memorial, sitting under the larger-than-life chandelier and being surrounded by cowhide. It’s where my love for Texas and bling collide.
Goode Co. can also take the party off-site. Tell us about mobile party options.
Pick a location, select a few of your favorite cocktails, grab your girls and let us bring Yonderlust to you. We will roll our 1968 custom Airstream to your place and serve up Goode times and cold beverages.
Dream client to host?
We’ve served our community at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo since 1977. Rodeo season is my favorite time of year! Feeding the HLSR team is extremely fulfilling – they’ve earned it!
Mantra you’ve learned on the job.
Our fearless leader, Levi Goode, always says “evolve or die.” Although we are a legacy brand, we take innovation seriously and are always looking for ways to grow. Our goal is to provide our guests with an experience they won’t forget and that requires us to draw on our past experiences while also challenging ourselves to look ahead.
First thing you do when you wake up, last thing at night.
When I wake up, the first thing I do is make a to-do list. This helps me keep my family and team organized! Before bed, I like to think of something I’m grateful for.
Best vacation you’ve ever taken
St. Thomas and every single beach trip, I leave a piece of my soul with the ocean.
Tidbits Game Day Market
Sat, Sept 14, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Armadillo Palace | 5015 Kirby Dr.
Kids under 12 and all guys are free.
@goodecobbq