By Eli Parker
With endless summer fun brought by Lake Cumberland is an even more enriching history alongside it . Part of that history can be found in a quaint , little diner that stands across from Burnside Island .
Opened in 1956 , The Goodie Shack is one of the oldest restaurants in Pulaski County . The establishment was originally built and operated by the Compton family until it was taken over in the 1980 ’ s by Aretha Boston Wood and her family , running it ever since .
As a rise in tourism brought growth to the region , it did so for the familyowned diner as well . What was originally an unrecognized walk-up establishment evolved to be a sit-down restaurant recognized by locals and tourists alike .
The restaurant would grow a reputation over the years for their “ family-fun food ,” such as burgers , fries , and their critically acclaimed “ world ’ s best ” hot dogs . With these simple , yet classic , menu items , The Goodie Shack makes for the perfect vacation spot . After a good day of sun and fun , lake-goers can go out and enjoy something that tastes like home .
“ The thing about that menu is that it ’ s all American ,” states Kevin Langdon , one of the restaurant ’ s current owners . “ It ’ s all just what you ’ d do in your own backyard .”
On weekdays , The Goodie Shack adds some flair to their menu with daily specials , which include Mini Burger Monday , Tastee Burger Tuesday , Chuckwagon Wednesday , and Footlong Friday
And after enjoying something savory , patrons can top off their meal with a dessert from the diner ’ s vast selection of ice creams , shakes , and flurries . On top of the typical chocolate , vanilla , and strawberry , other various flavors served are pineapple , butterscotch , caramel , banana ,
and hot fudge , all of which can be mixed and matched together .
Aside from minor alterations , The Goodie Shack ’ s menu was originally made by Wood and served by her until passing in 2014 . The restaurant was then taken over by her son Charles until he retired in 2021 , passing the business onto his cousin Angel Langdon and her husband Kevin .
To take over the family business was a dream come true for Angel , saying that she grew up in a family of cooks and that her time at The Good Shack was something she remembers fondly . “ My granny used to bring me here all the time ,” she says . “ I just have a lot of fond memories of coming here as a kid .” As for Kevin , his desire for running a restaurant was something influenced by his grandmother , having cooked for hotels and owning several restaurants herself . However , he feels more drawn to the nostalgic side of the establishment .
In a world of countless restaurant chains , Kevin claims that local eateries like The Goodie Shack are something that people don ’ t often see anymore . “ I like the concept of family-owned , family-style restaurants ,” he adds . “ There ’ s a direct relationship to your community more so than with chains .”
Because of that “ direct relationship ,” the Langdons find fulfillment in how close The Goodie Shack has brought them to the community .
“ I love talking to our customers . We have some that come in everyday ,” Angels states . “ That ’ s probably my favorite thing , waiting on customers and talking to them .”
On top of providing good customer service , the couple also strives to deliver a quality product .
“ Our goal is to try to get everyone their food as quickly as we possibly can ,” Kevin adds . “ We want it to be presentable with a smile .”
June 2023 SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky • 21