Charleston s Restaurant in Mesa, Ariz., serves barbecued baby back ribs and chicken friend steak among many other beef, chicken and fish dishes. The restaurant is owned by Charlestons Restaurants, a privately owned company founded in April 1987, in Oklahoma City. Charlestons has locations in Arizona, Indiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. The founders of the company have been involved in the management and expansion of several restaurant groups. Its strategy is to expand in the successful operating markets of the national chains, but to never sacrifice quality for growth. Charlestons is a casual restaurant with a modestly priced menu featuring traditional American items prepared daily. The atmosphere utilizes dark wood furnishings and gas lighting to create an understated atmosphere. The group markets its restaurants to families, couples, and business professionals.