Charles Edward Nguyen

Charles Edward Nguyen, age 68, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away on July 3, 2026. Born on May 17, 1958, in Saigon, Vietnam, he came to the United States as a refugee in 1979 and built a remarkable life through hard work and determination.

Charles opened his first restaurant, Saigon Garden, on Green Street in 1985, which grew into a beloved Gainesville institution. He later expanded to three additional locations across Northeast Georgia, employing over 80 people at the height of his business. He was a generous supporter of local schools, youth sports leagues, and the Gainesville Food Bank.

He served on the board of the Gainesville-Hall County Chamber of Commerce for 10 years and was a founding member of the Asian-American Business Association of Northeast Georgia. He loved cooking for large gatherings, playing golf, and traveling with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Nguyen; his children, Kevin Nguyen (Sarah), Michelle Tran (Brian), and Jason Nguyen; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Peter Nguyen.