Socrates Gliarmis: Take-Out Only
Socrates Gliarmis, Morning Prep Sunshine
“I inherited a 99-year-old diner my grandfather opened in 1921 after losing my mother and father a year ago. As a restaurant owner, I am hanging in there, keeping the business open and afloat while keeping all employees paid. It is mentally exhausting trying to deal with SBA Cares loan applications and food orders. Our food suppliers are often out of product as they try to acclimate and survive financially as well.
Socrates Gliarmis, Dick Hotdogs Since 1921
“We have remained open serving take-out only as we acquaint ourselves with not having in-house diners, which makes up over half of our business. It is nice being able to see our customers as they generously support us by picking up orders to-go. We are so grateful for the continued support as we maneuver through these different and difficult times, continuing to give back to our community as best we can.”
Socrates Gliarmis, Interior #1
“I've been asked what it's like being new to ownership and dealing with the loss of both parents and now the COVID-19 pandemic. Owning a business is quite different than managing/running a restaurant, much less the family business that's been around for just about a century. My answer is, it's not easy. Trying to make sure my coworkers get paid, bills are paid and trying my best to carry this 99-year-old historical landmark and business, my grandfather and father ran so beautifully for so long into the 100th anniversary. There have been sleep interrupted nights and long hours at the grill keeping this business alive through it all—as well as the pressure of this 3rd generation son not letting down the family, business, and community.”
Socrates Gliarmis, Interior #2
“Sometimes as I’m working I think back to what my grandfather experienced as an immigrant coming over from Greece with nothing other than what he was holding and building a life where he had to learn a new language. And then opening a hotdog stand in a small tobacco town quite different from his home island of Samos, and carrying it through the depression. And then my father returning home from his passion of coaching athletics to take over the restaurant when his father became ill with cancer. He then became known and loved state wide raising a family and turning his passion for coaching into 35 years of little leagues on his afternoon breaks.”
”We are gonna make it through this. I’ll be ok. I am looking forward to our 100th anniversary.”
Socrates Gliarmis,, Grandfather
Socrates Gliarmis is a photographer from Wilson, NC. His work has been featured and shown at the Photoplace Gallery, in Middlebury, VT. Socrates is also the owner of Wilson’s famous landmark, Dicks Hot Dog Stand.