The Clock, which was a popular family spot, began to fill with the cars of oh-so-cool teens after school. New opportunities for teens to socialize later and with less supervision was met with excitement by some and shunned by others. But the motor vehicle was exploding in popularity, and with four wheels came freedom. There was an attitude of thankfulness that inspired a supportive attitude between Greeks working hard to make a life in America.ġ950s Greenville was a conservative city built on the textile industry, steeped in Southern tradition. There were no brand rights claimed by original Clock founders there were no menu specifications. Nick’s son Paul Hambaris describes the expansion of the Clock name this way: “No strings attached: no franchises, no fees.just hard work.” That’s right. After getting a good handle on the business, Alex and his brother John (not to be confused with the other John!) took over ownership of the Clock a few years later. The brothers Hamberis hired friend Alex Koutsoukis to manage the third Clock. It was the third of over five businesses that would go on to open and benefit from the reputation for the good food, great prices, and fast curb-hop that came with the name. The newest Clock, the Clock Drive-In #3, opened its doors in 1954. A shiny new building was constructed in the Wade Hampton area of town. After learning the business from his managers, Nick, along with his brother John, purchased both Clock restaurants and planned a third. Nick Hambaris worked the cash register, cleaned, cooked, made orders–and made plans. They opened a second restaurant, The Clock #2 on Stone Avenue, soon after. The First Clock The first restaurant bearing The Clock name appeared in Greenville in 1950, on Buncombe Street across from the Kash and Karry.
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