Family legacy continues at Dick’s Hot Dog Stand
Wilson Times - April 28, 2022
Courtesy Wilson Times
One of Wilson’s most popular eateries is being passed on to a new generation as Socrates “Soc” Gliarmis serves up his last hot dog on Saturday.
“I don’t consider this an ending for me, but a new beginning,” said Gliarmis, whose nephew Christopher Barger will take over as owner of Dick’s Hot Dog Stand. “This is a new beginning for me and for him as well. I’m excited about it.”
In 1921, Soc’s grandfather Socrates “Dick” Gliarmis opened the iconic restaurant; 30 years later, his father, Lee Gliarmis, took over the grills.
Lee worked alongside Soc and his sister Chrisanne Gliarmis for years, slowly bestowing more responsibilities on the siblings, but he died suddenly in early 2019. Soc took charge, and in the spring of 2021, Barger joined the staff to represent the fourth generation in the family-owned restaurant.
“I always thought I could do good here, giving it the respect and hard work it deserves,” said Barger, whose mother is Soc’s sister Ricki. “It has been a dream of mine to take over for the last few years.”
Before relocating to Wilson, the 32-year-old Barger worked in a family-owned barbecue restaurant in Wilkesboro. He started as a line cook, working his way up to become a kitchen manager before learning the recipes his great-grandfather started serving a century ago.
Barger said it was awesome to see current and former customers pay homage and share memories during the restaurant’s 100th anniversary in the fall.
“This community is very supportive of Dick’s Hot Dogs, and we wouldn’t have been here 100 years if they weren’t,” he said. “Everyone just had the nicest things to say. Even though I haven’t been here that long, it means a lot to me, and it was very special to witness.”
Soc Gliarmis, 61, said Barger has stepped up to the plate, taking on responsibilities and leading the staff as he has stepped back.
“It is hard to list all of the things he needs to know,” Soc said. “I’ve done it for 40 years, so it has just become habit, and it will become that way for him.”
When he sets down the tongs on Saturday, Soc said he plans to focus on spending time with his family and taking vacations. While he’s not positive what will be the last meal he’ll prepare on Saturday, Soc said it likely will be his favorite hot dog served with chili, cheese and onions.
“I think it is going to be a very smooth transition,” Soc said. “People love Christopher, and things will continue with the status quo and maybe even get better.”
Barger said he looks forward to carrying on his family’s legacy, adding that he might make his own mark — like how he adds ketchup to Soc’s toppings on his hot dog — in the future.
“I don’t consider this an ending for me, but a new beginning,” said Gliarmis, whose nephew Christopher Barger will take over as owner of Dick’s Hot Dog Stand. “This is a new beginning for me and for him as well. I’m excited about it.”
In 1921, Soc’s grandfather Socrates “Dick” Gliarmis opened the iconic restaurant; 30 years later, his father, Lee Gliarmis, took over the grills.
Lee worked alongside Soc and his sister Chrisanne Gliarmis for years, slowly bestowing more responsibilities on the siblings, but he died suddenly in early 2019. Soc took charge, and in the spring of 2021, Barger joined the staff to represent the fourth generation in the family-owned restaurant.
“I always thought I could do good here, giving it the respect and hard work it deserves,” said Barger, whose mother is Soc’s sister Ricki. “It has been a dream of mine to take over for the last few years.”
Before relocating to Wilson, the 32-year-old Barger worked in a family-owned barbecue restaurant in Wilkesboro. He started as a line cook, working his way up to become a kitchen manager before learning the recipes his great-grandfather started serving a century ago.
Barger said it was awesome to see current and former customers pay homage and share memories during the restaurant’s 100th anniversary in the fall.
“This community is very supportive of Dick’s Hot Dogs, and we wouldn’t have been here 100 years if they weren’t,” he said. “Everyone just had the nicest things to say. Even though I haven’t been here that long, it means a lot to me, and it was very special to witness.”
Soc Gliarmis, 61, said Barger has stepped up to the plate, taking on responsibilities and leading the staff as he has stepped back.
“It is hard to list all of the things he needs to know,” Soc said. “I’ve done it for 40 years, so it has just become habit, and it will become that way for him.”
When he sets down the tongs on Saturday, Soc said he plans to focus on spending time with his family and taking vacations. While he’s not positive what will be the last meal he’ll prepare on Saturday, Soc said it likely will be his favorite hot dog served with chili, cheese and onions.
“I think it is going to be a very smooth transition,” Soc said. “People love Christopher, and things will continue with the status quo and maybe even get better.”
Barger said he looks forward to carrying on his family’s legacy, adding that he might make his own mark — like how he adds ketchup to Soc’s toppings on his hot dog — in the future.
