TOP DOG
hot dog (c. 1895) 1: a frankfurter heated and served in a long split roll 2: one that hot dogs; also: show-off -- Merriam-Webster
From the moment you walk in Dick’s, it’s obvious that Lee Gliarmis and his family love food--and sports--with hot dogs and more playing a central role in both categories. As soon as the glass door swings open to Dick’s, the senses are awakened by the sight of hundreds of pictures of sports celebrities; the aromas of hot dogs cooking, chopped onions, chili, and more; the sounds of customers and waitstaff enjoying good food and company; the feel of the decades-old counter, stools, and booths; and--soon enough--the taste of some great food.
Originally published in Our State Magazine
“This place is obviously special to me and my family, but it’s also quite special with lots of Wilson regulars who have supported us for so many years,” says Lee. “Our most important customers are our regulars, but I like to say that first-timers become regulars on a regular basis.”
BUILDING A LEGACY
Dick’s Hot Dog Stand was founded back in 1921 by Lee’s father, Socrates “Dick” Gliarmis, a native of Samos, Greece, who first came to the United States to help train Greek-Americans for World War I duty in France. He married Hereklia Ladas in 1923 and they would eventually add two sons to Wilson’s population. Sadly, their oldest son, Richard, was killed during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. Their other son, Lee--who inherited his father’s passion for sports--now owns and operates the hot dog stand with the help of many longtime employees and two of his children.
From the start, Dick was active in many phases of Wilson life. Among many roles over the years, he served as 1944-45 post commander of Robert B. Anderson Post No. 13 of the American Legion. During World War II, he was an air raid warden and chairman of a highly successful scrap iron drive to aid the war effort.
Lee says his father was particularly proud of Wilson’s support through the years, which allowed him to keep his doors open through difficult periods that included two World Wars and the Depression. “Daddy had to go through a lot--including the Great Depression and several wars--to get this place going,” recalls Lee. “But when he did, it was nothing for him to sell 4,000 hot dogs in a week.”
Originally a drive-in, the restaurant quickly became a Wilson wonder, thanks to the combination of a great location and high-quality “American” food at reasonable prices (hot dogs were a nickel back then).
Dick’s choice of location--the intersection of West Nash and Pearson streets--was ideal. West Nash Street was and still is a classic American street, with stately homes and trees that have both stood the test of time. Plus, back then, Pearson Street was the location for two very important places for Wilson citizens--the circus grounds and the baseball park (home of the Wilson Bugs). The hot dog stand was often packed with crowds on their way to or from the circus and baseball park.
The baseball field was also used for Atlantic Christian College (now Barton Collge) football teams during the 1920s and '30s. A huge sports fan, Dick was known to occasionally install a boxing ring in his drive-in’s parking lot, where regional pugilists fought in Golden Gloves preliminaries.
The hot dog stand originally had curb service, but World War II gas rationing created more foot and bike traffic. The original building still stands, but there have been three renovations and expansions over the years. Lee’s pretty certain that Dick’s Hot Dog Stand is the state’s--and possibly the region’s--oldest family-owned and -operated restaurant still in its original location.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS
Lee originally had no intention of donning his father’s apron full-time. Always very active in sports (he played soccer, basketball, and baseball at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), Lee had always planned on a coaching career after graduation. When his father became ill in 1950, however, Lee’s trip home to “help out” never really ended.
“Of course, I grew up doing anything and everything at Dick’s,” Lee recalls. “When daddy passed away in 1951, I took over Dick’s and am proud that my family has extended his legacy.”
Lee has expanded on his father’s passion for sports, filling the walls with hundreds of pictures of local, regional, and national sports (and other) celebrities. Locals and visitors alike can--and do--spend hours perusing the walls for pictures of well-known and not-so-well-known people. Many of those pictured on the wall have been known to down a hot dog or two at Dick’s, including baseball stars like Bob Uecker, Trot Nixon, and Boog Powell (who most definitely had more than two), and many others who are happy to pose for a picture with Lee.
The list of other personalities who have visited Dick’s Hot Dog Stand over the years includes: Stan Musial of the St. Louis Cardinals; New York Yankees secon baseman Bobby Richardson; Phildelphia Phillies owner Bill Giles; Harris Barton of the San Francisco 49ers (a roommate of Lee’s son, Lee, at UNC); actress Ava Gardner; former U.S. senator Estes Kefauver; former North Carolina governor Jim Hunt; and many, many more. Lee says his two favorite pictures are the huge ones hanging above the counter--of his seven grandchildren.
Besides being an committed grandfather, Lee is quite active with the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, having just served as president the past two years. He was also heavily involved with the founding of the North Carolina Baseball Museum at Wilson’s historic Fleming Stadium.
“With antiques shops, a colorful rose garden, Imagination Station, and more, Wilson has much to offer locals and visitors alike,” says Sandra Homes, executive director of the Wilson Visitors Bureau, whose house is just three blocks from the hot dog stand. “But Dick’s is actually a tourist attraction in its own right, thanks to it’s history, friendly family service, and a great menu.”
FAMOUS FRANKS
The menu at Dick’s Hot Dog Stand has definitely expanded over the years, but the first item is still the same: Dick’s Famous Hot Dogs. Priced at $1.35, the hot dog comes with mustard, onions, and homemade chili unless you say otherwise (the friendly waitress will likely try to convince you to stick with the standard order). Many regulars order two. The waitress will also likely recommend the onion rings, which are made from juicy thick-cut onions and dipped in a batter that’s a home run with practically everyone who tastes them.
Lee likes to say that their motto for Dick’s hot dogs is “millions enjoyed,” rather than “millions served.” That enjoyment is evident six days a week (they’re closed Mondays).
The next two items on the menu are also hot dogs. For $1.65, the Cheese Dog comes with your choice of melted cheese, along with the aforementioned mustard, onions, and chili. Upgrade to the Super Dog for $1.95 and you get a quarter pound frank all the way.
“The Campbell’s Soup people tried to buy the chili recipe back in the 1930s, but my dad wouldn’t sell,” says Lee. “I still won’t let people take it home in containers--they have to buy it on hot dogs or other sandwiches. However, we are looking for a company that’s interested in packaging our chili for customers to enjoy at home.”
The rest of the sandwich menu includes delectable diner favorites, with hamburgers and cheeseburgers (or “doubles” of either) the frequent choice for those who aren’t inclined to hot dog it. Everything is freshly prepared, although the prices seem like they’re from another era--like $1.65 for a hamburger or $2.10 for a classic BLT.
Sandwich specials come with piping hot French fries, with popular choices including the Dickie Burger (a huge burger on a Kaiser roll), the Hamdinger (salami, ham, turkey, cheese, lettuce, and tomato), and the Cheeseburger Steak Sub.
Regulars and others looking for more of a traditional meal go for the regular or daily plate specials. Lee says common choices include the Hamburger Steak, which comes with gravy, onions, and fries, along with a choice of salad or cole slaw, and the Hot Roast Pork, which is an open-face pork sandwich served with gravy and fries.
On Saturdays, Dick’s has become somewhat of a Wilson breakfast tradition. The place is often packed with locals catching up on a week’s worth of gossip, with standard southern breakfast dishes filling the menu before the hot dog crowd starts coming in before noon.
Lee’s son, Socrates, now works at Dick’s, as does his daughter, Chrisanne. “Soc” says he speaks for the entire family when he says, “Dad has become as much of an institution as the restaurant. Everyone asks for him. He’s a people person and a great man.”
if you’re going
Dick’s Hot Dog Stand
1500 Nash Street
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 243-6313
Hours: Sunday and Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Closed Mondays.