FLORENCE, S.C. (AP) - Businessman George John Poulos left an example of the epitome of the American Dream. His dream came in the form of the 301 Drive-In on West Palmetto Street in Florence, which he started in 1957.
Poulos died two days before Christmas.
The Drive-In, as it’s known by locals, was born out of an opportunity, said his youngest daughter, Doris O’Hara.
“He came to Florence to visit his sister Olga Keretsis,” O’Hara said. “There was another curb service restaurant that was successful here; he saw it as a good business opportunity and opened about a year later with his father, ’Papa’ John Poulos.”
Shortly after, Angelo Bakis bought half the business from John. For many years Bakis and George Poulos ran the business until George sold and started the Hot Dog King on West Palmetto Street, just down from the Drive-In. O’Hara said she admired her father because he was the example of the American Dream.
“He came to this country not knowing a word of English and didn’t even graduate from high school,” she said. “He was the American Dream, knowing where he came from and what he has today. He just had that business sense. I’m very proud of him.”
As a father O’Hara said, he was stern but fair. He taught his daughters the value of a dollar and hard work. When O’Hara was old enough, her father made her work at the Hot Dog King. She said it was not one of her favorite jobs.
“We were spoiled but you knew where the dollar came from and we knew where to draw the line,” she said. “His girls were his world, and he was ours.”
George also had a long history of being active in the community as a member of the Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church and as past president of the church board. For nearly 20 years he hosted a coffee club at the Drive-In, hosting men from all walks of life, before the restaurant opened each day. One of those informal coffee club members is John Dowling, former owner of Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home.
“He was just one of the easiest people to be around,” Dowling said. “It’s a wonder that the world’s problems didn’t get solved in those days. I think he liked us sitting around talking while he got ready for the day’s business. I can’t think of anything that could take away about how I feel knowing George. He always made us feel welcome, even if you weren’t Greek.”
The Drive-In these days is co-owned by George Nikolakakos, his father, Nick, and sister, Pauline Kremydas. Nikolakakos didn’t ever work for George but knew him all of his life.
“He was a savvy business man,” Nikolakakos said. “If I learned one thing from him it’s that if you see an opportunity, jump on it and treat your customers right. I guess in many ways he was a pioneer. He was also a loving family man and all about God and country.”
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Information from: Morning News, https://www.scnow.com
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