Zack’s Hamburgers owner: Support your favorite Charlotte businesses during COVID-19
It is no surprise that COVID-19 has impacted businesses of all sizes and in various industries. During this season, we have seen some Charlotte businesses close their doors permanently while others have continued to put up one heck of a fight.
As more time elapses during the coronavirus pandemic, the more we see some of our favorite local businesses struggle to keep their doors open. Some longtime favorites are closing for good, including the recent news that Bill Spoon’s BBQ would shut down for good after being open for 57 years.
Supporting the businesses we love is important now more than ever.
Our Charlotte Classic Eats series kicked off last summer to highlight spots we have visited for many years to remind us why they have stood the test of time. Now we want to remind ourselves why they have stood the test of hardships.
One of those businesses, Zack’s Hamburgers, is a Charlotte staple on the corner of Scaleybark and South Boulevard. Since 1975, this classic burger joint known for the infamous Zack’s Special has been serving customers with quality food, providing excellent service and sprinkingling in a bit of nostalgia with each visit.
Zack’s Hamburgers is a family owned restaurant founded by James Demopoulos. About 15 years after opening, his son, George Demopoulos, took over the family business. Due to the coronavirus, Demopolous closed the restaurant April 4 through May 4.
Zack’s Hamburgers now offers limited indoor and outdoor seating and serves all food in to-go packaging only. Although times have changed and the way we live continues to develop, Demopoulos has strived to keep Zack’s Hamburgers the same local favorite that it has always been.
“Here’s the main thing: We never compromise our quality. We still maintain the way we always have. It is how we have always made it, and hopefully we will make it that way,” Demopoulos said. “We have always worked hard and have always paid attention, but we are paying even more attention now.”
All through the years, Zack’s Hamburgers has had a loyal fanbase and main core group of customers. While those customers are still coming in, new customers are also welcomed every day. However, no matter the job, everyone has to be careful about COVID-19 protocols, which is something Demopoulos has strived to do since reopening. “It’s just a different world,” Demopoulos said.
So far, Demopoulos has been able to keep the entire Zack’s Hamburgers staff on board. “As long as we are paying the bills, paying our employees and making sure our staff and customers are taken care of in the safest manner, that is our priority,” Demopoulos said.
Compassion for anyone who walks in the doors, whole-hearted passion for serving quality food and humility during hardships and highlights have been three key ingredients to Zack’s Hamburgers’ success over the years. “We still work here from our hearts,” Demopoulos said.
Demopoulosencourages people all over to continue supporting their favorite businesses, big or small, to keep them open and staff employed.
“Everyone is going through something — not just us here on South Boulevard,” Demopoulos said. “Myself and the staff at Zacks Hamburgers appreciate all of our customers’ support, and we will continue to hope for the best for all.”
ZACK’S HAMBURGERS
4009 South Blvd.
(704) 525-1720
New hours due to COVID-19: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.; closed Saturday and Sunday
This story was originally published August 6, 2020 at 12:04 PM.
