The Lasting Flame

With Peter Tsakalides, owner of Clem’s, North King Street

In a precinct constantly evolving, Clem’s Chicken Shop stands as a testament to permanence. For 43 years, while chicken shops and trends have come and gone on King Street, Clem’s has remained, a beloved institution now run by the second generation, siblings Peter, Spiro, and Barbara. They understand that their business is more than just takeaway; it is a reliable anchor in the community.

The family operates on a simple, deeply rooted ethos: hard work, making people happy, and keeping their high-quality chicken affordable and competitive. You won’t find Clem’s engaging on social media or responding to online reviews; their focus is entirely on the work at hand, making delicious food and connecting with customers face-to-face. This steadfast, presence is one of the many reasons why the community rallied so fiercely when their existence was recently threatened.

The proposal by a large fast-food giant to move in right next door was met with immediate, overwhelming pressure from the community. The successful objection, which garnered over 1400 submissions and resulted in a refusal from the City of Sydney, transcended mere regulatory protest. It was a decisive act of collective care - a community refusing to sacrifice a local institution for corporate homogeneity. It proved that the spirit of Newtown, defined by its bold, unapologetic character, is worth defending.

Clem’s journey embodies the vigilance required to sustain a neighbourhood like ours. Demonstrating that when we show up for the businesses that nourish, the community becomes our greatest strength. It also helps that it comes with a side of fries and some seriously good gravy.

Clem’s Chicken Shop
210 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
@clemsnewtown
https://clemschickenshop.com.au/