Clem's Chicken Shop Newtown: The incredible story behind the family business trends now

It's the iconic chicken shop that has stood the test of time and is loved by thousands across Sydney.

But few people know the incredible story behind Clem's, which has been named as the area's best takeaway's for the second year in a row.

Founded by Greek immigrants Despina and Kleanthis 'Clem' Tsakalides in 1982, Clem's Chicken is more popular than ever today, known around the city for the famous roast chicken and home-style meals.

But as the suburb of Newtown has transformed into a hipster haven with fancy cocktail bars, clothing shops and organic food stores - nothing much has changed about Clem's, with many of the recipes that were popular in the 80s still being served today. 

The couple's son Spiro Tsakalides told Daily Mail Australia that Newtown was 'seriously rough' and a 'no go zone' for many in Sydney, but that didn't stop his parents from spotting an opportunity for a chicken shop in the area.

'Back then my brother was rolled for his shoes while walking home from school,' he explained.

It's a far cry from today.

'Between 1990 and 2010, the redevelopment of pubs and new apartments led to the biggest changes,' Mr Tsakalides said.

'It's one of the more expensive streets for rent in the inner west and the evolution of its growth has been great to watch. Being on the corner of King Street and Brown Street means we have front-row seats.

'We see what is happening outside, we see the buzz of the place and more importantly, people can see us. They can see what we're about.'

The shop, celebrated its 41st anniversary on January 5 and won Sydney's Inner West Small Business Awards 'Best Fastfood/Takeaway' for 2023 for a second consecutive year.

Mr Tsakalides said his mum is remains the backbone of the shop despite it now being run by himself, his brother Panagioti and sister Barber. 

Despina, 84, lives upstairs and still serves dishes made from her original Greek recipes to customers in the shop below. Tragically her husband Clem passed away from brain cancer in 2004.

When asked why she believes the family-run business has lasted for more than four decades, the 84-year-old joked in Greek: 'because of our stupidity'.

Ms Tsakalides added she and her husband stayed through all the 'bad times' when others would have given up.

'There was definitely a lot more good than there was bad. That's why we're still here,' Ms Tsakalides said.

One Clem's Chicken customer told Daily Mail Australia the shop was an 'institution' in Newtown.

'It's definitely an institution. It has always had great staff and great food,' the customer said.

'I get to eat my chicken and watch the world go by.

'I don't understand why other chicken shop franchises decided to open up across the road because there is absolutely no competition. Clem's is the best.'

Spiro said his parents came from humble beginnings and focused on providing their family with a good life in Australia.

His father migrated from Greece in 1959 and was given the anglicised name 'Clem'. His mother arrived in 1961, and the pair married.

In 1980, the couple got an opportunity to lease out a building in Newtown.

'We put our hand up and said we'll enter and we'll do a clothing stop. But it didn't turn out to be a clothing shopper,' Mr Tsakalides said.

'My dad was advised not to go into clothes because it was too fickle of a business and was told to get into food. And so he got into food all right.'