Sandi's Diner moving into former Hamlin Fountain & Gifts building

Ashlee Burns, Corpus Christi Caller Times
·2 min read

Hamlin Fountain & Gifts closed its doors for good this month but another local favorite is stepping in to take over its iconic location at 3801 S. Staples.

Sandi's Diner, a mom-and-pop diner known for its retro atmosphere, is moving into the Hamlin Pharmacy building, property owner and former city councilman David Loeb said.

Hamlin Pharmacy celebrated 55 years in business lin July 2015.
Hamlin Pharmacy celebrated 55 years in business lin July 2015.

The business owner, Sandi Clark, signed the lease on Friday and will receive the key on Tuesday, Loeb added.

Hamlin Fountain & Gifts closed its doors on May 7 after 62 years in Corpus Christi. Originally called Hamlin Pharmacy, the family-owned business remained the last soda fountain in Corpus Christi.

More: Hamlin Fountain & Gifts closing its doors after more than 60 years of business

Clark opened Sandi's Diner in 2013. The restaurant is currently located at 704 Ayers Street.

Sandi Clark, owner of Sandi's Diner on Ayers Street, is hosting a grand reopening on Friday to celebrate six years of business. The city is in the process of finishing the last of the road construction around the business, during which took a toll on the business. She says she has revamped the menu with the goal of providing the best waffle in Corpus Christi.

Clark, an acquaintance of former Hamlin Fountain owner Karen Nicolson, used to paint the windows for holidays and knew the history behind the business.

"I've been at 704 Ayers and Booty Street for nine years now and when I saw that Hamlin Pharmacy was closing I went over there to see what was left and the moment I walked in I just realized that it could be an opportunity to take the diner to another level and to honor her legacy in that building," Clark said.

Clark said she plans to turn the building into an old school soda fountain called "Sandi's Diner: A Step Back in Time."

Clark, a 42-year waitress, plans to honor other restaurants, including Crystal Crystal Confectionery, Angelo's Pizza and Chelsea Street Pub. The diner will feature menu items and memorabilia from the restaurants.

The new location will also allow the business to host antique car shows. The diner is projected to open in six weeks.

"I run my entire business on the grace of the Lord and I do think that this is a godsend and that God's got my back," Clark said. "This is going to be an amazing thing and make a huge impact on Corpus Christi and we're hoping Corpus Christi is definitely going to back us."

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Sandi's Diner moving into former Hamlin Fountain & Gifts building