Frank's Hamburgers of Clarksville, Tennessee: Our Family Tradition

At age 75, my grandfather Frank is the oldest fry cook in Clarksville, Tennessee. His restaurant, Frank's Hamburgers, is downtown and has been in operation for several decades. Its fries are better than McDonald's. Frank's features the Buster Burger, which is much tastier than a Big Mac or Whopper. Residents of Clarksville agree, because Frank's Hamburgers have been voted to have the best hamburgers in town before. He of course uses 100% ground beef. Eat your heart out, Burger King.

The café-style restaurant started out as Ferrell's Brothers then became Red's, and Ed's. When Bob, my grandfather's uncle, purchased the building, he changed the name to Bob's, Red's, and Ed's. In 1982, when Frank bought it, he changed the name to Frank's Hamburgers. In 1999, the building was completely destroyed by an F3 tornado. That was a pity, because it had been the oldest restaurant building in town. My grandfather was found sitting on a crate in the back, having a cup of coffee. The restaurant reopened on North Second Street, which has been its home ever since and was once the home of Hamb's Café.

Not only is this restaurant historical to Clarksville, it is historical to my life. Some of my earliest childhood memories include eating at "Pawpaw's restaurant," playing in the back, and having the grand privilege of walking behind the counter to kiss the cook. My brother and I used to play in the ice maker. My mother, uncle, and grandmother have spent time working there. Even I worked there one summer as a dishwasher. My stepfather, Mark, has been working there for years. When we say "family business," we mean it.

So what does Frank's Hamburgers have to offer? Besides their excellent fries and delicious Buster Burgers, they also serve chili, milkshakes, jumbo hot dogs, vegetable soup in the winter, cornbread, and many kinds of pie. Frank's pecan pie is the best in the state, maybe even the region. Frank cooks all burgers to order, and he remembers how all of his frequent customers like their hamburgers. It is a place where you can come in and say "I'll have the usual." You can also order breakfast at any time of the day.

Besides the homemade taste of the food, Frank's Hamburgers has a cozy, homey feel. It really is a place where everyone knows your name. Frank certainly does. He's seen babies grow to adults and have their own babies while working there. Many of the frequent customers know each other, and Frank's Hamburgers laid-back atmosphere makes it a great hang-out. With its black and white checkerboard look, it transports you back to an earlier time.

You can sit at the bar on a stool or in the dining area at a small table. You'll have to park at a meter, so don't forget to bring some change. Frank's Hamburgers is the perfect place to stop for lunch when you're downtown, especially if you're conducting bank business or waiting on a bus. Frank's Hamburgers is located right across from the Bank of America and is next to the bus station. Get in quick, though, because while they open at 5 AM, they close at 2PM. Why? Because Frank is and has always been a family man.