Rock the Clock Restaurant in Fountain Inn

We recently launched a Rock the Clock campaign as an experiment to help drive business to a

restaurant negatively affected by a construction project in Fountain Inn. I was able to borrow

some time from Stephany Caparell, the owner and onsite manager of the Clock Drive-In of

Fountain Inn. Although there are many Clocks around the Upstate, it isn’t a franchise.

Before we even settle in, Stephany hands me a glass of her homemade sweet tea—ice-cold and

filled with those tiny, crunchy ice chips that somehow make it taste even better. As we start

chatting, her pride in The Clock quickly shines through—and it’s genuinely contagious. She

greets everyone with a warm smile and has a gentle, kind presence, but make no mistake—she’s

got some fire when it’s needed. Just ask a few of the original employees who are still by her side;

their loyalty says a lot about the kind of workplace she’s built. Listening to her share the

restaurant’s story—from the day her husband Jeff bought the property in 1981 to everything

they’ve built since—is truly heartwarming. Back then, the restaurant was to go only. It wasn’t

until the mid-90s that they added the front porch. In 2001, a brand new building with indoor

seating and a drive-thru came along, adapting to meet the needs of a growing community.

It’s around lunchtime, and the kitchen is buzzing as the staff prepares fresh meals for the

patiently waiting guests. Since everything’s made to order, there’s a bit of a wait—but no one

minds. They know it’s worth it. While Stephany steps away to handle something in the office, I

sit back and watch a steady stream of customers coming and going. Some are dining in, others

are grabbing their meals at the drive-thru window. The mouthwatering smell of onion rings and

sizzling cheeseburgers fills the air—and I can feel my stomach start to grumble.

Challenges When Owning a Restaurant

Picture of Jeff in his favorite Tie-Dye shirt

Jeff passed away in 2019 after a long battle with cancer, but Stephany never lost her spark. Not

only has she kept the building green in Jeff’s memory, but with her steady optimism and

determination, she’s kept the restaurant thriving—honoring his legacy with grace, grit, and a

whole lot of heart.

Any restaurant owner will tell you—this business can be tough. For Stephany, the challenges

came quickly. Not long after Jeff’s passing, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. But she and the team

adapted swiftly, leaning into their drive-thru service and strictly following health protocols, even

closing temporarily when an employee was exposed. When The Clock fully reopened, Stephany

stepped into roles she hadn’t handled before, taking on more day-to-day operations to keep

things running smoothly. Market shifts also brought tough decisions—some menu items were

removed, and operating hours were scaled back to Monday through Friday to stay efficient and

sustainable.

Running a Family Business

At The Clock, the staff truly feels like one big extended family. Many employees have been part

of the team for years—long enough to watch their children, and even grandchildren, grow up.

That deep-rooted connection was especially evident during the final chapter of Jeff’s life, when

the team rallied around Stephany. She found comfort knowing the restaurant was in capable,

caring hands. Stephany’s commitment to the community is just as strong. The Clock is actively

involved in supporting local charities and initiatives, including the local high school. One of the

guiding principles, she encourages among the team is maintaining a healthy work/life balance—

a value that’s just as important as great food and service.

Looking Ahead

To keep up with a changing market and stay competitive, Stephany and the team are exploring

ideas for growth and expansion. They’re also finding fresh, creative ways to enhance the

customer experience. Updated signage and new lighting are already in the works—so keep an

eye out for changes! A refreshed menu is also on the horizon. Just one note for regulars: plan

your visits around the Fourth of July, as the restaurant closes that week to give the staff a well earned

break.

Bring your friends and family to The Clock Restaurant in Fountain Inn to see all of this for yourself! You can preorder or get something to carry out by calling 864-862-4432

The Clock Restaurant in Fountain Inn

303 S. Main Street

Fountain Inn, SC 29644