Mar 10, 1934 Jun 14, 2024 Nicholas Thomas Mathes "Nick", 90, of Winston-Salem, passed away peacefully in his home on June 14, 2024 surrounded by his family's love. Nick was born March 10, 1934 in Klapsi, Greece to Thomas Nicholas and Fotini Hamberis Mathes. His early years were spent in his beloved village of Klapsi, where he expressed his adventurous and mischievous spirit accompanied by his equally mischievous friends, many of whom he remained close to until the end.
During the Greek Civil War, Nick was separated from his family fleeing a siege in Karpenisi. His family frantically searched for him, fearing he'd been captured by the Communist Party. Fortunately, Nick had fallen into the Greek Nationalist Camp and was safely returned to his family after three terrifying days.
After enduring the unspeakable hardships of war, in 1949 Nick was brought to the United States by his father in pursuit of a better life. After attending RJ Reynolds High School, Nick served in the US Army in Fort Jackson, SC. He translated his drive for success and strong work ethic into becoming a lifelong restaurateur.
His restaurants included N&J in downtown Winston-Salem (which he owned with his brother Jim), Four Season DriveIn, the original Cagney's on Cloverdale Ave. & Cafe Arthur's with his son, Arthur. Nick met his beautiful and devoted wife of 63 years, Maria Tsiokannas, at a dance hosted at the former Robert E.
Lee Hotel. Nick and Maria were married on April 16, 1961, and raised their family .
