"Greek immigrants are the unsung heroes behind one of America's tastiest titles. In the early 20th century, they brought their culinary heritage to the small town of New Castle, Pennsylvania, laying the groundwork for what would become its most famous food: the Coney dog. Today, with a population of just over 21,000, New Castle proudly wears the title of "Hot Dog Capital of the World." However, behind that sizzling reputation is a rich, Greek-rooted legacy that continues to flavor the city's identity."
"One of the most celebrated outposts to emerge from this movement is MP Coney Island, founded in 1923 by two teenage immigrants from Greece, John Mitsos and George Papazekos. Their restaurant, named Coney Island Lunch, specialized in selling Greek-style hot dogs with their own secret chili sauce. In March 1971, Mitsos and Papazekos added a second location and renamed their business " M&P Coney Island.""
"It's because of their great popularity and success that New Castle adopted the nickname of "Hot Dog Capital of the World." Its chili-smothered hot dogs became a local legend, helping to cement the city's reputation. Today, MP Coney Island has expanded to four (soon five) Pennsylvania locations and ships its century-old chili and seasoning blend nationwide."
Greek immigrants arriving in the early 20th century brought culinary traditions and entrepreneurship to New Castle, Pennsylvania, shaping the city's signature Coney dog. By 1918 several Greek-run eateries were serving hot dogs topped with spiced meat chili that evolved into the local classic. John Mitsos and George Papazekos founded MP Coney Island in 1923, expanding decades later and renaming their business M&P Coney Island. The popularity of Greek-style chili-smothered hot dogs cemented New Castle's nickname and local identity. MP Coney Island now operates multiple locations and ships its century-old chili and seasoning blend nationwide.
Read at GreekReporter.com
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