SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – August 23, 2015 – (Gephardt Daily) -In 1903 Constantine “Gust” Keros immigrated to America from Greece.
Keros, like so many immigrants, came to America through Ellis Island and headed to Detroit in search of a job.
Unable to find work, Keros began shining shoes and selling hot dogs (called “Coneys” in Detroit) with chili on them out of a cart on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Lafayette Boulevard. His little cart was a big success.
In 1917 he partnered up with his brother Bill and took his hot dogs inside, when the brothers opened the American Coney Island restaurant pretty much where it sits today.
When the brothers couldn’t agree on various ingredients used for the chili, they parted company. Gust Keros stayed with his American Coney Island; while Bill Keros formed Lafayette Coney Island literally next door.
That’s when the feud began. And Detroit became divided between the two hot dogs.
The businesses have competed to be the best hot dog in Detroit and have been on that same corner of Michigan Avenue and Lafayette Boulevard since 1917.
A few years back, when Bill was retiring, he sold the restaurant to his loyal employees who still own it today.
Even though Lafayette is no longer family-owned and operated, the proud rivalry still stands, says Grace Keros, the current owner of American Coney Island and daughter of Gust Keros.
It is a matter of taste, however. You see, American Coney Island uses Gust’s original recipe for it’s chili which has never changed.
American’s hot dogs are specially ordered and seasoned and cased naturally, giving them the distinctive “snap” when bitten into.
The chili sauce is specially prepared (using the same recipe since the day American opened. The chili is both bold and flavorful.
Overall the restaurant is clean and reminiscent of a 1950’s diner. The feeling is laid back and relax and eat.
Ordering is a snap and the food is delivered very quickly.
Next door, Lafayette Coney Island is much smaller in space but offers up a true “Detroit” dining experience for it patrons. It’s loud with an air of impatience surrounding it as servers are all yelling out orders in a special hot dog code.
The kitchen is located in the middle of the restaurant, with seating along the sides and a small dining room in the back. And even though it’s smaller, the place is lively and pulses with the rhythm of the street.
Like it’s rival, food is delivered very fast. You’ll find the ‘coneys’ at Lafayette less seasoned, and although their chili is slightly ‘thinner’ than their next door competition, the combination seems to be a perfect blend.
Come during lunch or dinner service and you may find yourself sharing a table with a complete stranger.
Photo Courtesy: Tony Toscano
Both Hot Dog restaurants are part of the history of Detroit. And any ‘Detroiter’ would welcome you to be a part of Detroit’s hot dog history by sampling the city’s native coney dog.
If you haven’t pledged allegiance to either American or Lafayette Coney Island yet, try both.
But after you do (as all coney lovers in Detroit will insist), you will have to choose.
