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 Newcastle, Pennsylvania, laying the groundwork for what would become its most famous food: the Coney dog.
Today, with a population of just over 21,000, Newcastle proudly wears the title of “Hot Dog Capital of the World.” But behind that sizzling reputation is a rich, Greek-rooted legacy that continues to flavor the city’s identity.
In the early 20th century, waves of Greek immigrants arrived in Newcastle, bringing with them a rich culinary tradition and a knack for entrepreneurship. By 1918, at least three Greek-run eateries were already serving what would become the city’s signature dish: the Coney dog—a hot dog smothered in spiced meat chili.
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 Newcastle 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.
But MP Coney Island is just one chapter in a much larger Greek-American story. The iconic chili that defines the Newcastle Coney isn’t your average hot dog topping—it’s deeply inspired by traditional Greek dishes like saltsa kima, a cinnamon- and clove-spiced tomato meat sauce, and soutzoukakia, fragrant baked meatballs served in a savory tomato base. Add chopped onions, yellow mustard, and optional shredded cheese, and you have a uniquely Greek-American twist on a classic comfort food.
Beyond MP, Newcastle still boasts several beloved Greek-rooted eateries, including Bill’s Sandwich Shop, where gyros, subs, and Coneys sit side by side on the menu.
The story of the Coney dog stretches far beyond Pennsylvania. In the early 1900s, Greek immigrants arriving in New York City were intrigued by the famed hot dogs at Coney Island.
Taking inspiration from the name and the food, they reimagined the dish through their own cultural lens, giving rise to regional styles that would spread across the Midwest and Northeast. Today, Coneys are a staple in cities with strong Greek communities—Detroit, Michigan, being another standout.
So, while Newcastle may claim the crown, the legacy of the Coney dog belongs to the Greek immigrants whose flavors, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit continue to shape American food culture, one chili-smothered hot dog at a time.
Related: Greek Food Giant Grecian Delight/Kronos Celebrates 50 Years in the US
