Label
Councilman Ujvagi
Title
Recognizing Frixos Stylianides and Coney Island on Superior Street for over a century of fine dining and service to the citizens of Toledo and designating April 17 as Coney Island Hot Dog Day in Toledo.
Summary
WHEREAS, hot dogs, nature’s perfect food, have had a long and distinguished history; with sausages, being among the very first foods ever referenced in Western Literature; and
WHEREAS, even Homer (please note the early Greek connection), sang the praises of sausages in the Odyssey; and
WHEREAS, German immigrants first brought hot dogs to the United States in the 19th century under many names including frankfurter, Vienna sausage, red hots and the name that has evolved to become the most common, the Dachshund Sausage translated to ‘little dog sausage’ and now commonly known everywhere as the hot dog; and
WHEREAS, while German immigrants first brought the sausage to Toledo it has been primarily Greek and Cypriote families that have expanded the tradition here in our community (with the notable exception of Tony Packo’s Hungarian Hot dog. Which is NOT a hot dog.); and
WHEREAS, Sofokles Constantine, fondly referred to as Uncle Gus, opened what became Coney Island in 1918 and in 1919 moved it to its current location on Superior Street in Toledo, Ohio; and
WHEREAS, Coney Island has continued as one of the region’s oldest family businesses, turning the restaurant over to its current owner, Frixos Stylianides, in 1985 who continues to operate the business six days a week at the same location; and
WHEREAS, from 1919 to 1990 the menu was expanded to include Coney dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chips, Greek specialties homemade soups and pancakes, French toast made by hand with a special secret ingredient (ice cream), with fresh milkshakes, soda, beer, wine and a full bar available for the thirsty; and
WHEREAS, the Coney Island hot dog family has carried on a tradition of being welcoming to all for many generations. Nightshift workers come at the end of their work day, judges, lawyers and defendants are all apt to stop in between court sessions, news reporters and editors, and those seeking to stay out of the news can all be found there sharing a meal; and
WHEREAS, when segregation was in vogue in America, Uncle Gus decided that all nationalities were welcome at Coney. He taught Frixos that everybody eats at Coney. That tradition is still being carried on at Toledo’s oldest restaurant; NOW, THEREFORE,
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That April 17 be designated as Coney Island Hot Dog Day in Toledo and Frixos Stylianides and Coney Island are recognized for their outstanding services to their customers and their community and for their dedication to providing a haven where all Toledoans can enjoy a meal.
SECTION 2. That this Resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.
Adopted: _________________: yeas ______, nays ______.
Attest: _________________________ __________________________________
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: ______________________ _________________________________
Mayor
I hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of a Resolution adopted by Council ________________________.
Attest: _________________________
Clerk of Council