American Coney Island is a Detroit institution with a long and storied history. Here’s a brief look at the history of this iconic restaurant:
The American Coney Island story begins in 1917, when Greek immigrants William and Constantine Keros opened a hot dog stand in downtown Detroit. They named the stand “American Coney Island” after the famous beachfront neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York.
Over the years, American Coney Island became a popular spot for late-night dining and attracted a loyal following. In the 1960s, the Keros brothers opened a second location across the street, called Lafayette Coney Island.
In the 1980s, a third generation of the Keros family took over the business, with Chris Keros becoming the owner of American Coney Island and his cousin, Grace Keros, taking over Lafayette Coney Island.
Today, American Coney Island remains a beloved destination in Detroit, known for its delicious coney dogs, chili sauce, and other classic diner fare. It has also been featured in a number of TV shows and movies, cementing its place in Detroit’s cultural history.
So next time you’re in Detroit, be sure to stop by American Coney Island and enjoy a taste of history!