National Coney Island
A Detroit Coney Dog Tradition Since 1965
The story of Detroit’s iconic culinary tradition of “coney dogs” is one of immigrant entrepreneurship. In 1917, Greek immigrants the Keros brothers founded the famous American and Lafayette Coney Islands, creating an iconic rivalry and defining Detroit's signature hot dog style. In 1965, James Giftos – also a Greek immigrant – opened the first location of National Coney Island in the Macomb Mall in Roseville. From its humble origins selling hot dogs for 35 cents each, National grew into a regional family favorite, and today it has more than a dozen Detroit-area locations.
National Coney Island’s coney dogs are a true taste of Detroit, made according to a recipe from National Chili Co. that Giftos purchased before opening the first location and hasn’t changed since day one. It’s rich, beefy, and as classic Detroit as it gets, and whether on its own, with natural-casing hot dogs, or in a complete kit with everything you need to make an authentic coney dog, it’s shipping nationwide!
