"A Taste of Detroit"

People often refer to the old adage "if it's not broken don't fix it." This motto has become the unofficial motto of the American Coney Island in Detroit, Michigan. Dating back to the landmark's inception in 1917, American Coney Island has stayed true to their roots.

"Our product and service hasn't changed since my grandfather, Gust, opened American 93 years ago," said owner Grace Keros. "From when my father, Charles "Chuck" Keros, took over and eventually passed the business to me, we haven't needed to change anything."

From day one, American has been praised for producing the best "Coney Island" in the country, a hot dog covered with chili, topped with yellow onions and drizzled with yellow mustard. The Food Network named American "The Best Coney Island in America," after a panel of judges determined American's award winning Coney was "par none." American's fame has stretched across the country appearing on television shows such as "The Today Show," HBO series "Hung," the Travel Channels "Man vs. Food," seven motion pictures, and picked #22 on "101 Best Places to Eat in America" according to the Travel Channel.

"It's nice to see all the hard work pay off," Grace said, "but I don't need the Food Network to tell me I have the best Coney in America, because I already knew that."

Not only is it the best, but American is home to the original Coney Island. The debate between New Yorkers and American, has been heated over the past several decades over where the Coney was born. Not until recently has this debate died down. With all the fame and media attention American has been awarded, New Yorkers have begun to see who the original Coney Island truly is.

"New Yorkers are coming to terms with the fact that we are the home of the Coney," Grace stated. "They have hung their hat on the fact that they created the hot dog, but not the Coney Island."

While the American Coney Island and New York City bout was fierce, American's true rival is their next-door neighbor, Lafayette Coney Island. The storied rivalry began 70 years ago when founder of American, Gust Keros, brought his brother, William, over from Greece to learn the business. When the storefront next-door became available, William took advantage of the opportunity and opened Lafayette. Both restaurants have remained side-by-side for the past 70 years competing against one another as the countries best Coney Island.

The rivalry has forced every Detroiter to pledge an allegiance to one of the two restaurants. Both have their fans and accolades, but a consensus was needed to deem who was the best. This opportunity presented itself when the Travel Channels new hit show "Food Wars" selected the Coney Island landmarks to square off in a judged competition. The showdown took place this past March but will not be aired until season two of the show.

"This was one of the best experiences in all the years I've been here," Grace said. "Going up against Lafayette was tons of fun and I can't wait for the episode to air in the upcoming season."

The Travel Channel isn't the only show to feature American. On June 4th, Iron Chef Michael Symon, owner of Michael Symon's Roast in Detroit, recently hosted an episode of the Food Network program "Food Feud" in downtown Detroit. The long-time rivals went head-to-head to determine who the best was. After the judges sampled each Coney, they crowned American as the Food Feud champion.

American Coney Island's success has kept Michiganders dreaming of their next Coney. For those who live too far to satisfy their craving, can now have American's best shipped to their homes. Three years ago, American created "Ship-A-Kit" which contains twelve Dearborn Brand hot dogs, buns, onions, and American's famous chili. Local schools, churches, and non-profit organizations also use the kits to help with the budget cuts and reduced state funding as more and more programs are struggling to stay afloat. American ships year round and makes the process so easy, Lafayette fanatics will be calling for a taste.

"We ship Coney's across the nation to relocated Michiganders who can't make it American," Grace explained. "The kit is delivered to the front door of any family member or friend who wants a taste of Detroit."

American Coney Island reflects a city that once stood next to Chicago and New York as the countries best. National recognition, award winning food, and family tradition have allowed American to be Detroit's oldest family owned and operated business in Detroit. With the help of Grace Keros, American will continue to satisy every customer one Coney at a time.

American Coney Island

114 West Lafayette, Detroit, MI, 48226

(586) 219-0995

Open 24 Hours

Owner: Grace Keros