JACKSON COUNTY, MI – Since its creation in 1914, Jackson County diners have debated on where the best Coney dogs are in Jackson.
In response to Virginia Coney Island, 649 E. Michigan Ave., getting new owners, MLive/Jackson Citizen Patriot asked readers to share where they get their Coney dog fix in the Jackson County-area. Thirteen people responded.
Coney dogs are traditionally made with hot dogs topped with Coney sauce, mustard and onion.
Related: Tell us: Who serves the best coney dog in the Jackson area?
Virginia Coney Island
Opinions varied widely on the best Coney dog spot. However, Virginia Coney Island was the most popular destination from Jackson Coney enthusiast, receiving six submissions.
Most of the submissions contributed this to the restaurant’s traditional recipe, taste of the Coney sauce meat and soft hot dog buns. Larry Cobb, 73, wrote that he prefers Virginia Coney Island because of its taste, texture and cut of the onions.
Ed Zlotorzynski, 59 of Jackson, wrote Virginia Coney Island had the best-tasting coney dogs, adding he loves the atmosphere and had great memories of late-night Coneys at the restaurant.
Andy’s Pizza & Coney Island
Others favored Andy’s Pizza & Coney Island, citing its perfect balance of Coney sauce, mustard and onion and its flavor.
Ruby Mann of Jackson noted that the sauce at Andy’s Pizza most closely resembled the classic flavor of Jackson Coney Island’s original recipe.
Andy’s Coney Island is located at 1208 W. Ganson St. and 2115 E. Michigan Ave. in Jackson and 311 Fifth St. in Michigan Center.
Jackson Coney Island
Speaking of Jackson Coney Island, 615 E. Michigan Ave., the restaurant received two submissions. One praised its ‘beefy’ sauce, while Daniel Green of Jackson described the restaurant’s Coney dogs as “simple, yet timeless.”
Others
Rooster’s Coney Island, 820 W. Argyle St., was also mentioned, with some praising its ‘flavorful’ coney dogs and it’s not ‘watered-down’ sauce. West Point Lounge, 1712 Spring Arbor Road, received recognition for its open flame-cooked hot dogs.
The history
The story of the Jackson Coney dog began in 1914 when Macedonian immigrant George Todoroff opened a place now known as Jackson Coney Island at 615 E. Michigan Ave. Todoroff’s business partner was Atanas Christoff.
The same year, another restaurant, Virginia Coney Island, opened its doors.
Related: Peek Through Time: 100 years of humble hot dogs covered in chili marks Jackson Coney Island history
After World War II, Todoroff and the Christoff’s’ widows, Magda and Sophia, sold the business for $5,000 to Andy and Don Lazaroff. in 1970, Andy Lazaroff sold out to his brother and Christoff to focus on Andy’s Pizza restaurants.
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