The Motor City is not only synonymous with automobiles and Motown, but the iconic Coney Dog too! This beanless chili, smothered over a beef hotdog, topped with onions and yellow mustard is a Detroit staple and the inspiration behind the Coney Dad Hat. 

The history of the Coney Island Coney Dog (also known as Coney Dog, or just Coney) grew in popularity as Detroit’s auto industry flourished. It suited the city’s working-class culture; it was convenient, inexpensive, and tasty. It keeps the same traits today!

 There is still much debate around who originated this unique Detroit favorite. Some would argue its deliciousness was carried over from New York, through Coney Island, during the 1900s migration of Greek and Macedonian immigrants to America. Others would say it started right here, in the heart of downtown Detroit with the first restaurant opening on Lafayette street in 1917.

Despite the debate, one thing the majority of the population has in common is this: they still cannot figure out how the Coney Dog came to be one of Michiganders favorite messy comfort foods! While this great debacle has yet to be settled, the Coney remains a renowned part of Detroit’s history. So much so, we embroidered it on a hat. Now, you can rock a little piece of Detroit’s history that is just as tasty as it is fashionable.