Michigan vs Ohio – Who Had the Original Coney Dog?

Almost anyone who grew up in Michigan, particularly southeast Michigan, knows the staple of many diners is the iconic Coney Island hot dog. There is some debate, as there almost always is when the origins of food comes around, as to who can claim the first Coney dog.

And as with all rivalries of this nature, would it surprise you that it's Ohio and Michigan at the heart of the dispute of who can claim the Coney.

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While Detroit has the Coney, Cincinnati has its well known style of chili, the cinnamon-flavored variety that is often served over spaghetti. But that's not the only way Cincinnati style chili is served. It's also done over hot hogs. Along with shredded cheese and onions, the presentation gives a close approximation to a Detroit Coney.

But even locals in southern Ohio and northern Kentucky are forced to admit the Detroit dog came first.

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An online publication from the region, Northern Kentucky News points out that the first Coney restaurant in Detroit appeared in 1914 while the first Cincinnati chili outlet, Empress Chili, made its debut in 1922.

Both diners are the brainchildren of Greek immigrants and there is some speculation as to whether the Ohio River folks were inspired, or even aware, of the Michigan chili shops or if the ideas germinate separately on their own?\

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Because Cincinnati and Michigan/Detroit chili dogs have Greek chili sauce, with a hot dog served on bun, it can't be a co-incidence that Tom and John Kiradjieff, founders of Empress Chili, created it on their own. Just too similar.

In other words, they probably copied the delicacy from Greek immigrants in Michigan, particularly in the Detroit area.

it's likely that foodies who have sought out Cincinnati-style chili have found Skyline. The chain has expanded beyond its southern Ohio roots with both restaurants and a line of grocery store products. A second area chain Gold Star is popular but limited to the greater Cincinnati area.