About Us
Company Profile
National Coney Island currently owns and operates 20 restaurants in Southeastern Michigan and has been in business since 1965. The corporate headquarters are located in Roseville, Michigan, home of the original location!Mission
"To offer a unique dining experience by combining extremely fast and friendly service with fresh, quality food at affordable prices, all in a family-fun atmosphere."Every National Coney Island restaurant features a menu filled with great-tasting, All-American classics including traditional Detroit-style Coney Island hot dogs, our world famous Chili, fresh salads, premium Angus burgers, delicious desserts like Sanders hot fudge sundaes and breakfast served anytime.
History
National Coney Island was founded by James Giftos in 1965 when he opened his first store at the Macomb Mall in Roseville, Michigan. It was a small and simple store, which served a limited menu of Coney Island hot dogs, Coney Island style loose hamburgers, a few sandwiches, potato chips and soda pop. There was seating for about 40 patrons, and the bill of fare was displayed on hand-painted wooden menu boards that advertised 35 cent hot dogs.
At that point in time, regional malls such as the Macomb Mall were destination centers that drew shoppers from miles and miles around - and National Coney Island began establishing itself on the principles that have been the driving force behind its success to this very day - fast and friendly service, and food freshness and quality.
The success of that first store allowed Mr. Giftos the opportunity to open two additional stores in St. Clair Shores (1969) and Detroit (1971). These stores were very similar to the Macomb Mall store in design and operation. Several years later, Mr. Giftos had the idea to expand the menu, make his restaurants more family oriented, and considerably upgrade the design and decor package to set National Coney Island apart from the many other Coney Island restaurants in the Detroit area. In doing so, he made a more bright, enjoyable, and family-fun atmosphere for his patrons.
In following this new direction, the real expansion in National Coney Island's history took root in the mid 1980's to mid 1990's when National more than tripled in size to eleven units - all very unique in decor, some offering beer and wine service, others with drive-thru windows, but all built by a very loyal and hard-working staff, and all using those original tenets of fast & friendly service, and the highest quality food offerings.
Community Involvement
National Coney Island is very proud of its steadfast commitment to give back to all of the local communities in which we operate our stores - and even areas where we have no physical presence. We have a long standing record of community goodwill and for 49 years have supported hundreds of local charities, schools, athletic teams, churches, and other organizations, clubs, and individuals.
Fundraisers
At National Coney Island, we are pleased to offer fundraising opportunities to schools and nonprofit organizations right in our restaurants! For more information on fundraising opportunities, please visit one of our locations.