Ex-Head of Nathan Famous Hot Dogs Dies

Murray Handwerker helped grow his father's Coney island hot dog stand into a national franchise died May 14, 2011.  His father, Nathan Handwerker opened his stand on Coney Island in 1916, four years after he emigrated to the U.S. from Poland..  Murray was born five years later on July 25, 1921.  he spent so much time at the restaurant that he joked that he came to regard the frankfurter bun boxes as his play pals.

Growing up, he worked on nearly every aspect of the business and told his son that he had washed the grill so often, his body sometimes had trouble recovering.

He well knew the appeal of Nathan's and his service in the Army during World War II developed his world view.  he got the idea to expand, even though his father wanted the place to remain just one stand.

Under Murray's guidance, Nathan's became a fixture in American culture.  FDR served its hot dogs to the British monarchy during a visit and Al Capone loved his Nathan's.  The dogs have even been flown to London for a party for Barbra Streisand.

Murray expanded the restaurants in New York and then outside the region.  You can now buy their product in many grocery stores across the country.

The family sold the business in 1987.

A Remarkable Man With a Plan. 

Dead Page: Philly Cheesesteak Guy

JOEY VENTO, 71 Died Aug. 23, 2011

Founder of Geno's Steaks in South Philadelphia at 9th St. and Passyunk Avenue, across from rival Pat's King of Steaks (who claim they invented the sandwich in 1933). He started the 24-hour, seven-day restaurant in 1966. He differed from the others by offering provolone cheese instead of the usual Cheez Whiz.

According to Wikipedia, he chose the name Gino's because there already was a Joe's Steak Place in Philadelphia, then changed the "i" to "e" because of a regional fast-food chain.

They serve 4,500 Philly Cheesesteaks a day.

I went to Philadelphia on a bus tour, but didn't get the opportunity to eat at either place. Next time I will. I did have several of the sandwiches, the best at a street cart by Independence Hall.

When in Philly, Ya Gotta Have a Cheesesteak, Ya Know.