Coney Island Wiener Stand is synonymous with family fun in downtown Fort Wayne

For more than 95 years, families have flocked to this shop for their fix of coney dogs. Although the building, at 131 W. Main St. is rather unassuming, don’t be fooled. If this restaurant’s walls could talk, they would have a lot to say.

Operated by the same family since 1916, Coney Island is one of many area eateries established by Macedonians and maintained by their descendents. This coney shop serves up hot dogs, cheese dogs, coney dogs, cheeseburgers and other classic American fare. Bottled Coca Cola pays tribute to the bygone days of the classic American diner.

Today Kathy Choka, grand-daughter of the late founder, is the general manager. And it is clear Choka is proud to carry on her family’s legacy. It seems the nostalgic aspect has played just as much of a role in the diner’s success as the food. People find comfort in knowing that something remains unchanged when everything else seems to change at a rapid rate.

One example of the diner’s timelessness: a vintage looking neon sign in the window proclaims, “Our buns are steamed.” Providing that sense of comfort in the familiar is what Coney Island does best. Staff go the extra mile by often remembering how customers like their dogs. The friendly, polite fast service keeps people coming back but then so do the memories.

Have you been to Coney Island? What do you like about it? Share your memories here!