Michigan’s Most Iconic Coney Island Diners | Eater Detroit
"National Coney Island is among three regional coney chains, founded in 1965 by James Giftos, who took over ownership of the National Chili Company before launching his own space. These coneys play into diner nostalgia with flashy neon lighting. Today, National Coney Island includes nearly 20 locations throughout metro Detroit and its chili is sold to independent coney businesses all over the region. Hani — a pita stuffed with fried chicken strips, Swiss and American cheese, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and mayonnaise — is one of its best-known specialties. In 2023, National branched out with the launch Pop’s Hani Shop in Royal Oak sporting a hani-centric menu. Fun fact, National’s current president, Tom Giftos, says his grandfather got his start working at Lafayette downtown." - Serena Maria Daniels
