The Hanover tradition started in 1923 with Nicholas E. Mavros, when he opened the first fast food restaurant in Hanover. Years later in 1957, Nicholas' son and daughter-in-law, E. Tim and Georgia Mavros, took over the business at the corner of York Street and Broadway. Together they ran the business for 38 years, helping it grow so the third generation, Nicholas T. Mavros and son-in-law Pete G. Keriazes, could open a second restaurant in 1973, Famous Hot Weiner North, at the corner of Dart Drive and Eichelberger Street.
These days, the Famous Hot Weiner is in its fourth generation. In 1999, great-grandsons George P. Keriazes and Timothy P. Keriazes took over both Hanover locations. At the beginning of May 2011, the Famous Hot Weiner took a step closer to York with the opening of their third location in Spring Grove. George and Timothy continue to carry on the old traditions that define the local business, while ensuring the Famous Hot Weiner stays around for generations to come.
The Keriazes family sees the Spring Grove restaurant location as a steppingstone into the York market. Located at 245 North Main Street, the new restaurant has the same tempting menu as the others, but with a different format. While the other restaurants have wait service, customers in Spring Grove place and pick up their order at the counter.
In nearly 90 years, the Famous Hot Weiner remains much the same, and that's why people love them. Customers who first came in as children now return with their grandchildren at their sides. "There have been few changes over the years, but the basis of the business hasn't changed," says George Keriazes. "The biggest sale item hasn't changed either." The Famous Weiner with everything (mustard, chopped onion and chili) continues to be the top seller. They've introduced improvements to their already delicious products. All spices used are MSG-free. French fries are cooked in 100% vegetable oil, making them free of trans fat.
While the all-time favorite item is a hot dog topped with everything, the menu is loaded with other equally delicious items to tempt your taste buds. In addition to hot dogs, they have hamburgers, grilled cheese, fried ham and cheese, a Famous fish sandwich, French fries, shakes and more. The number one condiment hands down is the Famous Chili, a passed down family recipe that's delicious on just about anything, from hot dogs to hamburgers, even fries. If you can't decide between a burger or a hot dog, try the Famous Hot Weiner Special-two wieners or two hamburgers or one of each, served with fries for only $6.49.
For diehard fans of the Famous Hot Weiner, the restaurant will even ship their famous hot dogs to you wherever you may be. They ship an estimate of 100 hot dogs a year, usually around holidays and special events like Father's Day, birthdays and Christmas.
The Famous Hot Weiner is more than lunch and dinner. They also make a mean breakfast. "Ham, egg and cheese with chili sounds odd but it's actually really good," says George. "We also make a pretty killer hot cake." Starting in July, the Famous Hot Weiner in Spring Grove will match the other restaurant locations and expand their hours for the breakfast crowd. The new Spring Grove hours will be 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday thru Saturday. Though it is worth noting that breakfast is served all day.
Stop by your nearest Famous Hot Weiner restaurant for a taste experience that is unique to the Hanover area. For your first visit, they recommend you try the classic and order a Famous Hot Weiner with everything. Find out why the restaurant has attracted the attention of the York Daily Record's annual Best of York competition and the Harrisburg Patriot News. To learn more about The Famous Hot Weiner, visit them online at www.famoushotweiner.com.
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