Gray's Papaya
 Gray's Papaya former midtown location | |
| Industry | Fast food restaurant |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1973inNew York City |
| Founder | Nicholas Gray |
Number of locations | 1 (2020) |
Area served | New York City |
Gray's Papayais ahot dogrestaurant located at 2090Broadwayat72nd Streetin New York City.[1]It had other locations, all of which had closed by June 2020.[2][1]Gray's Papaya is famous for its inexpensive high-quality hot dogs, considered among the best in New York City.[3]They once sold for 50 cents each and, as of 2023, sell for $2.95.
The "papaya"in the name refers to the papaya fruit drink sold at the establishment. They also sell orange, grape,piña colada,coconut champagne andbanana daiquirifruit drinks, all of which are non-alcoholic.
History
[edit]
The chain was founded by a former partner ofPapaya King,Nicholas Gray, in 1973,[4]with its flagship, and as of 2023, only restaurant located at 2090Broadwayat72nd Street.[1]
In the June 1, 2006, issue ofTime Out New York,Gray's Papaya's hot dog was ranked first over its competitors Papaya King and Papaya Dog.[5]On March 3, 2008,The New York Timesreported that Gray's Papaya had endorsed Democratic candidateBarack Obamain his campaign for the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election.[4]
The formerHell’s Kitchenlocation of Gray's Papaya (atEighth Avenueand37th Street) closed in 2011 and the Greenwich Village branch (onSixth Avenueat8th Street) in 2014 due to rent increases.[6][7]For several years after, the flagship location at 72nd street was the only location left.[1]
In 2016, Gray's Papaya signed a 20-year lease for a new midtown location on Eighth Avenue, between West 39th andWest 40thstreets. The location opened in spring 2017 but subsequently closed in 2020 due to the economic effects of theCOVID-19 pandemic in New York City.[8]After likewise shuttering their flagship location for the "first time in 47 years" on March 30, Gray's Papaya reopened the location in May 2020, with a new version of its "recession special" that featured two franks and a tropical drink for $6.95 including tax, with frontline healthcare workers eating the special for free.[9]Thrillistlisted it as one of the best hot dog locations in New York.[2]
Gray died in May 2023 at 86 due to complications fromAlzheimer's.[10]Gray's family reportedly has friendly relations with the flagship store's landlord, and plans to keep the restaurant open.[10]
Menu
[edit]
Gray's Papaya is famous for its inexpensive (once sold for 50 cents, as of 2023, sell for $2.95),[11]high-quality hot dogs. The "papaya"in the name refers to the papaya fruit drink sold at the establishment. They also sell orange, grape,piña colada,coconut champagne (non-alcoholic), and banana daiquiri (non-alcoholic) fruit drinks.[12]They also sell a variety of sodas.[11]
The franchise has natural skinned franks.[13]Gray's Papaya hot dogs are considered among the best in New York City.[3]
Media
[edit]- In the 1995 filmDie Hard with a Vengeance,a scene takes place across the street at 72nd and Broadway, with the sign shown prominently.
- In the 1997 filmFools Rush In,one of the characters (Salma Hayek) has Gray's Papaya hot dogs delivered to her husband ( Matthew Perry) in Las Vegas.
- In the 1998 filmYou've Got Mail,Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan's characters are seen chatting at the Gray's Papaya counter.
- The 2001 filmDown to EarthstarringChris Rockalso features the restaurant.
- In a 2007 episode ofAnthony Bourdain: No Reservations(season 3, episode 3),Anthony Bourdainvisited Gray's Papaya on his tour of his favorite New York City restaurants.[14]
- It is also featured in the 2008 movieNick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist.[15]
- In the 2010 filmThe Back-Up Plan,Jennifer Lopezorders a hot dog for take out dinner.
- In the 2005 season ofHow I Met Your Mother,in the limo, Ted and the others go to Gray’s Papaya on New Years Eve.
- In 2023 season ofManifest,in the first episode as Ben and Michaela Stone escaped the Registry, Ben makes a comment that he wished they stopped by Gray’s Papaya.
- In the 1995 collection of short stories Seduction Theory byThomas Beller,in the storyThe Hot Dog Warsthe protagonist falls in love with an elusive hot dog eater set against the backdrop of a hot dog price war.
- InThomas Pynchon's 2013 novelBleeding Edge,the zany NYC perturbations of the protagonists include a scene outside the Gray's Papaya at 72nd and Broadway.
References
[edit]- ^abcdCasey, Nell (January 8, 2014)."There's Now Only One Gray's Papaya Left In New York City".Gothamist.RetrievedMarch 27,2015.
- ^abHoeffner, Melissa Kravitz (June 29, 2020),"Where to Eat Hot Dogs in NYC This Summer",Thrillist
- ^abFishbein, Rebecca (July 2, 2014)."The 10 Best Hot Dogs In NYC: Gothamist".Archived fromthe originalon October 6, 2017.RetrievedJune 8,2017.
- ^abMainland, Alexis (March 3, 2008)."Two Hot Dogs, a Drink, and a Nod to Obama".The New York Times.RetrievedMarch 27,2010.
- ^Pushkar, Katherine; Guest, Jocelyn (June 1, 2006)."Dog Fight".Time Out New York.RetrievedMarch 27,2010.
- ^Maurer, Daniel (February 28, 2011)."Doggone: Gray's Papaya Closes Hell's Kitchen Location".Grub Street.RetrievedDecember 9,2017.
- ^"End Of An Era: Gray's Papaya In Greenwich Village Closes Its Doors".CBS New York. January 9, 2014.RetrievedDecember 9,2017.
- ^Rajamani, Maya (August 8, 2016)."Gray's Papaya Returning to Midtown with New 8th Ave Outpost".DNA Info.Archived fromthe originalon September 26, 2022.RetrievedSeptember 26,2022.
- ^Quinn, Anna (May 6, 2020),"Gray's Papaya Among UWS Restaurants Reopening For Takeout",Patch
- ^abTraub, Alex (May 24, 2023)."Nicholas Gray, 86, Dies; Paired Hot Dogs With Papaya to Make a Landmark".The New York Times.ISSN0362-4331.RetrievedMay 25,2023.
- ^ab"Gray's Papaya — Uptown Menu".Gray's Papaya.RetrievedMay 26,2023.
- ^"Eat Like a New Yorker: Gray's Papaya—Arguably the Best Hot Dogs in NY".Nightlife Tours by The New York Nightlife.RetrievedMay 26,2023.
- ^"An Eater's Guide to New York City",Eater,December 17, 2021
- ^Anthony Bourdain in Manhattan: 50 Spots Where Tony Ate,Oct. 4, 2023
- ^That’s Not Acceptablehttps://clip.cafe/nick-norahs-infinite-playlist-2008/thats-not-acceptable/
