National Coney Island To Offer 50 Cent Coneys For 50th Anniversary

By Edward Cardenas

ROSEVILLE (CBS Detroit) - National Coney Island will kick-off its golden anniversary with 50 cent coneys Tuesday.

The chain, which James Giftos started in 1965 at Macomb Mall, has grown to 900 employees working at 20 locations across Metro Detroit over the past five decades.

"When my father opened the first National Coney Island in 1965, I don't think he imagined the brand identity that would be built over the next 50 years," said Tom Giftos, president, National Coney Island, said in a release. "Our success is a true testament to the support of the communities in which we operate."

The family owned company will offer the 50 cent coneys starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday, July 14, which kicks-off a series of specials the chain will offer through December.

The chain, which started with a limited menu that was hand-painted on wooden menu boards, has grown to include locations at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

In addition to the specially priced coneys, National Coney Island will offer a limited edition drinking glass featuring a golden version of its mascot Mr. Pop's iconic mustache for $3.99 starting July 17.

A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the commemorative glass will benefit the non-profit organization, Wigs 4 Kids, which provides wigs at no cost for children who have lost their hair from various illnesses such as cancer, alopecia, trichotillomania, as well as burn victims.