Coney Detroit

Jackson Coneys

Jackson Coney Island is one of two historic coney islands that operate on the same block, about seventy-five miles due west of Detroit. Photo by Rob Terwilliger 60 immigrant who was one of the first owners of Jackson Coney Island. The early history of these two East Michigan Avenue coney islands is shrouded in mystery. According to Phil Lazaroff, who owned Jackson Coney from 1999 to 2007, the restaurant was originally started by two Greek men from Detroit, who after a year sold it to Charlie Christoff, his brother Atanas Christoff, and George Todoroff. Jackson city directories show Todoroff operated a restaurant in the mid-1920s on the site that would later become Jackson Coney Island. No one seems to know who started Virginia Coney Island. Some locals say the restaurant is named after a woman called Virginia, who used to own the place. But others believe the coney island got its name from nearby Virginia Street, which no longer exists. Jackson and Virginia Coney Islands first appear in the city’s directories in 1935. They weren’t Jackson’s first coney islands. That honor goes to two other downtown restaurants long gone: New York Coney Island and Coney Island Lunch. Jackson Coney Island has come a long way from the days when it could seat only twelve people at a counter and four tables. Until 1960, the restaurant was located where its parking lot stands today. Virginia Coney Island has always operated in the same spot, but at some point it expanded into the space next door. In recent years both coney islands have gained new owners, who have added a few menu items and done a little remodeling but otherwise kept everything the way it’s always been. “It’s astonishing every day that we are here how many hot dogs are consumed in Jackson,” says Jan Potter, who runs Virginia with her husband, Eli. The couple, who are Jackson natives and high school sweethearts, had retired from other jobs only to discover a new calling at Virginia. “There are times when it’s very demanding,” Jan Potter says. “The people are the most amazing part. It’s really been quite fun.” Jackson has one of the oldest coney traditions in Michigan. (Photo by Rob Terwilliger) 61 The topping makes the coney and, at Jackson Coney Island, owner Lisa Creech makes the topping. People have tried to bribe employees for it. So far, it’s still her secret. (Photo by Rob Terwilliger) 62 Beginning to sauce up seven coneys . . . . . . squeeze out the mustard . . . . . . we have almost all of them . . . . . . and finish with onions. (Photos by Rob Terwilliger) Eli Potter listens intently to a story, one of many you can hear each day at a coney island. Photo by Rob Terwilliger ...