The Iconic Papaya King is Facing Possible Demolition

After 90 years, Papaya King, the famous Upper East Side hot dog and tropical drink stop, is facing demolition. Patch website reported that developer Extell – known for its luxury apartments — has filed plans to tear down the entire low-rise corner, which includes the flagship location of Papaya King; Extell reportedly acquired the lot for $21 million in 2021.

The New York Times explains that Papaya King’s founder, Gus Poulos, was a Greek immigrant who started out in the 1930s with a Brooklyn juice stand called Hawaiian Tropical Drinks, and then opened Papaya King on the Upper East Side in the late 1940s. He added hot dogs a few years later.

So far, a closing date has yet to be set and there’s been little news on the development. I think it’s sad when these towering luxury condos replace iconic New York businesses. And while I may not eat hot dogs, I’ve been going almost every day for one of the Banana Daiquiri, Strawberry Fields, and Coconut Champagne drinks.