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.