Gray's Papaya

Gray's Papaya is a hot dog restaurant chain, with its flagship restaurant located at 2090 Broadway at 72nd Street.[1] In June 2020, it had one location operational during the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] Several other locations had closed prior.[1] Gray's Papaya is famous for its inexpensive (once sold for 50 cents, now, as of 2021, sell for $2.95), high-quality hot dogs, considered among the best in New York City.[3] 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.

Gray's Papaya
IndustryFast Food Restaurant
Founded1973 (1973) in New York City
FounderNicholas Gray
Number of locations
2 (2017)
Area served
New York City

History

The chain was founded by a former partner of Papaya King, Nicholas Gray, in 1973,[4] with its flagship restaurant located at 2090 Broadway at 72nd Street.[1]

In the June 1, 2006, issue of Time 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 Times reported that Gray's Papaya had endorsed Democratic candidate Barack Obama in his campaign for the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election.[4]

The former midtown location of Gray's Papaya closed in 2011 and the Greenwich Village branch closed in 2014 due to rent increases.[6][7] The 402 Sixth Avenue at 8th Street and the 539 Eighth Avenue at 37th Street locations were no longer in operation as of 2014. For several years, the flagship location at 72nd street was the only location left.[1]

A new midtown location opened in 2015,[1] but then closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City. In 2016, Gray's Papaya signed a 20-year lease for a new location at 612 Eighth Avenue, between West 39th and West 40th streets. The location opened in spring 2017 but has also subsequently closed due to COVID.

After shutting 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. [8] Thrillist listed it as one of the best hot dog locations in New York.[2]

Two hot dogs with sauerkraut and onions

Gray's Papaya is famous for its inexpensive (once sold for 50 cents, now, as of 2021, sell for $2.95), 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.

The franchise has natural skinned franks.[9] Gray's Papaya hot dogs are considered among the best in New York City.[3]

Gray's Payaya's hot dogs and drinks are now available shipping nationwide via GoldBelly.

Media

In Fools Rush In in 1997, one of the characters gets Gray's Papaya hot dogs delivered to him in Las Vegas. The film Down to Earth in 2001 with Chris Rock also featured the restaurant. In Die Hard with A Vengeance, a scene takes place across the street at 72nd and Broadway with the sign shown prominently. It is also featured in the movie Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist.

References
  1. Casey, Nell (January 8, 2014). "There's Now Only One Gray's Papaya Left In New York City". Gothamist. Archived from the original on March 18, 2015. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  2. Hoeffner, Melissa Kravitz (June 29, 2020), "Where to Eat Hot Dogs in NYC This Summer", Thrillist
  3. "The 10 Best Hot Dogs In NYC: Gothamist". Archived from the original on October 6, 2017. Retrieved June 8, 2017.
  4. Mainland, Alexis (March 3, 2008). "Two Hot Dogs, a Drink, and a Nod to Obama". The New York Times. Retrieved March 27, 2010.
  5. Pushkar, Katherine; Guest, Jocelyn (June 1, 2006). "Dog Fight". Time Out New York. Retrieved March 27, 2010.
  6. Maurer, Daniel (February 28, 2011). "Doggone: Gray's Papaya Closes Hell's Kitchen Location". Grub Street. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  7. "End Of An Era: Gray's Papaya In Greenwich Village Closes Its Doors". CBS New York. January 9, 2014. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  8. Quinn, Anna (May 6, 2020), "Gray's Papaya Among UWS Restaurants Reopening For Takeout", Patch.com
  9. "An Eater's Guide to New York City", Eater.com, December 17, 2021

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