Nicholas Gray, the man behind Gray’s Papaya, a beloved hot dog shop that has been a staple in Manhattan for half a century, has passed away at the age of 86. According to the Wall St. Journal, Gray died on May 19th at a New York hospital due to complications from Alzheimer’s.
Located on the corner of Broadway and 72nd Street, Gray’s Papaya was known for serving up a quick and affordable slice of hot dog heaven. The sign above the door said it all: “When You’re Hungry, or Broke, or Just in a Hurry!” In 1982, Gray introduced his special: hot dogs and a tropical drink for just $1.95. He kept his hot dog prices at 50 cents until 1999, when he was forced to raise the price to 75 cents. At the time, he put up signs apologizing profusely. Today, a hot dog at Gray’s Papaya costs $2.95, and the Recession Special is $6.45.
But Gray’s Papaya wasn’t just a hit with the hungry. It became an attraction in its own right, appearing in movies like “Fools Rush In” and “You’ve Got Mail,” and on TV shows like “Sex and the City” and “Seinfeld.”
Gray is survived by his wife, four children, a granddaughter, and a sister. And while he may be gone, his legacy lives on through Gray’s Papaya, which is still open for business.
