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Lewiston Landmark to Celebrate 100 Years of Hot Dogs

August 13, 2008 - LEWISTON — A landmark eatery in Lewiston that has become a requisite campaign stop for the state's most prominent politicians is poised to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

Simones' hot dog stand has been a fixture on Chestnut Street since it was opened by a Greek immigrant family in 1908.

During its first half-century, Simones' operated out of a shack made from soda crates. Hot dogs were passed through a small window to workers heading to their jobs in the mills. In the 1950s, the business moved to its present location across the street.

Owners Jimmy and Linda Simones (pronounced Sim-OH'-ness) plan to celebrate the anniversary next week. They're asking customers to share memories and photos of the restaurant.

At a time when restaurants come and go, Jimmy Simones says, greeting each day with relish is the key to the longevity of the business his grandparents founded.

"I've always loved it. I've had other opportunities, but no, I love this," he said. "I come to work smiling and I'm still smiling at the end of the day. If I'm not, then maybe it's time to work elsewhere."

When he does eventually retire, his son George is ready to take over.

Framed photos of family members share the walls of Simones' hot dog stand with those of visiting dignitaries, politicians and members of the Lewiston Maineiacs hockey team.

Gov. John Baldacci, whose family owns a restaurant in Bangor, has campaigned at Simones' eatery, as have Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins and a slew of aspirants for local office.

"They come in to test the waters, see what they get for a response," Simones said. Lewiston has always been a center of political activity, he said, and the restaurant is centrally located near City Hall and Kennedy Park.

The centennial celebration, running from Monday to Aug. 15, will feature $1 specials, door prizes and other events. There will be a popcorn machine, a nod to the popcorn cart that Simones' grandparents wheeled around Kennedy Park and Garcelon Field, selling nickel bags of popcorn during circus visits.

The restaurant's trademark red hot dogs still outsell the standard brown ones and remain popular among transplanted Mainers who return to Lewiston from homes outside the state.

"It's the red dogs by far," he said. "Locals who have left the area say they can't find them anyplace else."

The Associated Press August 7, 2008


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