New York Hot Dog King Of TV/Film Favorite ‘Gray’s Papaya’ Turns 86 – Deadline

nicolas graywhose Gray’s Papaya hot dog shop was a Manhattan accessory for 50 years, has died at 86.

Gray died May 19 at a New York hospital from complications of Alzheimer’s, the Wall St Journal informed.

Located near the corner of Broadway and 72nd Street in Manhattan, the shop was known as a quick and cheap slice of hot dog heaven. A sign above the door said it all: “When you’re hungry, broke or in a hurry!”

In 1982, Gray instituted his special: hot dogs and a tropical drink for $1.95. He kept hot dog prices down to 50 cents until 1999, when he was forced to raise the bite to 75 cents. He put up posters at the time apologizing profusely. A hot dog is now $2.95 and the recession special is $6.45.

The store was not only a hit with the hungry, but soon became an attraction in its own right. The store was featured in movies like “Fools Rush In” and “You’ve Got Mail,” and was featured on the TV shows “Sex and the City” and “Seinfeld.”

Gray is survived by his wife, four children, a granddaughter and a sister.