business
Walt's Original Coney Island in Waterford turns 90, celebrates with deals on National Hot Dog Day
By Jolie Sherman at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· July 14, 2026
· 2 min read
Walt's Original Coney Island in Waterford Township is turning 90 this year, and the restaurant is marking the milestone with deals for customers on National Hot Dog Day.The restaurant, located off M-59 near Cass and Elizabeth Lake roads, first opened in Pontiac in 1936 when gas cost 16 cents per...
Key takeaway Watch Jolie Sherman's video report below: Celebrating Walt's Coney Island's 90th birthdayBy the mid-1950s, the restaurant moved to its current Waterford location.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The 90th anniversary of Walt's Original Coney Island is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional eateries in the Detroit area. As a local institution, Walt's has managed to maintain its consistency and charm across three owners, with customers like Nancy Dunn returning for generations. The restaurant's ability to evoke strong personal connections, as seen in Dunn's emotional response, speaks to the importance of such establishments in fostering community ties. The fact that Walt's has been able to thrive in Waterford Township for over six decades also highlights the suburb's role in supporting small businesses. As the Detroit area continues to evolve, the longevity of Walt's Original Coney Island serves as a reminder of the value placed on local traditions and family-owned restaurants. With its special deals on National Hot Dog Day, Walt's is likely to attract both longtime regulars and new customers, further cementing its place in the local culinary scene.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
Get more The Detroit stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering business and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Walt's Original Coney Island in Waterford Township is turning 90 this year, and the restaurant is marking the milestone with deals for customers on National Hot Dog Day.The restaurant, located off M-59 near Cass and Elizabeth Lake roads, first opened in Pontiac in 1936 when gas cost 16 cents per...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jolie Sherman at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More business →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter