Ninety years ago, Tony Packo served authentic Hungarian food in the “glass city.” Ever since the legend of this eatery grew with every signature Packo’s chili hot dog sold.
This inventive recipe was dubbed the Hungarian hot dog. Tony cut a Hungarian sausage in half, added spicy chili sauce, and put it on rye. Although it resembled an American hot dog, there was nothing like it.
So, it was a place the locals raved about for years.
Then, in the early 1970s, the hottest star of 70s cinema – Burt Reynolds – stopped in for a bite. Of course, they wouldn’t let him leave without an autograph. Reynolds being the character he was, grabbed a bun and scribbled his name on it. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Today, the place displays wall-to-wall (foam replica) buns signed by famous people the world over.
Tony Packo’s reached worldwide fame when a character on the #1 television show, M*A*S*H raved about his hometown eatery in episode after episode.
There are now several Packo’s restaurants in the Greater Toledo area. The original is located at 1902 Front Street. Plan your visit at https://www.tonypacko.com/.
