This week’s Royalty member comes to us from the Lower east side; John from New York tells us what makes Papaya King frankfurters so great!

Here’s some more from Guy and Melissa—the first elite members of the King’s Court. If you missed their video interview you can check it out here.

Papaya King: How long have you been coming to Papaya King?

Guy: Melissa has been eating at Papaya King since she was 7 and I’ve been going since 5 or 6. Over 40 years for her and almost 50 for me.

Papaya King: Guy, what is your best family memory at Papaya King?

Guy: Going with my older brother Alan was always special but the best has to have been taking my nephews Ron, now 36, and Jacob, 15, to Papaya King for their first experiences. All Ron could say was “mmmmmmmmm” with a big smile on his face. Jacob thought it was so great that he asked when we were coming back—and he hadn’t finished chewing his first hot dog yet! His brother Max, 12, was speechless—which is something for him.

Papaya King: And yours Melissa?

Melissa: Going with my Dad and little sister for a special treat.

Papaya King: What is your childhood memory of Papaya King?

Guy: Melissa fell in love with music at age 13.  From then until she left for college her regular ritual was to go over to 86th Street  and shop for records at Sam Goody with her hard-earned cash, then go over to Papaya King and order a “special” to celebrate her new purchases. For me—I just loved going there with my Dad and brothers. My Mom loved hot dogs too, but thought it was a good “boys day out.” Can’t argue with that!

Papaya King: Melissa, you mentioned when we first met that you had experienced first dates at Papaya King—can you elaborate?

Melissa: my memories of first dates at Papaya King are a terrific collage of good food and a stolen kiss at the movies—86th Street always had movie theaters. If you were invited to a “King” and movie date, you knew he really liked you.

Papaya King: What is your favorite frankfurter and topping and why?

Melissa: A little mustard and onions well, because they rock. Sweet and salty is a favorite flavor combination of mine. Guy likes heavy mustard and sauerkraut—he’s a traditionalist all the way. “Why mess with perfection,” he says. 

Papaya King: What is your favorite Papaya King Drink?

Melissa: We both love Papaya (of course)… But Guy is also a fan of the Coconut Champagne and Grape drink (just for a change of pace).

Papaya King: What would you love to see on the menu?

Guy: Nothing else really. Keep it simple. You make hot dogs, fries, some sausage, great drinks & smoothies…If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Are you Papaya King Royalty, see if you’re eligible for the King’s Court by sharing your Papaya King stories with us.

Her Royal Highness, The Queen of England, isn’t the only Royalty in town this week…we’d like to introduce you to Guy and Melissa. We now hereby proclaim this Regal couple as Papaya King Royalty and are proud to introduce them as the first elite members of the King’s Court.

Papaya King Television Episode 2 – Alexander Poulos tells us what he loves about Papaya King frankfurters.

Lick your lips. We’ll be back!

On Sunday, June 27th, Papaya King—New York City’s original frankfurter and tropical drink haven— is taking a much needed Mid-Summer Break. For 78 years we’ve been in the same location serving our famous frankfurters, tropical drinks and smoothies to native New Yorkers and visitors alike.

During the Mid-Summer Break, Papaya King’s landmark location on 86th Street and 3rd Avenue is undergoing renovations. There’s no denying that the frankfurters and juice drinks will be missed, especially by Alexander Poulos (35-year Papaya King veteran and nephew of Papaya King founder Gus Poulos). But he’ll be working day and night to help reopen the doors and welcome you back, in addition to taking the reigns on Papaya King Television 

While we take a break, all you frank and drink lovers can hang out on our website—if only we had something like this back in 1932… Lick your lips. We’ll be back!”