Papaya King opened up in 1932 as a tropical juice bar by Gus Poulos. HE went to Cuba ( in Cuba, Melon are all over the place) and fell in love with the Papaya Fruit. So when he came back to New York City from his vacation he decided to open a Juice Bar just serving juice, but New York City was not ready for it and his business went down. On the Upper Eastside on 86th st, and 3 Ave. Durig that time the Upper Eastside was considered "German Town" since the German community left the East Village in late 1870. Gus's best friend who was Germany; suggested Gus sell the Frankfurter with the juice as well.By 1937 Gus Poulos Business was booming because if you came to the upper Eastside you had to go to Papaya King for the Frankfurter and Papaya juice.
Then He opened one in Brooklyn, New York and Darby, Pa which is now closed. Peter Gray partner of Papaya King opened up his own Gray`s Papaya in 1970 on 72nd St. On Amsterdam Ave. On the Upper Westside and let me tell you; its the best one!
What makes Papaya King so different from the New York dirty dogs; they grill the dogs so when you bit it, it crunches right in your mouth.
For Tours email me at tammaymorton@lvunewyork.com
