Sparky's Coney Island Weiners is 100 Years Old

When the Reporter wrote a feature article on "Sparky's" Coney Island Hot Weiner restaurant a year ago, plans were well underway for the famous weenie joint's 100th year in business. The article conjured up memories from fans of the original "joint" owned by the Jimmy Kanelos family. The very first Coney Island System on Taunton Avenue was opened by Jimmy Kanelos' father around 1900. The Kanelos' eventually owned 5 systems in East Providence, including the site where the current Riverside Grille exists in Riverside Square. Kanelos owned his business for some 50 years before retiring around 1985. He was a World War II veteran and served on the EP School Committee for over 23 years. During those early Kanelos years, many a patron would come in to talk about school issues "over a dog and a coffee." It was social networking of its day.

When word got around that Sparky's was possibly closing due to slow business, people rallied and came to support the business. "I saw it on face book and decided to go to Sparkys and help rally support for small business," said EP City Council At Large member, Tracy Adams Capobianco at the time. "I'm really here as a fellow small business owner and resident, not so much as a council person," she added. "If I can help another Townie, I'll be there," Capobianco said. "Tracy always supports local businesses. She wanted to get here (Sparkys) today and I'm glad we came," said her husband David. "I think East Providence is trying to be business friendly," said Tracy Capobianco. "Social media helps and people now know more about this issue. Maybe as a community we could pitch in. Maybe a breakfast club of sorts. We could go to all of these places in groups. Take turns and go to all of them. Even if it's just one day a week. Something to think about," said Capobianco as she and her husband finished breakfast.

George "Sparky" Watts experienced a roller coaster ride of emotions during this last year after the community got wind that his famous Coney Island System restaurant, aka the "weenie joint", was in danger of closing. "It's been tougher to stay in business. I've taken loans and have exhausted all my assets to stay in business. Not sure if I can stay in business," Watts had told The Reporter. The bad news spread like wildfire on social networks like face book. NBC Channel 10 ran two stories which brought the plight of Sparkys Coney Island statewide. Since that point the response was huge.

Sparky did some quick upgrading. The old dark paneled walls were painted white with a nice red trim. New menus were placed in sight. Employees did the painting and others pitched in to spruce up the place. "We plan to put 50's style black and white floor tiles down and a new brighter ceiling in," said a helper sounding like a television reality show advisor. "I agreed to make changes but I want to keep my base menu intact. Weenies, burgers, fries, soups, etc. will remain but I am adding some healthier choices like salads and veggie burgers," said a rejuvenated sounding Watts. "We always had some pastry items but I am adding an expanded desert menu with fresh items for those who want it. I also agree with making more cosmetic changes," said Watts. A new sign of the times is that Sparkys added credit card capabilities which some customers have asked about.

Gina Ankner grew up in East Providence and is a Townie. Ankner now lives in Narragansett and stops at Sparkys whenever passing by East Providence. She ate there many times through the years. Ankner, who is health conscious and works in the medical field, said: "I understand the need for healthy menu alternatives, but when I come here I just want my hot wieners, French fries and a coffee milk!", she said as she enjoyed just that alongside her aunt, Gail DiCenzo Duarte. "I can have salad anywhere!" Ankner also recalled the New Years when East Providence City Hall burned down in 1977. Her late father, John Ankner, was a fireman fighting that fire which occurred during a fierce ice storm. "Jimmy Kanelos and the weenie joint fed the firemen coffee and food for a couple of days. We never forgot that," she said gazing a nostalgic look across the street to the current City Hall. Countless others have continued to support Sparky's Coney Island System during this past year and the business has enjoyed its'100th birthday last month. Happy Birthday and many more.