M&M
RED HOTS
Elmira, NY
Est. 1919

Andy Patros
Founder

Dedicated To
The History Of
M&M Red Hots &
The Patros Family

M&M Red Hots was established by my Grandfather, Andy Patros in 1919. Andy Patros immigrated to The United States from Leonidion, Greece. Andy Patros purchased the M&M Luncheonette from Anthony Faklis in 1918. The name M&M came from the initials of Faklis' two daughters, Mary & Matina. Andy Patros had plans for his new business and for the future success of his new business. Andy Patros changed the name of the business to M&M Red Hots and against the advice of others he converted the M&M Luncheonette Restaurant into a Hot Dog Stand Restaurant. He would then put into action an old and proven business method to business success, selling a low priced product in volume, so he  concentrated his business efforts on developing a "unique" product, the nationally renown M&M Red Hot.

If you've ever had an M&M Red Hots Hot Dog (hot dog with mustard, onions and chili sauce you might say That is the best hot dog that I've ever had! M&M Red Hots was always a family owned and operated business, my Uncles Bill Patros, Pete Patros, who was also my Godfather (Nonos or Nounos in Greek)and Tom Patros were all active in the family businesses that also included the M&M Bar and Grill which was established in 1946 by my Grandfather, Andy Patros (Papou In Greek, pronounced as Pa-Pooh). My Uncle, Bill Patros became the Proprietor of the M&M Bar and Grill in 1951 at which time my Uncles; Pete Patros and Tom Patros became the Proprietors of the M&M Red Hots.

This site is dedicated to The Patros Family who have all passed away, including my Mother, Mary Patros Stevens and my Grandmother, Irene Greven Patros (Yiayia or Giagia in Greek; pronounced as Ya-Yah) and to the history of M&M Red Hots.

Locations Of M&M Red Hots

1919-1946
The first location of M&M Red Hots was 171 Baldwin Street Elmira, NY, on the corner of Baldwin and Market Streets. In 1946 the M&M Bar and Grill was established by my Grandfather, Andy Patros, and M&M Red Hots moved to a new location.

1946-1977
The second location of M&M Red Hots was 163 Baldwin Street Elmira, NY. The M&M Red Hots would remain at this location for over 30 years. In 1975, Elmira's Urban Renewal Agency would name, Peter Patros as a tentative preferred redeveloper, this, of course would be objected by him and other business owners, however, the move was inevitable.

M&M is preferred redeveloper for Baldwin St. land

Star-Gazette August 1975

1977-Current
The third (current) location of M&M Red Hots is 212 Baldwin Street Elmira, NY. A new building was designed and built on one level with an apartment in the rear. The original proposal was for a two-story building, however this would later be amended at Pete Patros' request due to health issues. The Grand Opening was held on October 31, 1977.

M&M Red Hots Reviews
"Born and raised in Elmira. My husband and I left when we were in our 30's. Can't tell you how much I miss those hot dogs. Nothing better than 2 hot with meat sauce and chocolate milk. Worth the 2000 mile trip back there to get them."

"All you need to know is they serve hot dogs with mustard, onions, and meatsauce. It's like heaven, only more filling. If you live within 12,000 miles of Elmira and have never had one of these gourmet delights, you are not really living."

"Everytime that we return to Elmira for a visit, the first thing we'll do is stop at the M & M for their hotdog. It's by far, the best in the country and I just wish everyone in the world could experience an M & M hot dog!"

"My grandfather used to take me there when I was a little girl and I have been a fan ever since. I do NOT like hotdogs anywhere else on earth, but I will eat 2 at the M&M!"

"I grew up on these dogs and they are the best!

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June 17, 2009