Dedicated To
The History Of
M&M Red Hots &
The Patros Family
The
History Of M&M RED HOTS
M&M Red Hots was
established in 1919 by my Grandfather, Andrew B. Patros, who immigrated to The United
States from Leonidion, Greece. Andrew 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. Andrew Patros had plans for his new business and for the future success
of his new business. Once the purchase was made he changed the name of the business to
M&M Red Hots and against the advice of others he then converted the M & M
Luncheonette Restaurant into a Hot Dog Business. 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, which of
course is the nationally known M&M Chili Sauce. Others would try to copy the
recipe, but never could.
If you've ever had a M&M RED HOT (hot dog with mustard, onions and chili sauce; no
beans) you will probably agree that a M&M RED HOTS Hot Dog has a very distinctive and
unforgettable taste, in fact, 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 & Grill which was established in 1946
by my Grandfather, Andrew Patros (Papou In Greek, pronounced as Pa-Pooh). My Uncle, Bill
Patros became the Proprietor of the M&M Bar & Grill in 1951 at which time my
Uncles, Pete Patros and Tommy Patros became the Proprietors of the M&M Red Hots.
M&M RED HOTS
SINCE 1919 M&M Red Hots is a
longtime fixture of Downtown Elmira, New York. M&M Red Hots is still serving its DELICIOUS M&M RED HOT DOGS and is
currently located at 212 Baldwin Street in Elmira, NY.
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 also to the history of M&M Red Hots.
Post Your
Memories Of M&M Red Hots Click here to email
or send your email to: mandmredhots@yahoo.com to post your memories of M&M Red Hots
and M&M Bar & Grill.
The Three Locations Of
M&M Red Hots
1919-1946
The first location of M&M Red Hots was 171 Baldwin Street on the corner of Baldwin and
Market Streets. In 1946 the M&M Bar & Grill was established by my Grandfather,
Andrew Patros, M&M Red Hots moved to a new location.
1946-1977
The second location of M&M Red Hots was 163 Baldwin Street. 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. 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 problems. The Grand Opening was held on October 31, 1977.
The 3
Locations of M&M RED HOTS
M&M RED HOTS
Elmira, NY
Bill Patros Andy Patros
Pete Patros
That is
my Grandfather, Andrew Patros standing at the cash register, seated at the counter behind
Andrew Patros is my Uncle, Pete Patros. Standing behind Andrew Patros is my Uncle, Bill
Patros.
Photo taken at the first location of M&M
RED HOTS - 171 Baldwin Street
Photo courtesy of:
Mrs. Peter (Stella) Patros
M&M RED HOTS
Elmira, NY
Pete & Stella Patros
This
photo of my Uncle and Aunt, Pete & Stella Patros outside the second location about a
year before they would re-locate the M&M Red Hots to their new building and location
which is the current address of M&M Red Hots
212 Baldwin St.
Photo taken at the second location of M&M RED HOTS
161 Baldwin Street
Photo taken in 1976
M&M RED HOTS
Elmira, NY
Pete Patros
Pete
Patros Prepares To Serve The First M&M RED HOTS Hot Dog At The New Location
This photo of my Uncle, Pete Patros was taken at the M&M's Grand Opening of their new
location at 212 Baldwin St. on October 31, 1977.
Photo courtesy of:
Mrs. Peter (Stella) Patros
Post Your Memories Of
M&M Red Hots Click here to email
or send your email to: mandmredhots@yahoo.com to post your memories of M&M Red Hots
and M&M Bar & Grill.
Elmira, NY
Est. 1919
Andrew Patros
Founder
Recent Reviews Of M&M Red Hots "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 meat sauce.
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!"
