St. Paul landmark set to reopen for the Republican National Convention

Coney Island Tavern
The Coney Island Tavern is set to reopen its doors for the Republican National Convention later this month.
MPR Photo/Tim Post

Owners of the Original Coney Island Tavern restaurant said today they were reopening their landmark restaurant next week.

They declined to talk about their plans, but they have posted a flyer in their window saying they'll be serving their legendary hot dogs for the run of the Republican gathering in St. Paul.

Coney Island flier
A flier advertises the reopening of the Original Coney Island Tavern.
MPR Photo/Tim Post

The building dates back 150 years, and once served as a Civil War era armory. It's the oldest commercial building in the city. Ten years ago, the St. Paul Companies insurance firm proposed demolishing much of the block to make room for an expansion on St. Peter street.

The Arvanitis family, which owns the Coney Island, fought back and vowed to reopen, but the building has been shuttered since 1994.

It's scheduled to open again for business from August 29 through September 4.

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