Detroit Coney Island closes Palm Harbor restaurant, teases new location and food truck

A northern Pinellas favorite closed its doors yesterday, but it seems like its loaded hot dogs and other regional delights won't be gone for long.

“As of today Sunday, February 11, Detroit Coney Island Palm Harbor is officially closed for business. It’s been 14 years in Pinellas County, 7 years in Palm Harbor,” the hot dog shop wrote on Facebook yesterday. “We will miss you at this location but keep watching our Facebook for details on what's coming next! Goodbye for now but we will see you soon.”

Although it’s too late to get one last taste of Michigan from Detroit Coney Island’s Palm Harbor location at 32922 US Hwy. 19 N, a representative of the business tells Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that a brand new location and food truck will soon make a debut within the next few weeks.

Additionally, Detroit Coney Island owners Dante and Barb Guarascio  are also in the process of opening an ice cream shop in Clearwater, although specific details about its name and opening timeline are still unknown.

Detroit Coney Island's most iconic item—a classic hot dog in a steamed bun smothered in a beanless chili, raw onions and mustard—was enjoyed by loyal customers alongside other bites like breakfast platters, omelets, burgers, salads, gyros and sandwiches with corned beef, pastrami or fried fish. Another Detroit favorite and popular offering,  a chicken tender pita wrap called a “Hani,” will hopefully be on the menu at Detroit Coney Island’s upcoming location and food truck.

Detroit Coney Island—not to be confused with the Brooksville-based Coney Island Drive-Inn—made its Pinellas County debut in 2010. The business opened a second location in Largo a few years later and moved its flagship operation to Clearwater Beach in 2016.

Owners Dante and Barb Guarascio sold the Clearwater Beach location in 2019 and built their current 2,500-square-foot restaurant  in Palm Harbor, which served its very last customers yesterday.

For the latest updates on Detroit Coney Island's new location and upcoming food truck, head to its Facebook at @detroitconeyisland where announcements will be made within the next few weeks.
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