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In early March 2019 the Winter was starting to simply drag on, so why not finish the Michigan list with a Trip to the Westside for beers and dogs!

 

First stop was Muskegon's finest and favorite, G&L's! G&L was founded by George Baldas and Louie Coredas. These two Greek immigrants opened The G&L Sandwich Shop in downtown Muskegon on Western Avenue in 1926. The G&L Greek Chili Dog is the same today as it was in 1926 when it sold for 5 cents.  The Greek Chili Dog uses the "dry" chili with a strange spice (cumin? Nutmeg?)

Fast, hot and delicious food was in high demand during the Great Depression, and G&L knew how to dish it up exactly how the nearby factory workers liked it.

Future G&L owner Gust "Charlie" Peliotes started his career at G&L at the age of 18, selling chili dogs for five cents a piece. 1960 Charlie purchased G&L from original dog-masters George and Louie. After 18 years of working with G&L, Charlie understood the Coney Island business like few every could. He and his wife Ethel relocate G&L a few doors down on Western Ave. They added french fries to the menu for the first time (what did we ever do without french fries?)

 

The G&L Sternberg Rd Location

 

In 1965, G&L introduced the “Greek Special,” one of the very first combo meals.   In 198 Bill Dutmer bought G&L from Charlie and Ethel who retired after 26 years as owners and operators of G&L.

In 1995 The Johnsons, a five-generation Muskegon family bought G&L from Bill. The Johnson family had enjoyed the amazing G&L Greek Chili Dog since its initial opening and earnestly brought their business into the family. Charles took over day-to-day operations, and soon opened another Muskegon location.

In 2000 Peter Johnson joined his older brother Charles in the G&L venture. He assisted in managing the three operations in Muskegon while focusing on further growth opportunities. G&L's next location opened in 2001 on Sternberg Rd., and would become the prototype for future G&L stores.  It was the Sternberg location that Mike and Bone hit since the original in Downtown Muskegon had closed.