oUR mISSION
At Bill's Sandwich Shop, we are dedicated to providing our valued guests with the highest quality and value in every aspect of their dining experience. We use only the freshest ingredients, deliver friendly service in a pleasant environment, and treat our employees with respect, all to create a memorable and welcoming place for our community.
Our History
Bill’s Sandwich Shop was founded by Bill Papazekos in the early 70’s, mainly as a fast-food restaurant with a limited menu. It remained so, with a few additions through the years, becoming one of the most well-known places for Hot Dogs in New Castle. Eventually, Bill’s expanded to three locations in the greater New Castle area. Eventually, The East Washington location was purchased by Bill’s brother and was renamed Jimmy’s. In 2017, Bill decided to retire and the West Side location was sold (it is currently operating as Bill’s Sandwich Shop but is not associated with the other restaurants). The Neshannock store was purchased by Bill’s nephew, Spiros Kardambikis, and carries on the tradition of fine sandwiches and famous chili.
Spiros’ interest in food started at a young age and his career in food service started as a teenager at Bill’s Sandwich Shop. Spiro immigrated to the US from Greece, with his family, in 1976 and Bill supported Spiros with his first job. As an adult, Spiro owned and operated a well-known convenience store and pizza shop in New Castle called Handy Andy’s. Another career change saw Spiros leave the food business for about twenty-five years. Working in sales and distribution, Spiros had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the Northeast and the US in general. Spiros made a point to enjoy the local cuisine whenever possible. Early in 2017, Spiro was ready for a change. At the same time, Bill was ready to step away from the restaurant and he asked if Spiros would be interested in taking over. And now here we are.
Even though he wanted to have continuity with Bill’s original concept of fast, affordable offerings of Hot Dogs, Hamburgers and Subs, Spiros decided to upgrade the menu with a little Mediterranean flavor by offering more salads, homemade dressings, homemade soups, and a variety of sides.
The Chili Story
In the early 20th century, Greek immigrants arrived in the United States, seeking new opportunities and a better life. Among them were skilled cooks and culinary enthusiasts who brought with them their rich traditions and flavors from the Mediterranean. As these Greek immigrants settled in different parts of the country, they became actively involved in the food industry, operating diners, restaurants, and food stands that served a mix of American and Greek cuisines.
In these bustling food establishments, Greek immigrants sought to adapt their traditional recipes to cater to the local tastes and preferences. One dish that emerged from this blending of cultures was what we now know as "hot dog chili." Drawing inspiration from their Greek culinary heritage, these immigrants created a savory meat sauce that perfectly complemented the popular American fast food – the hot dog.
The Greek-style chili sauce was influenced by dishes like "soutzoukakia," which are Greek meatballs seasoned with an array of aromatic herbs and spices. To create their hot dog chili, they typically used ground beef or a combination of ground beef and pork, mixed with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, and sometimes even a hint of cocoa powder. This unique combination of flavors gave the chili a distinctive taste that set it apart from other hot dog toppings.
Over time, the Greek-inspired hot dog chili gained popularity, particularly in the Southeastern United States. Many hot dog stands, diners, and restaurants in this region started serving hot dogs topped with the delectable Greek chili, delighting customers with its savory and slightly exotic profile.
As with any beloved culinary creation, variations of hot dog chili began to emerge. Different regions and even individual hot dog shops put their own twists on the classic recipe, incorporating local ingredients and personal preferences. Some variations added a touch of sweetness, while others turned up the heat with extra spices.
Today, hot dog chili stands as a testament to the diverse and rich culinary heritage of the United States. While its roots trace back to Greek immigrants, the dish has evolved and adapted over the years, with influences from various other immigrant groups contributing to the vibrant tapestry of flavors that define American cuisine.
No matter its origin or the particular blend of ingredients used, hot dog chili remains a beloved and iconic topping that continues to tantalize taste buds across the nation, a testament to the power of culinary fusion and the enduring legacy of Greek immigrants in American food culture.
Listen up!
Interested in listening to a podcast of the history of Bill’s Sandwich Shop? Click the “Hot Dog” picture to listen!
