[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 128 (Wednesday, July 30, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S7774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING SIMONES' HOT DOG STAND

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I wish to celebrate the centennial 
of a treasured institution within Maine's Lewiston-Auburn community. 
Simones' Hot Dog Stand has been located on Chestnut Street in Lewiston 
since 1908, and by the looks of things, it will be there for at least 
another hundred years.
  A third- and fourth-generation family-owned small business, Simones' 
Hot Dog Stand has been immensely popular since its founding. Back then, 
Simones' was truly a ``small'' business, constructed of wooden soda 
crates with just four stools for customers. Luckily, Simones' had a 
walk up take out window as well. Hot dogs at the time cost a nickel, 
with the bargain price of a quarter for six hotdogs. Over the years, 
various members of the Simones family have operated and worked at the 
stand, and its present proprietor, Jimmy Simones, has been a steadfast 
employee since 1973.
  With time, the hotdog stand has faced challenges and undergone 
changes. During the Great Depression, with the price of meat 
skyrocketing, Simones' turned to chopped bologna as a substitute for 
hotdogs. During World War II, when meat became scarce on the homefront, 
SPAM was used in its place until the daily ration was employed. In 
1966, realizing the need for additional space, Simones' moved across 
the street, from 98 Chestnut Street to No. 99, where it has been since. 
Over the years, Simones' menu has expanded to include other lunch 
items, such as subs, salads, and even homemade soups from scratch 
during the cold winter months. It is also open for breakfast.
  But what will catch the visitor's eye most, aside from the fast and 
friendly service, is its signature bright neon red hotdog. Simones' 
famed hotdogs are truly unique, with a complement of red food coloring 
in their casings. Many customers prefer the traditional presentation of 
a steamed hotdog in a steamed bun topped with mustard, ketchup, or 
relish. For those of different culinary persuasion, Simones' offers 
chili, cheese, and sauerkraut to top their hotdogs.
  Simones family members are also charitable neighbors, helping to make 
Lewiston a better place to live. Simones' donates their hotdogs to the 
scholarship foundation of the MAINEiacs, Lewiston's junior ice hockey 
team, as well as Leavitt Area High School's Project Graduation and 
other local nonprofit groups. Current owner Jimmy Simones serves on the 
Central Maine Community College Foundation board of directors and has 
volunteered at Lewiston's Sexual Assault Crisis Center. Additionally, 
Jimmy's wife Linda is a member of the St. Mary's Hospital Federally 
Qualified Health Care Board in Lewiston and a graduate of the 
hospital's nursing school. The Simones family is also active in the 
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church parish. Jimmy is a past president of 
the church, and son George, who works at the stand, serves as a chanter 
for services. And all three Simones are familiar faces during the 
church's annual Greek Festival, volunteering their time to enhance the 
experience of the hundreds who attend.
  From the regulars who come in daily for a hotdog, to Maine's 
political figures who make it a must-stop on the campaign trail, 
Simones' is truly the place to take the local pulse of the Lewiston-
Auburn community. It is no wonder that Simones' has established itself 
as a pillar in central Maine. I wish Jimmy, Linda, George, and everyone 
at Simones' a wonderful celebration of 100 successful years and look 
forward to many more years--and hotdogs.

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