NJ's Creator Of The Italian Hot Dog Celebrates 91 Year Anniversary

NEW JERSEY — It's been 91 years since a small hot dog joint in New Jersey concocted a the Italian hotdog.

Jimmy Buff's, with locations in West Orange and Kenilworth, recently its celebrated 91-year anniversary.

"WOW! 91 YEARS! On August 1, 1932, my grandparents opened a small eatery serving their Italian Style hot dogs and sausages," wrote Jimmy Buff's of West Orange.

The first location at the corner of 14th Ave. and 9th St. in Newark was where the hotdog with an Italian twist was first concocted by the founder James "Bluff" Racioppi in 1932, according to hott dog joint.

"Grandpa got his nickname from his style at the card table. Translation from Italian to English came up with the nickname "BUFF". In the 20s and 30s everyone had a nickname and hence James Racioppi became known as "Jimmy Buff"," according to jimmybuffs.com.

The sandwich with fresh onions, peppers, and potatoes was first served as a treat by the Racioppi's for close friends and relatives.

It eventually became the center of their menu and a customer favorite.

The Italian hotdog and the Italian sausage are both favorites on the menu and continue to be cooked in cholesterol free soybean oil just like "Grandpa Buff" did in 1932.

The two remaining locations are run by Racioppi's two great-grandsons. Thomas Racioppi runs the West Orange location and Michael Loikith runs the Kenilworth location.

The hot dog joint recently expanded into offering delivery locally and shipping of their sandwiches nationwide. This expansion was due to the pandemic, according to a proclamation issued by West Orange.

"Thank you Mary and James Racioppi for creating such a delicious treat. Thank you to our valuable employees who keep the stores running like a well oiled machine. Most of all, thank you, our loyal customers! Without you all, we wouldn’t exist. HAPPY 91st ANNIVERSARY JIMMY BUFF’S!" wrote Jimmy Buff's of West Orange.