Deprecated: mb_convert_encoding(): Handling HTML entities via mbstring is deprecated; use htmlspecialchars, htmlentities, or mb_encode_numericentity/mb_decode_numericentity instead in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/super-cool-ad-inserter/inc/scaip-shortcode-inserter.php on line 37

It’s sad when a restaurant that survived for more than 100 years shuts down. It’s downright devastating when that happens in a town such as Johnstown, where many of the best and brightest regularly move away.

That’s what happened with Coney Island Lunch, which served its iconic chili dogs for more than a century before closing in 2017.

But Coney Island Lunch is back — a symbol, perhaps, of the bright future that Johnstown leaders envision for this Rust Belt town.

“This is everything for the community, and it was just a great opportunity to bring back the culture and iconic nature of this business,” said owner Randy Clark to the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat.

The menu is simple. A Coney Island hot dog comes with special chili, mustard, and super finely minced onions. A Sundowner is a cheeseburger with chili, minced onions, mustard, and a fried egg. There are other options (grilled ham and cheese), but why miss an opportunity to try the Greek-style chili that kept Coney Island afloat for over 100 consecutive years? A complement with a “most delicious coffee,” it actually pairs well with the chili.

When a restaurant that had a century of history behind it bounces back, you don’t pass up a chance to go.

Follow senior writer Ryan Deto on Twitter @RyanDeto