Jimmy Buff's

Jimmy Buff's of 14th Ave. & 9th St. in Newark, NJ is where the hot dog with an Italian twist was first concocted by the founder, James "Bluff" Racioppi in 1932. Great-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". The Italian hot dog was first served as a treat by the Racioppis for close friends and relatives. It went over so big with them, it became the center of their menu and ultimately a customer favorite. The fresh onions, peppers, and potatoes combined with a hot dog is what allows the specialty its claim to originality. Today, over 81 years later, the Italian Hot Dog and its nearest relative, the Italian Sausage, are the staple fare at Jimmy Buff's and take turns outselling each other. Today we cook our Italian Hot Dogs and Sausages in cholesterol free soybean oil just like Grandpa Buff did in 1932. The tradition lives on.