The Virginian-Pilot
©
VIRGINIA BEACH
If James A. "Jimmy" Rellos could have ordered up his American dream, it would have consisted of a hot dog, chips and Coke topped with hard work, few words and a big heart.
Rellos, best known as the owner of the legendary Jimmy's Hot Dogs on Euclid Road, died Aug. 8 at 92.
"He was a good man. Everyone loved him," said his widow, Efthymia "Effie" Rellos. "We had people in from the day we opened until the day we closed."
The native of Greece found a dishwashing job at Bacalis' Place in Norfolk the same day he arrived in the United States in 1950. It was there Rellos learned the business and the chili dog's secret recipe.
For 20 years, Rellos worked side by side with Tony Mirabile Sr. at Bacalis' Place until Tony opened his own place, Tony's Hot Dogs. Rellos worked there, too, until 1973, when he opened Jimmy's Hot Dogs in Pocahontas Square.
By that time, Rellos and Effie had a son and two daughters. The hot dog restaurant was a family affair: Effie, who acquired the nickname "Mrs. Jimmy," worked the counter, washed dishes and served customers, and each of their children worked there part time while in high school.
The business gave the Relloses a fruitful life. It also gave anyone who ever set foot in the establishment a quick and delicious meal, served "Jimmy's way," that most say can never be matched.
Lynn and Jim Nelson of Chesapeake ate lunch at Jimmy's Hot Dogs every Saturday for almost 30 years.
"It was not just our favorite hot dog place, but an institution," Jim Nelson said.
They'd each have two dogs "all the way," with chili, onions and mustard. Sometimes, because it tasted so good, Lynn Nelson said, they'd split a third.
"Jimmy and Effie got in our hearts, and we couldn't help but love them," Lynn said.
Coy Cooke and his sons, Wayne and Mike, were also regulars. The elder Cooke met Rellos in the 1950s, tried his hot dog and became hooked.
"You'd walk in the front door and only have to tell him how many," said the 87-year-old Elizabeth River Shores resident. "By the time you sat down, your hot dogs were ready."
The Cooke brothers kept memorabilia from when Rellos retired and closed Jimmy's Hot Dogs in 2008, including the shop's original sign, mustard bottles, two of Rellos' hats and a menu board displaying prices.
"On the day of his funeral, I left the menu light on all day in honor of Jimmy," Mike Cooke said. "I know where the best hot dogs are now - in heaven."
Sandra, J. Pennecke, pennecke@cox.net
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Jimmy of Jimmy's Hot Dogs
When I was 10 years old in 1952, I was allowed to ride the city bus to go to "downtown" Norfolk. I went to the Hobby Shop in the Selden Arcade to buy model stuff with my allowance. I then went to Bacalis' Hot dogs which was next to the Byrd theater on City Hall Ave. I would hold up 2 fingers from outside and by the time I sat at the counter, I had 2 dogs all the way. Both Tony would fix the dogs just inside the window and door and Jimmy served. Jimmy did the same at his place for years after that. I would then spend 15 cents for a double feature at the Byrd Theater. All this was on a Saturday since I was in school during the week. I now live on Euclid Rd. where Jimmy had his Hot Dog place for years. I ate there until he retired. Wonderful m
Childhood Memories
This article brought me right back to my childhood. My father owned Carpet Suppliers of Virginia on Cleveland St. On Saturdays, we would go sit at Jimmy's counter, where we would get hot dogs (plain for me, all the way for Dad) and grape Nehi. Jimmy's hot dogs had a "crunch". Sometimes, we would get the hot dogs to go, all packed neatly in a white paper box. The picture the article featured of Jimmy was perfect. When I close my eyes, that is exactly where I remember him: sunlight streaming in through the window, Jimmy tending his grill, the laughter of customers. And me...five years old, trying really hard not to spin on the stools. Thank you, thank you so much for honoring Jimmy's memory.
A Relic
Jimmy will be missed. We mourned the closing of Jimmy's Hotdogs just last year. Now we mourn the man behind the counter. I visited Jimmy & Ms. Jimmy from the time I was a small child. No hotdog & chili & mustard could ever compete. He was a one-of-a kind hotdog man! He and his wife were a part of the Virginia Beach scene for so many years, he leaves behind thousands of friends who will mourn his loss and recall his fine business for years to come. Rest in peace, Jimmy.
the best, jerry, the best!
Jimmy's hotdogs have always been my favorite and I was sad to see him go. I can remember always being greeted with "How many?" and the bags of chips, Lance crackers and Mentos on the counter. That was it. So good that I believe I ate 6 with everything once (that's the all-meat chili, onions and mustard only!). Truth be told, I can even remember having a dog or two at Bacalis' Place back in the day. Good times, indeed!
please let me add...
The photo brings back that wonderful smell walking in the door past the grill. You want drink?
He will be missed
Great article! There is so much more to be said about Jimmy and Effie. They're the nicest people you could ever meet.We could ALL learn from them and how they touched the lives of people everyday with a smile and a hot dog.Rest in peace Jimmy and god be with you Effie.Thank you and I'll take "TWO"
Jimmy's Dogs were the best
no other place can come close.. I spent the better of a year searching for a dog that could rival Jimmy's.. save for Tony's on Llewellyn, it never happened..
I really miss the chili dogs
I really miss the chili dogs from Tony's. I make a stop there every time that I return to town. I sure wish that I could get a chili like that here on the West Coast! The best thing they can come up with out here in CA is a chain called Der Weinerschntchel.
Thanks Phil & Jerry for keeping it going. BTW, I'd love to open a Tony's West
der weinerschnitchel
I remember one in Hampton in the '70s near Mercury Blvd.