The Original Hot Spot celebrates 50 years this Sunday

The Original Hot Spot, 3421 Boardwalk and Cedar Ave. in Wildwood, will celebrate 50 years on Sunday, June 17 from 4 - 6 p.m.

Their anniversary party will feature DJ entertainment and will have complimentary pizza and hot dogs in appreciation for all of the loyal customers and friends they’ve gained throughout the years.

The Original Hot Spot began in 1962 when a hard-working and immensely driven man, Harry Karavangelos, had a vision and followed through with it. He emigrated from Greece at a mere 16 years old and began his future with only a $5 bill in his pocket.

Karavangelos started his career in Philadelphia when his love of food caused him to eat his paycheck, literally. At his first job, he was eating meal after meal to maintain his energy and didn’t realize that with every bite he took, the owners were deducting each and every mouthful from his paycheck. Therefore, he continued on his journey in hopes for something more…all the way to Wildwood.

Harry single-handedly started a trend for all of the Greek Restaurants in Wildwood and was the very first business to serve Gyros on the boardwalk. The original owner of Vegas Diner & Harry’s Corner, he began Hot Spot with just a single steam table, and just one grill.

Together with one of his friends, they worked around the clock, to ensure that their customers had high quality meals at affordable prices. When the business became an extreme success just few years later, he returned to Greece where he snagged his wife, Anastasia, much to her father’s dismay.

Five children and 44 years later, the Karavangelos Family has seven Hot Spot locations throughout Wildwood that are all family owned and operated. Karavangelos also owns Athens and Athens 2 in North Wildwood, as well as Karavangelos Construction that built The Fairview.

Carrying on The Original Hot Spot and Hot Spot #4 (3816 Spicer on the Boardwalk) traditions are his Daughters and Son-in Laws, Haroula and Joe Rotondi and Via and Sal Vampirri.

Each location has become well-known for their wide variety of pizza options and toppings, and their sausage and peppers sandwich. They have family secret recipes for every item you choose and make salads that are absolutely to die for.

All of the owners make it their duty to get to know each and every customer on a personal level, and are always present at the restaurant. Stop in any day of the week from 7:30 a.m. to midnight for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or to sample their All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.