Tony Packo's Cafe — is a restaurant located in the Birmingham neighborhood on the east side of Toledo, Ohio, at 1902 Front Street. Founded in 1932, it became famous for mentions in several episodes of the television series MASH* (1972–1983). It is referred to as the "most renowned restaurant in Toledo" and "a city institution." Tony Packo's is known for its signature sandwich and its extensive collection of celebrity-signed hot dog buns.
History
Tony Packo's Cafe was founded by Tony Packo in 1932 during the Great Depression with $100. Initially, the restaurant only sold sandwiches and ice cream. In 1935, the Packo family acquired the current building at the corner of Front and Consaul Street near the Momi River. Tony Packo created his signature sandwich by adding a spicy sauce to Hungarian sausage — a sausage that became the basis of the so-called "Hungarian hot dog".
After Tony's death in 1963, the restaurant was managed by his children Nancy Packo Horvat and Tony Jr., leading to significant business growth in the 1960s. In 1980, the company began producing packaged products, including pickles under its own brand.
In 2011, the company was purchased by Robert Bennett for $5.5 million following a court ruling.
Bun Signing
The tradition of signing buns started in 1972 when the renowned actor Burt Reynolds visited the restaurant and left his signature on a hot dog bun. Since then, many celebrities have signed buns, which are now displayed on the restaurant's walls.
Connection with MASH*
Tony Packo's gained worldwide fame through mentions in the television series MASH*. The character Maxwell Klinger, played by Toledo native Jamie Farr, called this restaurant his favorite place in six episodes of the series.
Features of the establishment: takeout, seating available, parking, television, high chairs for children, wheelchair accessible, serving alcohol, bar, free Wi-Fi, credit cards accepted, table service for visitors.
Average check: $12–$20
Address: 1902 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605, United States
Contacts: +1 (419)-691-6054
Hours of operation:
Mon-Thu 10:30-21:00 (10:30 AM - 09:00 PM)
Fri-Sat 10:30-22:00 (10:30 AM - 10:00 PM)
Sun 11:30-21:00 (11:30 AM - 09:00 PM)
