Who invented the Italian hot dog in Newark in 1932?

James Racioppi invented the Italian hot dog in Newark in 1932.

Racioppi, known as “Jimmy Buff,” founded Jimmy Buff’s in Newark, New Jersey. The sandwich combined a hot dog—usually deep-fried—with an Italian roll or pizza bread, fried onions, bell peppers, and potatoes.

The dish’s origin story also credits Racioppi’s wife, Mary, with first preparing the combination for him and his friends while they played cards. Its popularity helped make Jimmy Buff’s closely associated with the Newark-style sandwich.

A common mix-up is confusing the Italian hot dog with an Italian sausage sandwich. Both may use peppers, onions, and potatoes, but the Italian hot dog specifically centers on a hot dog and is strongly identified with New Jersey.