Talking Heads’ David Byrne Once Served Hot Wieners in Providence

"Two all the way" is a popular order at Olneyville New York System.

The Providence establishment specializes in NY-style hot wieners, featuring a hot dog in a steamed bun and topped with mustard, meat, onions and celery salt.

This late-night staple has been fueling Rhode Islanders for decades, and its history includes a famous face.

Singer, songwriter, filmmaker and visual artist David Byrne can also add hot wiener maker to his resumé.

David Byrne’s Olneyville Hot Wiener Job

The 73-year-old recounted his experience working at Olneyville New York System in Providence.

"It's like a diner that serves hot dog with chili on them," he said.

@davidbyrneofficialHot Dogs ft. Quaaludes!♬ original sound - David Byrne

"The way they serve it you line the buns up with hot dogs on your arm. You can have six or seven of them on your arm and then you dribble the chili on them," he said. "And the chili of course is soaking through and running down your arm and it's really not that appetizing, but that's the gimmick."

READ MORE: SouthCoast Couple Is on a Mission to Review Every Local Hot Dog

He's right. Having ordered many hot wieners (or "gaggahs" to many) throughout my life, having them lined up the arm is part of the experience. It's kind of disappointing when they don't do it.

Late Nights at New York System

"It was the kind of place that was open until two in the morning," Byrne said.

He recalled many nights when things would get rowdy.

"We'd get a lot of people at a certain hour coming out of parties or bars or whatever drunk and on quaaludes," he said. "Quaaludes were big at the time, so they really were weaving all over the place and they wanted their hot dogs. Sometimes there'd be a fight."

READ MORE: Newport Hot Dog Tower Is a Real Wiener

Get our free mobile app

Byrne’s Rhode Island Roots

Byrne was working at New York System while attending Rhode Island School of Design.

It was during his time at RISD during the mid-1970s that he co-founded the rock band Talking Heads, a group synonymous with Byrne as he was its lead singer and guitarist.

Other Celebrities Who Love Olneyville

Byrne isn't the only celeb to indulge in Rhode Island's Best Hot Wieners (they've won many an award over the years).

READ MORE: Guy Fieri's Favorite Place to Eat Is at This Rhode Island Staple

Food Network stars Guy Fieri and Alton Brown have been spotted enjoying the famous franks. Even former Patriot Rob Gronkowski couldn't resist the tasty treat.