News Summary
David Byrne, the lead singer of Talking Heads, reminisces about his first job at Olneyville New York System in Providence, Rhode Island. In a TikTok video, he reflects on the challenges of serving unique New York-style hot dogs at the diner, a popular late-night spot. Byrne’s fond memories connect his early experiences at Olneyville to his artistic development while attending the Rhode Island School of Design. Today, the diner remains a cultural staple, attracting food enthusiasts and celebrities alike.
Providence, Rhode Island: David Byrne’s Nostalgic Reflection on First Job
David Byrne, the renowned lead singer and guitarist of the iconic band Talking Heads, has shared a nostalgic memory of his first job working at Olneyville New York System in Providence, Rhode Island. In a recent TikTok video, Byrne reminisced about serving hot dogs at this famous late-night diner, well-known for its New York-style hot wieners topped with mustard, meat, onions, and celery salt.
Olneyville New York System is not just an ordinary diner; it specializes in a unique culinary delight where customers commonly order “two all the way.” This phrase refers to a specific style of serving the hot dogs, which involves stacking them in steamed buns on a worker’s arm before generously drizzling them with chili sauce. Byrne humorously noted the challenges of this service method, recalling that the chili would often run down his arm, making it an “unappealing experience.” He likened this unique style to the spectacle of pizza makers tossing dough in the air for entertainment.
The diner operates late into the night, often until at least 2 AM, catering to a diverse crowd of late-night patrons coming from nearby bars and parties. During the early 1970s when Byrne worked there, the atmosphere was lively, with many intoxicated customers seeking hot dogs as a late-night snack. This setting coincided with Byrne’s time at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) from 1970 to 1971, where he was developing his artistic skills while simultaneously co-founding Talking Heads. This connection to the Rhode Island scene amplified the significance of his early employment experience.
Olneyville New York System remains a popular late-night destination today, located at 18 Plainfield St. in Providence, Rhode Island. The diner has garnered attention from various food enthusiasts and celebrities alike, with notable figures such as Food Network stars Guy Fieri and Alton Brown documented enjoying its hot wieners. Also, former New England Patriots player Rob Gronkowski is recognized for indulging in the famous franks, further cementing the establishment’s legacy in the local culture.
As of his TikTok video, Byrne is currently 73 years old and continues to pursue his musical career. He has announced the release of a new album titled “Who Is The Sky?” which is set to debut on September 5. Alongside the album release, Byrne will embark on an extensive tour throughout the U.S. and Canada, with ticket prices ranging from $75 to $236, including fees. This tour is anticipated to draw attention not only for its artistic merit but also for the personal connections Byrne continues to foster with his fans, including those hailing from his early life experiences at Olneyville New York System.
In conclusion, David Byrne’s fond remembrance of working at Olneyville New York System serves to highlight not only a personal milestone but also the enduring legacy of this beloved diner that continues to draw locals and tourists alike well into the early morning hours.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: David Byrne’s Nostalgic Reflection
- Providence Journal: Olneyville New York System
- Fun107: David Byrne and Olneyville’s Hot Wieners
- New York Post: David Byrne Tour 2025
- Google Search: David Byrne
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
