ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — A pink hand towel, used by Frank Sinatra during one of his final performances, hangs in a display case at the White House Sub Shop, a historic eatery in Atlantic City known for its celebrity patrons. The towel, reportedly used during Sinatra’s last shows at the Sands Hotel and Casino in 1994, has become a strange but cherished part of the restaurant’s décor.
The White House Sub Shop, located at the corner of Arctic and Mississippi Avenues, has served its famous sandwiches to a long list of celebrities, including The Beatles, various Miss America winners, and several U.S. Presidents. The walls of the shop are lined with photos of famous visitors, creating a museum-like atmosphere that pays tribute to its storied past.
Among the memorabilia, Sinatra’s sweat-stained pink towel stands out. Encased in glass, the towel offers customers an unexpected connection to the legendary crooner. Its presence, though unusual, adds to the unique ambiance of the sub shop, which has been serving patrons since 1946.
“Seeing that towel above your head while you eat makes you realize how much history is in this place,” a customer remarked. Many visit not just for the sandwiches but for the nostalgia that the wall of fame invokes.
The shop’s lasting appeal lies in its combination of local flavor and celebrity culture, making it a true landmark in Atlantic City’s rich entertainment history.