Nathan’s Famous was founded by a Polish immigrant, Nathan Handwerker. He started his business in 1916 with a small hot dog stand in Coney Island, selling hot dogs based on a recipe developed by his wife, Ida.
Nathan’s popularity was almost instantaneous. It gained it’s first international exposure when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt served Nathan’s to the King and Queen of England in 1939. A trip to Nathan’s has been the focus of a multitude of iconic people and places: a feature of a Seinfeld TV episode, ex-mayor of New York Rudy Giuliani declared Nathan’s the “World’s best hot dog”, Jacqueline Kennedy loved Nathan’s dogs and served them at the White House. Actor Walter Mathau requested Nathan’s hot dogs to be served at his funeral which if fact they were! Nathan’s Famous is far more than just a hot dog – it has a rich history and it is pure Americana. Happy Birthday Nathan’s!
Nathan’s Famous 1310 Surf Ave.
NATHAN’S HOT DOG EATING CONTEST
Every fourth of July at the Nathan’s famous flagship restaurant in Coney Island people gather by the thousands to witness the most unique sporting competition in the world, the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. The 20 competitors stand on a raised platform behind a long table with drinks and Nathan’s Famous hot dogs in buns. The contestant that consumes (and keeps down) the most hot dogs and buns in ten minutes is declared the winner. The current record holder is Joey Chestnut having eaten an impressive 69 hot dogs. Catch a glimpse of these hot dog eating legends and the celebration that is uniquely American as it is a Nathan’s tradition.