Nathan’s Famous Announces 2015 Qualifying Circuit For Fourth Of July International Hot Dog-Eating Championship

Annual Circuit Expands to More Cities, New Venues

New York, NY, March 18, 2015 -- Nathan’s Famous, Inc. has unveiled the official list of sites that will host hot dog-eating contests to qualify competitive eaters to participate in the 2015 Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest at Nathan’s Famous Coney Island, Brooklyn.

This year’s circuit began on March 1 in Plant City, FL, and will stop at 11 other cities before the final event takes place on July 4, 2015 at the Nathan’s Famous flagship, which is celebrating its 99th year on the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island.

The top male and top female finishers from each qualifier will earn a spot to compete in the ESPN-televised finals at the original Nathan’s Famous, a holiday tradition since 1916. In recent years, an estimated 40,000 fans have traveled to the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island to watch the contest in person. The live telecast of the event has consistently attracted millions of viewers since ESPN first aired the contest in 2004.

Joey Chestnut of San Jose, CA holds the world record for eating 69 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and Buns in 10 minutes, and will seek his ninth straight title this year. Miki Sudo of Las Vegas, NV won her first title in last year’s championship where she consumed 34 Hot Dogs and Buns in 10 minutes. Miki will defend her title as Female Champion in this year’s championship and seek a second win.

“The launch of the annual hot dog-eating contest circuit signals the impending arrival of summer,” said Wayne Norbitz, president and COO of Nathan’s Famous. “As we celebrate our 99th year, Nathan’s Famous is proud to be part of the American summer and all the enjoyment that it brings.”

Host cities of the 2015 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Circuit include Atlanta, GA; Las Vegas, NV; Houston, TX; St. Louis, MO; Charlotte, NC; Pocono, PA; Nashville, TN; New York, NY; Rochester, NH; Cleveland, OH; and Sonoma, CA.

According to archives, the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest has occurred each July 4th in Coney Island, NY since 1916, the year Nathan Handwerker opened the legendary restaurant. Major League Eating, the governing body of all stomach-centric sport, sanctions the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Circuit and ensures the contests are judged professionally and that safety standards are in place at each event.

Those interested in competing in a Nathan’s Famous qualifier should visit www.nathansfamous.com to obtain information and register. All competitors must be over 18 years of age.

Official Listing of the 2015 Nathan’s Famous Qualifiers: April 12th: Dogwood Festival – Atlanta, GA April 25th: NY NY Hotel – Las Vegas May 2nd: Memorial City Mall – Houston, TX May 16th: Busch Stadium – St. Louis, MO May 23rd: Speed Street – Charlotte, NC June 7th: Pocono Raceway – Pocono, PA June 13th: Tootsie’s Country Music Fan Fest Alley – Nashville, TN June 14th: Citi Field – NY, NY June 20th: The Shoppes At Piedmont – Lincoln, NE June 27th: Phantom BBQ – Rochester, NH June 28th: Crocker Park – Cleveland, OH June 28th: Sonoma Raceway – Sonoma, CA

About Nathan’s Famous, Inc. Nathan’s is a Russell 2000 Company that currently distributes its products in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Cayman Islands and ten foreign countries through its restaurant system, foodservice sales programs and product licensing activities. Last year, over 480 million Nathan’s Famous hot dogs were sold. Nathan’s was ranked #22 on the Forbes 2014 list of the Best Small Companies in America and was listed as the Best Small Company in New York State in October 2013. For additional information about Nathan’s please visit our website at www.nathansfamous.com. The contents of our website have not been incorporated into and do not form a part of this press release.