Nathan's Famous Announces the Chinet® Brand is Official Plate of the Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest
06-19-2026

Major League Eating Press Contact: clare@sheacommunications.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Chinet® Brand to Provide Competition Plates for Annual Coney Island Event
June 11, 2026 – Nathan's Famous today announced that the Chinet® Brand will be the Official Plate of the 2026 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest in Coney Island. The collaboration brings together two iconic American brands in celebration of one of the nation's most enduring holiday traditions.
The Chinet® brand, a premium disposable tableware brand, will provide Chinet Classic® plates for the men's and women's contests. The historic Nathan's event, held on the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues, attracts tens of thousands of fans and is viewed by millions around the world live on ESPN.
When the pressure is on, competitors need a plate that can keep up. That's why the Chinet Classic® plate, known as America's Plate™, will serve as the official plate of Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest. Strong, sturdy and designed to carry hearty portions and messy meals, Chinet Classic® plates are built to hold up to the demands of the greatest eating contest of the year.
"For more than a century, the Nathan's Famous contest has represented the spirit of American summer, bringing together celebration, patriotism and competition in the heart of Coney Island," said Phil McCann, Vice President of Marketing at Nathan's Famous. "It is an honor to welcome the Chinet® brand to the event as we celebrate America 250."
"Tradition has always been at the heart of the Chinet® brand. For nearly 100 years, our products have been part of America's gatherings, from backyard barbecues to holiday celebrations," said Melissa Rakos, Senior Product Manager for the Chinet® brand. "We're honored to put our plates to the test, supporting one of the country's most beloved Fourth of July traditions."
"The professional eaters and the fury of this event place extraordinary stress on our plates," said George Shea, Chair of Major League Eating. "America's Plate is a best-in-class product that ensures the safe delivery of hot dogs on the 250th anniversary of our nation."
Chinet Classic® plates are proudly made in the USA, making them a natural fit for an iconic Fourth of July tradition. Made with at least 50% recycled materials, they are strong, dependable and BPI compostable — built for the moments when Americans gather to eat, celebrate, and compete.
For generations, the Chinet® brand has been part of backyard cookouts, holiday celebrations, and family gatherings across America. The 2026 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Championship will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the Nathan's Famous flagship restaurant in Coney Island, Brooklyn.
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About Chinet®
The Chinet® brand, a premium disposable tableware brand made by Huhtamaki, Inc., was proudly created in the USA in the 1930s. With a long heritage of innovation, the Chinet® brand offers a full range of products designed for the experience. This includes everyday tableware in the Chinet Classic® line, premium partyware in the Chinet Crystal® line and insulated hot cups in the Chinet Comfort® line. For more information, visit www.MyChinet.com or stay connected with the brand on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest at @mychinet.
About Nathan's Famous
Nathan's Famous, Inc. (NASDAQ: NATH) 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, and 20 foreign countries through its product licensing activities, foodservice sales programs, and restaurant system. For additional information about Nathan's, please visit our website at www.nathansfamous.com.
About Major League Eating
Major League Eating (MLE), the world governing body of all stomach-centric sports, conducts more than 80 events annually, including the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest in Coney Island, N.Y. The competitive eating community is made up of hundreds of veteran and rookie gurgitators who travel the nation in search of top titles and the glory that they provide. For more information, visit www.majorleagueeating.com, www.facebook.com/eatfast or Instagram / Twitter: @eatingcontest.
