Nathan's Famous 2010 Circuit is Announced

This summer will mark the 95th year of the Nathan’s Famous July Fourth International Hot Dog Eating Contest, an annual event that’s become part of America’s celebration of independence. Nathan’s Famous, Inc. has recently unveiled a select group of cities that will host qualifying contests. The qualifying tour will begin on May 6th in Las Vegas and visit at least a dozen cities before culminating at the Nathan’s Famous flagship store in Coney Island, NY on July 4, 2010.

“Nathan’s Famous is excited to embark on this nationwide campaign to find the greatest, most patriotic hot dog lovers in America,” said Wayne Norbitz, President and COO of Nathan’s Famous, Inc. “For the past three years, the Chestnut-Kobayashi rivalry has thrilled fans in Coney Island and throughout the world. I anticipate our 2010 Championship to be bigger and more memorable than ever before.”

The road to Coney Island will wind through many great American cities, with regional competitions occurring at a variety of Nathan’s Famous retail locations. The champions of each qualifier will earn a spot to compete at the original Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island on July Fourth.

Audiences estimated to be as large as 40,000 fans crowd the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island each year to witness the Nathan’s Famous event first hand. What’s more, over one million households view the contest’s live telecast on ESPN. The reigning and three-time champion is Joey Chestnut of San Jose, CA. In 2009, Chestnut consumed 68 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and Buns in 10 minutes to set a new world record.

As part of its 2010 July 4th celebration, Nathan’s Famous intends to provide a hot dog lunch to 100,000 U.S. troops stationed overseas. According to archives, the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest has occurred each July 4th in Coney Island, NY since 1916, the year Nathan Handwerker opened the legendary restaurant.

The official 2010 Nathan’s Famous hot dog-eating circuit currently has stops scheduled in 12 cities including Las Vegas, NV (May 6), San Jose, CA (May 8), Foxboro, MA (May 8), Hartford, CT (May 15), Atlanta, GA (May 15), Atlantic City, NJ (May 29), Phoenix, AZ (June 5), Norfolk, VA (June 12), Charlotte, NC (June 19), Fishkill, NY (June 26), San Diego, CA (June 26) and Queens, NY (June 26).

Registration for the 2010 Nathan's Famous Circuit Contests will be conducted only at IFOCE.com. Registration will open at 11:00 am EST on Tuesday, April 6th. Qualifiers are open to those 18 years of age and older.