Press Release
Nathan's Famous, Inc. One Jericho Plaza, Jericho, NY 11753
Press Contact: Major League Eating Clare Hayden: (929) 696 4580
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JOEY CHESTNUT AND WORLD'S TOP EATERS PREPARE FOR NATHAN'S FAMOUS FOURTH OF JULY INTERNATIONAL HOT DOG EATING CONTEST
The Chinet® Brand Joins as Partner for Annual Competition at Nathan's Coney Island Flagship on July 4, 2026
JERICHO, N.Y., June 11, 2026 – Champion eater Joey Chestnut will return to Coney Island to seek a new world record at the 2026 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Championship on Saturday, July 4, 2026. The annual contest, an American holiday tradition, will once again be held at the iconic Nathan's Famous flagship restaurant at the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island.
Last year's contest delivered one of the most unforgettable performances in the history of competitive eating. Joey Chestnut reclaimed the Mustard Belt with a staggering performance of 70.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes (his record is 76), reminding the world why he remains the greatest eater of all time. Meanwhile, Miki Sudo continued her dynasty on the women's side with 33 hot dogs and buns (her record is 51). Fans packed Coney Island and millions tuned in around the world to the ESPN broadcast to witness a Fourth of July spectacle unlike any other.
On July 4, 2026, the world's top male and female eaters from across America and around the globe will once again gather in Brooklyn to challenge Chestnut and Sudo. Pre-show festivities begin at 10:00 a.m., featuring live musical and dance performances. The women's competition begins at 11:00 a.m., and the men's competition starts at 12:30 p.m. Nathan's Famous will also continue its annual charitable tradition by donating 100,000 Nathan's Famous hot dogs to the Food Bank For New York City prior to the event.
"Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest remains one of our nation's most beloved holiday traditions," said Phil McCann, Vice President of Marketing at Nathan's Famous. "Every July 4th, Coney Island becomes the center of the American summer celebration, and we are thrilled to welcome fans from around the world back to Surf and Stillwell."
This year's contest also marks the debut of Nathan's Famous' new partnership with the Chinet® brand, America's trusted name in premium disposable tableware. The Chinet® brand joins the event as an official partner for the 2026 championship, providing its best-in-class plates for the contest.
"The chaos of the contest creates extraordinary stress on our plates, and we have turned to the Chinet® brand to provide a superior product that offers strength and dependability," said George Shea, Chair of Major League Eating. "This is the biggest day of the year for eating, and we need a plate that rises to the challenge."
"The Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest stands as an enduring beacon of freedom for our nation and the world," said Shea. "We look forward to watching the greatest eaters compete once again on the most celebrated stage in international sports."
Thousands make the pilgrimage to Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island each year to witness the spectacle in person. According to Major League Eating archives, the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Championship has been held each July 4th in Coney Island since 1916, the year Nathan Handwerker opened the legendary restaurant. Major League Eating, the governing body of all stomach-centric sports, sanctions the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Circuit and ensures contests are judged professionally and conducted under strict safety standards.
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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 Chinet® Brand
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.
Press Contact: Major League Eating Clare Hayden: (929) 696 4580
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATHAN'S FAMOUS ANNOUNCES THE CHINET® BRAND IS OFFICIAL PLATE OF THE FOURTH OF JULY INTERNATIONAL HOT DOG-EATING CONTEST
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.