Nathan’s Famous Story

It was 1916. Two Polish immigrants, Nathan Handwerker and Ida Greenwald, were working in a New York beach resort called Coney Island. They met. They married. And the Nathan’s hot dog was born. On the advice of a singing waiter and piano player (Jimmy Durante and Eddie Cantor), they plunked down their life’s savings of $300 and opened a frankfurter stand. Using Ida’s grandmother’s secret recipe, their all-beef frankfurter became known as the Original Coney Island Hot Dog. Selling hot dogs for a nickel and unique Crinkle Cut french fries for a dime the restaurant became a New York City Icon on the level of the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building. President Roosevelt, once stated that, “No man can hope to be elected President without being photographed eating a Nathan’s hot dog.”

Today Nathan’s has gained worldwide popularity for the unequaled quality and taste of its products. Nathan’s products are sold in all 50 states and 13 foreign countries. More than 2 million viewers tune in to the Nathan’s Annual International Hot Dog Eating Contest shown live on ESPN television each Fourth of July. Nathan’s Famous is very proud to have partnered with such a high quality ice cream brand as Bruster’s Real Ice Cream. Two of America’s favorite snack foods - Ice Cream and Hot Dogs - brought together under one roof. Two things that are truly synonymous with both Bruster’s and Nathan’s - It’s all about having fun selling high quality products.

Hot Dog Anyone?
Once a year, marketing goes to the dogs—at Nathan’s Famous on Coney Island, where it holds its annual hot dog eating contest. Contestants begin stuffing their gobs at regional competitions around the country in April, and winners wind up at the grand finale on July 4.

2007 Results:
Joey Chestnut of San Jose, Calif., today won the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, beating former champion Takeru Kobayashi and setting a new world record by downing 66 Nathan’s Famous hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes!