LISLE, Ill., Feb. 08, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The year was 1916 when Nathan Handwerker opened his hot dog stand on the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island, N.Y. One-hundred years later, Handwerker could have never imagined that his Original All-Beef Hot Dog would have grown into the international icon it is today. From restaurants and foodservice locations around the world and grocery products in all 50 states, Nathan’s Famous is able to share its original flavors far beyond Coney Island.
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From their very first tastes, fans worldwide have become loyalists, and now, Nathan’s Famous is celebrating its centennial by launching the Nathan’s Famous Ultimate Fan Nation. Ultimate Fan Nation is a place where Nathan’s fans can unite to share their stories, photos and ultimate patronage for their beloved hot dogs.
“The only reason Nathan’s Famous is even able to celebrate our 100th anniversary is due to the unbelievably loyal fans who’ve continually enjoyed our products since 1916,” said Wayne Norbitz, former 26-year president and COO of Nathan’s Famous. “You only have one opportunity to celebrate your 100th anniversary and Nathan’s Famous will do it right. We want to give back to our Ultimate Fans by providing unforgettable experiences so they know we truly appreciate their loyalty.”
This year Nathan’s Famous is on a mission to surprise unsuspecting fans with a unique brand experience. Fans are encouraged to join the Ultimate Fan Nation and share their story, because one will never know when or what surprises might come their way.
Tom Dabeck of Oldsmar, Fla., didn’t know what he was in store for when Nathan’s Famous called to surprise him and more than 100 friends and family members with an Ultimate Big Game Block Party, by setting up its entire Coney Island mobile experience in his front lawn. Complete with boardwalk games such as skee-ball and pop-a-shot, a Zoltar® Fortune Teller machine, a two-story tall inflatable slide, and most of all, Nathan’s Famous Premium Beef Hot Dogs, Dabeck walked out of his door and stepped into a taste of Coney Island.
Dabeck and his party guests were entertained by a disc jockey and face-painter throughout the afternoon, and his guests were given a gift to share with their families featuring Nathan’s Famous-branded tote bags, hats, t-shirts, drink koozies and a $25 Publix gift card.
In addition to the gifts provided for his guests, Dabeck was on the receiving end of a special presentation that included free Nathan’s Famous hot dogs for one year, a $1,000 gift card to Publix and an outdoor theatre system featuring a big screen, projector and sound system.
“We learned that Tom was a huge fan of Nathan’s this past December when we asked our Facebook fans how they tailgate for football games,” said Mike Paribello, Sr. Director of Marketing, Smithfield Foods. “Tom, just like many others in our Ultimate Fan Nation, told us how he’s been enjoying Nathan’s hot dogs for as long as he can remember. It’s loyal fans like Tom who we want to express our deep gratitude to, and we will throughout our 100th anniversary celebration.”
The course of the next 11 months will see Nathan’s Famous reflect on its history while engaging fans with new opportunities to enjoy the flavor they have come to love. Special offers will be available for fans via NathansFamous.com, and the company’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Nathan’s Famous will also feature members of its Ultimate Fan Nation on its social media channels, with Dabeck being the first.
Highlights of the Nathan’s Famous centennial include a special promotion over the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend, the annual Nathan’s Famous International Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, and a special-event based in New York City in early September. Beginning in May, fans will also have the opportunity to have their Ticket to Fun punched as part of an online, summer-rewards program featuring games, prizes and exclusive branded merchandise.
Smithfield Foods is the licensee of Nathan’s Famous pre-packaged hot dogs.
To learn more about Nathan’s Famous and its products, please visit www.nathansfamous.com.
About Nathan's Famous
Nathan's currently distributes its products in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Cayman Islands and nine foreign countries through its restaurant system, foodservice sales programs and product licensing activities. Nathan's was ranked #55 on the Forbes list of the Best Small Companies in America and was listed as the Best Small Company in New York State in October 2013. Last year, over 500 million Nathan's Famous hot dogs were sold. For additional information about Nathan's please visit our website at www.nathansfamous.com.
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Farmland®, Armour®, Cook's®, John Morrell®, Gwaltney®, Nathan's Famous®, Kretschmar®, Margherita®, Curly's®, Carando® and Healthy Ones®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.