LISLE, Ill., May 23, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nathan’s Famous is continuing its mission to surprise unsuspecting fans and perform random acts of kindness across the nation throughout 2016 as the brand celebrates its 100th anniversary. Last Friday, at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Joan Watts, of Bessemer City, NC, was recognized as one of Nathan’s Famous “Ultimate Fans.”
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5ee6c400-cda8-4c8c-a629-dfae1a8bf1ea
Watts recently shared her affinity for the brand on the Nathan’s Famous website, detailing how she first experienced the flavor of a Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog just down the street from Charlotte Motor Speedway and now it’s the only brand of hot dogs that her family puts on the grill.
Watts did not know that the simple act of posting her story would lead the legendary hot dog company to show her just how much her loyalty is appreciated. Nathan’s Famous invited Watts and her family to Charlotte Motor Speedway to experience all of the festivities All-Star Race Weekend has to offer, as guests of the world-famous hot dog company.
The surprises began when representatives from Richard Petty Motorsports greeted Watts and escorted her and her family to the garage area for a tour. Upon entering the garage, Aric Almirola, driver of Richard Petty Motorsports’ No. 43 Ford Fusion, introduced himself, took photos with and signed autographs for the group. Almirola then took things one step further and presented Watts with a $1,000 Food Lion gift card, Nathan’s Famous apparel and finally, free Nathan’s Famous hot dogs for one year.
“Joan is a huge racing fan and we learned that she had never been to a race before, even though her first experience eating a Nathan’s Famous hot dog was just down the street from Charlotte Motor Speedway,” said Wayne Norbitz, executive board member and 26-year president of Nathan’s Famous. “We’re so thankful for loyal fans like Joan. We’re even more excited to provide her the opportunity to attend her first race and enjoy Nathan’s Famous products with her family for the next year when she visits our friends at Food Lion!”
Friday’s event was part of Nathan’s Famous’ national “Ultimate Fan Nation” campaign. Over the course of the year, Nathan’s Famous is reflecting 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.
Highlights of the Nathan’s Famous 100th anniversary celebration 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. Fans can now have their Ticket to Fun punched as part of an online, summer-rewards program featuring games, prizes and exclusive branded merchandise, by visiting NathansTicketToFun.com.
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 $14 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®, Nathan's Famous®, Farmland®, Armour®, Cook's®, John Morrell®, Gwaltney®, 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.