LISLE, Ill., Aug. 29, 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. On Sunday, prior to the start of the race event in Brooklyn, Michigan, race fans and Belleville, Michigan couple Noel and Brandy Jones were recognized as one of Nathan’s Famous “Ultimate Fans.”
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bc03edd9-4977-4072-b429-026714e016d4
The Jones’ recently posted on the Nathan’s Famous Facebook page about their affinity for Nathan’s Famous hot dogs. After a long day at work, for weekend fun and before races on Saturday and Sunday, the Jones’ love to grill Nathan’s Famous hot dogs.
The Jones’ did not know that the simple act of posting about their love of Nathan’s Famous would lead the legendary hot dog company to show just how much their loyalty is appreciated. Nathan’s Famous invited them and their guests to enjoy the races in Michigan and to meet Richard Petty Motorsports driver, Aric Almirola.
The Jones’ and their guests were given a VIP tour of the garage before meeting Almirola. Almirola took photos and signed autographs for the group. The surprises began when Almirola presented the Jones’ with a $1,000 SpartanNash gift card towards the purchase of free groceries from Hillsdale Market House, courtesy of Nathan’s Famous. Nathan’s Famous also gifted the family apparel and finally, free Nathan’s Famous hot dogs for one year.
“Our fans have proven to be extremely loyal and the Jones’ have proven to be great supporters of Nathan’s Famous,” said Wayne Norbitz, executive board member and 26-year president of Nathan’s Famous. “As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, we want to give back to our loyal fans. We’re pleased to partner with SpartanNash’s Hillsdale Market House to give the Jones’ $1,000 in free groceries and free hot dogs for one year.”
Sunday’s activities were a 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 included a special 5-Cent Hot Dog promotion over Memorial Day Weekend, the 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, and eleven foreign countries through its restaurant system, foodservice sales programs and product licensing activities. Last year, over 550 million Nathan's Famous hot dogs were sold. Nathan's was ranked #22 on the Forbes 2014 list of the Best Small Companies in America and was listed as the Best Small Company in New York State in October 2013. 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®, John Morrell®, Cook's®, Kretschmar®, Gwaltney®, Curly's®, Margherita®, Carando®, Healthy Ones®, Krakus®, Morliny®, and Berlinki®. 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.
About Richard Petty Motorsports
A performance and marketing driven company, Richard Petty Motorsports, co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty and successful business entrepreneur Andrew Murstein, is one of the most recognized brands in all of motorsports. With a history of over 200 wins and business partnerships with national and global leaders, today the race operation fields two teams in competition in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with drivers Aric Almirola and Brian Scott. Almirola will return to the iconic No. 43 Ford with partners Smithfield Foods, STP, United States Air Force and the “Fresh From Florida” campaign. Scott will make his debut with the team and drive the Petty Family No. 44 Ford. Albertsons Companies, Shore Lodge, Twisted Tea and GoBowling.com will join Scott as he competes for Rookie of the Year in his first full-time season in the Sprint Cup Series. Richard Petty Motorsports will also field the No. 43 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR XFINITY Series with driver Jeb Burton in his first full-time season. The team is headquartered in Mooresville, N.C.