Nathan's Famous Sold to Smithfield, MAGA Backlash Erupts
Nathan’s Famous, the iconic New York hot dog brand, was acquired by Smithfield Foods (a WH Group subsidiary), prompting a MAGA-backed backlash over foreign ownership of an American icon.
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Smithfield Foods Acquires Nathan’s Famous in $450 Million Cash Deal
Smithfield Foods is buying Nathan’s Famous for $450 million in cash, paying $102 per share to take full ownership of the iconic NYC brand (which Nathan’s has licensed to Smithfield since 2014 and is produced by WH Group). The close is expected in the first half of 2026, and the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest will continue in Coney Island under new ownership.
Nathan's Famous Fetches $450 Million in Hot-Dog Brand Sale
Nathan's Famous, the iconic Coney Island hot-dog hawker, has been sold for $450 million, marking a major exit for its owners and underscoring the enduring appeal of legacy brands.
Nathan’s Famous Sells for $450 Million, Reviving a Coney Island Legend
Nathan’s Famous, the iconic Coney Island hot dog brand, has been sold for $450 million.
Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo Dominate Nathan's Hot Dog Contest Titles
Joey Chestnut won his 17th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest after returning from a dispute with organizers, consuming 70.5 hot dogs, while Miki Sudo secured her 11th women's title.
"The Evolution of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest: From its Origins to the Reign of Joey Chestnut"
The legendary origin story of the Nathan's hot dog eating contest, which claimed to have started in 1916, has been revealed as a myth. The story was invented by press agents in the 1970s to hype up the event, and there is no evidence of the contest before that time. The details of how the competition actually began remain unclear, with conflicting accounts from different sources. Despite the debunking of the origin story, the annual hot dog eating contest in Coney Island has become a popular tradition, attracting thousands of spectators and raising money for charity.
Joey Chestnut vs. Geoff Esper: Clash of the Hot Dog Titans
Massachusetts native Geoff Esper, the second-ranked eater in the world, will once again compete against world record holder Joey Chestnut in the annual Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest. Esper, who has finished second to Chestnut in previous years, hopes to beat his personal best of 50 hot dogs. Despite not expecting to win, Esper aims to give his best performance. He holds various competitive eating records and follows a strict diet to manage his weight.
Consumer Reports' Top Pick for the Perfect Hot Dog
Consumer Reports released its ranking of hot dog brands, with Nathan's Famous Skinless Beef Franks coming in at the top of the list for its crisp skin, subtle spice, uniform texture, and juicy flavor. Hebrew National Beef Franks came in second, followed by Oscar Mayer Uncured Original Wieners, 365 Everyday Value Organic Uncured Grass-Fed Beef Hot Dog, and Ball Park Classic Franks. The hot dogs were rated based on how snappy, juicy, flavorful, and smooth the meat was both with and without toppings.