In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Nathan’s Famous broke the Guinness World Records title for the Longest line of hot dogs at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan on September 2.
Nathan’s lined up 1,916 hot dogs, more than 950 feet in length, to break the previous record of around 846 feet set in Tokyo, Japan. The line of hot dogs spelled out “100,” a reference to the 100th anniversary of the famed Coney Island hot dog brand, which was founded on the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues in 1916.
“Nathan’s already stands out in the minds of consumers as the world’s leading premium hot dog,” says Nathan’s executive vice president Scott Harvey. “Setting this hot dog world record is the perfect way to kick off the Labor Day grilling weekend on our anniversary year.”
Hot dog-eating world champion Joey Chestnut, who ate a record 70 hot dogs in 10 minutes this summer during the annual July 4 eating contest event, participated in setting the new Guinness World Records title, placing the last dog to smash the record.
The day’s activities also featured a Coney Island experience with games, coupons, and other activities. After the record was broken, Nathan’s Famous gave away free hot dogs to audience members and spectators.
Chestnut won back his championship title with a dramatic performance at the 2016 Nathan’s Famous International Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Championship in Coney Island, beating previous champion, Matt Stonie, 70 hot dogs and buns to 53 hot dogs and buns.
Polish immigrant Nathan Handwerker originally borrowed $300 from Jimmy Durante and Eddie Cantor to open his hot dog stand in Coney Island, and Nathan’s flagship restaurant still operates in the same location. However, the global, publicly traded company now sells more than 500 million hot dogs each year at 53,000 locations in the U.S. and around the world.
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 today’s world record. In addition, the Nathan’s Famous launched its Ticket to Fun rewards program this summer.
Smithfield Foods is the licensee of Nathan’s Famous pre-packaged hot dogs.
