Nathan’s Famous 2014 Qualifying Circuit Stops in Boston at Phantom Gourmet BBQ and Music Festival

JERICHO, NY – Nathan’s Famous has announced that the official 2014 qualifying circuit for the annual Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest will stop at the Phantom Gourmet BBQ and Music Beach Party in Boston. The official qualifying event, which will take place at 2 pm on Saturday, June 21, 2014, is part of more than a dozen contests in cities across the United States.

The 10-minute, all-you-can-eat contest will take place at City Hall Plaza, One City Hall Square, and will feature top-ranked eaters including the number-two-ranked Matt Stonie, sweet corn-eating world champion Crazy Legs Conti, pork rind-eating world champion Jim Reeves, and Brian Subich.

The top male and top female finishers will earn a spot to compete in the finals at the original Nathan’s Famous in Brooklyn, NY. In recent years, an estimated 35,000 fans have traveled to the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island on July 4 to watch the contest in person. The ESPN live telecast of the event has achieved top ratings, attracting millions of viewers each year since it was first aired in 2004.

“The arrival of the annual hot dog-eating contest circuit signals the beginning of summer,” said Wayne Norbitz, president and COO of Nathan’s Famous. “Nathan’s Famous is proud to be part of the American summer and all the enjoyment that it brings.”

Joey Chestnut of San Jose, CA set the world record by eating 69 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and Buns in 10 minutes in 2013, and he will seek his eighth straight title this year. Sonya Thomas of Alexandria; VA will defend her title as Female Champion; she has consumed a personal best of 45 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.

According to archives, the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest has occurred in Coney Island each year since 1916, the year Nathan Handwerker opened the legendary restaurant. Major League Eating, the governing body of all stomach-centric sport, sanctions the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Circuit and ensures the contests are judged professionally and that safety standards are in place at each event.

Those interested in competing in the qualifier should visits www.majorleagueeating.com to obtain information and register.  All competitors must be over 18 years of age.

About Nathan’s Famous

Nathan’s is a Russell 2000 Company that currently distributes its products in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Cayman Islands and eight foreign countries through its restaurant system, foodservice sales programs and product licensing activities. The Nathan’s restaurant system currently consists of 329 units, comprised of 324 franchised units and five company-owned units (including one seasonal unit). 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 430 million Nathan’s Famous hot dogs were sold. For additional information about Nathan’s please visit our website atwww.nathansfamous.com.

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