Nathan's hot dog contest to go on under Chinese ownership
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating champion Joey Chestnut's belt before the Lugnuts game against the TinCaps on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, at Jackson Field in Lansing. Chestnut was participating in an olive burger eating contest before the game. No changes are expected at the traditional Nathan's Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest following the sale of the parent company.
Smithfield Foods of Virginia, a subsidiary of the WH Group of China, is finalizing a deal to purchase Nathan's Famous in a $450 million transaction.
A spokesperson for Smithfield told Front Office Sports that the famed contest, which began in 1972, will continue on Coney Island with George Shea as the master of ceremonies.
The reigning champion of the Independence Day staple is Joey Chestnut, who in 2025 ate 70 1/2 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
The sale continues a longstanding relationship between Nathan's and Smithfield. The two have partnered since 2014, with Smithfield in charge of the manufacturing, distribution, marketing and sale of Nathan's Famous products in the U.S. and Canada and at Sam's Club locations in Mexico.
--Field Level Media
- MLB Predictions and Best Bets for Saturday's Biggest Games
- UFC Vegas 118 Betting Picks: Three Fights to Target on Saturday Night
- MLB Picks Today: Two Pitchers Set Up To Fall Short On Outs Props
- MLB Pitcher Props Today: Best Bets for June 3rd
- NBA Finals Game 1 Best Bets: Knicks vs. Spurs Predictions and Player Props
- Stanley Cup Final Game 1 Best Bets: Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights Picks
- Knicks vs. Spurs Game 1 Props: Three Best Bets for the NBA Finals
