LISLE, Ill., June 28, 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. Earlier today at the Giant National Capital BBQ Battle in Washington, D.C., Trina and Robert Phillips, from Hampton, Va., were recognized as one of Nathan’s Famous “Ultimate Family of Fans.”
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/70c7125e-b492-4079-980f-888be27bbd71
Trina recently posted a story on the Nathan’s Famous Facebook page detailing her husband’s return from a year-long deployment overseas and that his first meal back, once stateside, was a barbeque featuring Nathan’s Famous hot dogs. Trina and Robert enjoyed the barbeque with their eight children who span 27-years of age, reflecting the same time the couple has enjoyed their marriage.
Phillips did not know that the simple act of posting her story would lead the legendary hot dog company to show her just how much her family’s loyalty is appreciated. Nathan’s Famous invited the Phillips family to enjoy the Giant National Capital BBQ Battle and receive the VIP treatment, as guests of Nathan’s Famous. The family received special access to tasting menus and tents, hotel arrangements and a private meet-and-greet with legendary hot dog-eating champion Joey Chestnut. Trina and her 15-year-old daughter were also donned as celebrity counters for the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest Qualifier event.
If the weekend experience wasn’t filled with enough surprises for the Phillips family, Nathan’s Famous took things one step further just prior to the start of the hot dog-eating contest. Representatives from Nathan’s Famous invited the family onto the contest stage where Trina and Robert were surprised with a $1,000 Giant gift card, Nathan’s Famous apparel and finally, free Nathan’s Famous hot dogs for one year.
“Nathan’s Famous wouldn’t be celebrating our 100th anniversary this year without the dedication of our service men and women,” said Wayne Norbitz, executive board member and 26-year president of Nathan’s Famous. “Trina brought this wonderful story to our attention. We cannot thank Robert enough for his 27-plus years of service in the Air Force and the Phillips family for their unwavering loyalty to Nathan’s Famous. We’re honored to thank the Phillips family and with the help of our friends at Giant, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy many more backyard barbeques in the future.”
This weekend’s celebration was 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 upcoming 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 distributed 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 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®, Cook’s®, John Morrell®, Gwaltney®, Kretschmar®, Margherita®, Curly’s®, Carando® and Healthy Ones®. 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.
CONTACT: Contact: Chris Madigan Breaking Limits for Nathan’s Famous Cell: 203-918-1652 Email: [email protected]