LISLE, Ill., Sept. 2, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nathan’s Famous, the world-famous hot dog company, is continuing its campaign for the creation of a hot dog emoji and has created an official petition that supporters can begin signing today at www.HotDogEmoji.com.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=35787

Nathan’s Famous is driving the #HotDogEmoji campaign socially on Facebook, and Twitter as well as the brand’s website, www.NathansFamous.com, where fans can also access the petition.

“We were overwhelmed by the fan support to create the #HotDogEmoji so we thought that it was necessary to take the effort further,” said Mike Paribello, Sr. Director of Marketing, Nathan’s Famous. “We decided to champion the petition process and serve as the official voice of fans everywhere. It’s our plan to submit a collective request to Apple and Google once this campaign has concluded.”

Please join the cause and make it known that you too want to live in a world where hot dogs and hamburgers are treated equally. Sign the petition to show your support and together we will make a difference.

Hot dog lovers across the globe are encouraged to use the hashtag, #HotDogEmoji, when sharing posts on all social networks.

Nathan’s Famous is a licensed brand of Smithfield Foods.

About Nathan’s Famous

Nathan’s currently distributes its products in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Cayman Islands and nine foreign countries through its restaurant system, foodservice sales programs and product licensing activities. 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 500 million Nathan’s Famous hot dogs were sold. For additional information about Nathan’s please visit our website at www.nathansfamous.com.

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $15 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®, Farmland®, Armour®, Cook’s®, John Morrell®, Gwaltney®, Nathan’s Famous®, 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.

The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.

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