LISLE, Ill., May 02, 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. On Saturday, Darryl Boyd, of Houston, was recognized as one of Nathan’s Famous “Ultimate Fans.”
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3b20accd-b279-447b-be01-bd0f5a08800d
Boyd recently shared his passion and affinity for the brand on the Nathan’s Famous Facebook page, detailing stories about his childhood and enjoying the world-famous hot dogs.
Growing up just outside of Coney Island, Boyd recalled spending the days on the boardwalk and beach, riding the Cyclone roller coaster and enjoying a natural-casing hot dog at the original Nathan’s Famous on the corners of Surf and Stillwell Avenues. Coincidentally, Boyd’s brother worked in Manhattan at a Nathan’s Famous store where the entire family – he is the youngest of nine children – would gather for dinner.
Boyd did not know that the simple act of posting his story would lead the legendary hot dog company to show him just how much his loyalty is appreciated. Nathan’s Famous invited Boyd to be guest counter at the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest qualifying event in Houston, but a last-minute conflict kept him from participating. However, Nathan’s Famous wouldn’t let a little hurdle stop the brand from expressing its thanks for his loyalty.
Nathan’s Famous representatives made arrangements to meet Boyd at his residence after the completion of Saturday’s qualifying contest. It was on the sidewalk in front of his house where he was surprised with a $1,000 Kroger gift card, Nathan’s Famous apparel, gift certificates for the Nathan’s Famous store at Memorial City Mall and finally, free Nathan’s Famous hot dogs for one year.
“As a family-first brand, we’re thrilled to thank Darryl for his and his families’ loyalty to Nathan’s Famous,” said Wayne Norbitz, executive board member and 26-year president of Nathan’s Famous. “After the destruction that Hurricane Sandy caused a few years ago, Darryl’s story hit home for us. With the recent flooding issues in Houston, we hope that this helps take some stress away for him. This wouldn’t be possible without our friends at Kroger, so we’d like to thank them for allowing Darryl to enjoy plenty of Nathan’s Famous for the next year.”
Saturday’s event 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 include a special promotion over the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend, the annual 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 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 $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.