LISLE, Ill., March 21, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nathan’s Famous is on a mission to surprise unsuspecting fans with a unique experience as part of its 100th anniversary celebration and today, Louis Gallo of San Antonio, was recognized as one of Nathan’s Famous’ “Ultimate Fans.”
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f4c69975-c909-4565-8331-899e82cfbdb4
Gallo, a U.S Air Force veteran, has been active on the Nathan’s Famous Facebook page over the course of the last year, sharing his passion and affinity for the brand he loves. The simple act of posting his story led the world famous hot dog company to show Gallo just how much they appreciate his loyalty. Nathan’s Famous decided to invite Gallo to be an official counter for contestants in the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest qualifying event held earlier this afternoon as part of the H-E-B Big League Weekend.
Little did Gallo know that after the contest ended, he’d be surprised with a $1,000 H-E-B gift card, Nathan’s Famous t-shirts and hats, two front-row seats for today’s Kansas City Royals vs. Texas Rangers exhibition game and VIP access to the H-E-B Big League Weekend post-game concert. Finally, Gallo was surprised with one more special gift, free Nathan’s Famous hot dogs for one year, courtesy of Nathan’s Famous.
“We knew that Louis was a big fan of Nathan’s Famous because of the photos and stories he posted on our Facebook page,” said Wayne Norbitz, executive board member and 26-year president of Nathan’s Famous. “We learned that he travels quite a bit for his sales job and always seeks out a Nathan’s hot dog stand, specifically when traveling through the Atlanta airport. His favorite meal is our world-famous hot dog with our crinkle-cut fries, and now thanks to our friends at H-E-B, Louis can enjoy the flavors of Coney Island for the next year.”
Today’s event was part of Nathan’s Famous’ national “Ultimate Fan Nation” campaign. Over the course of the next nine months, Nathan’s Famous will reflect 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. Beginning in May, fans will also have the opportunity to have their Ticket to Fun punched as part of an online, summer-rewards program featuring games, prizes and exclusive branded merchandise.
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 $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.