LISLE, Ill., May 10, 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. This past Saturday afternoon at Kansas Speedway, Jeff Marvin, of Overland Park, Kan., was recognized as one of Nathan’s Famous “Ultimate Fans.”
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/74e2c58a-79c7-4994-b80e-a3300bbbac57
Marvin recently shared his affinity for the brand on the Nathan’s Famous website, detailing memories about his childhood and enjoying the world-famous hot dogs while tailgating at sporting events.
Marvin 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 Marvin and five guests to attend Saturday’s race at Kansas Speedway and meet Aric Almirola, driver of the Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 Ford Fusion.
Representatives from Richard Petty Motorsports greeted Marvin and escorted him and his guests to the garage area to meet the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race winner. Almirola took photos with and signed autographs for the group. The surprises began when Almirola presented Marvin with a $1,000 HyVee gift card, Nathan’s Famous apparel and finally, free Nathan’s Famous hot dogs for one year.
“Jeff, like so many of our loyal fans, grew up eating Nathan’s Famous hot dogs but didn’t realize that supermarkets across the nation carry our products, making it easy to enjoy our legendary flavor and bring back memories,” said Wayne Norbitz, executive board member and 26-year president of Nathan’s Famous. “We’re so thankful that fans like Jeff exist and continue to support our brand. Now he knows that when he visits our friends at HyVee, he’ll be able 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.