LISLE, Ill., May 16, 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 Sunday afternoon at Dover International Speedway, Chrissy Iacovelli, of Minotola, N.J., was recognized as one of Nathan’s Famous “Ultimate Fans.”
Iacovelli recently shared her affinity for the brand on the Nathan’s Famous website, detailing how she admired the history of Nathan’s Famous, and its founder, Nathan Handwerker’s start from humble beginnings to building what would become a world-famous company. Iacovelli said that it’s stories like Handwerker’s that she tells her children in hopes that they find inspiration in hard work to reach their goals.
Iacovelli 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 loyalty is appreciated. Nathan’s Famous invited Iacovelli and her family to attend Sunday’s race at Dover International Speedway as guests of Nathan’s Famous to watch Aric Almirola, driver of the Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 Ford Fusion, compete.
Representatives from Richard Petty Motorsports greeted Iacovelli and escorted her and her family to the garage area for a tour. The surprises began when American-icon Richard Petty introduced himself, took photos with and signed autographs for the group. Petty then took things one step further and presented Iacovelli with a $1,000 ACME gift card, Nathan’s Famous apparel and finally, free Nathan’s Famous hot dogs for one year.
“We learned that Chrissy was a big racing fan, but an even bigger fan of Nathan’s Famous after she grew up eating our hot dogs on the Jersey Shore,” said Wayne Norbitz, executive board member and 26-year president of Nathan’s Famous. “We’re so thankful for loyal fans like Chrissy and we’re even more excited that she’ll be able to provide Nathan’s products to her family when she visits our friends at ACME over the next year!”
Sunday’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.