LISLE, Ill., June 20, 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, at Citi Field in Queens, N.Y., Craig Bielawski, from Staten Island, N.Y., was recognized as one of Nathan’s Famous “Ultimate Fans.”
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7f4bc93f-fc11-4160-90e8-3cd24165130f
Bielawski recently posted a story on the Nathan’s Famous Facebook page and followed up by fondly remembering trips to Coney Island where he and his father would ride the Cyclone roller coaster, play boardwalk games, and always end their day together with a hot dog and fries at the original Nathan’s Famous store on the corners of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Brooklyn, N.Y. Bielawski is now continuing the family tradition with his own son.
Bielawski, a first-responder in New York City, did not know that the simple act of discussing his memories would lead the legendary hot dog company to show him just how much his loyalty is appreciated.
Nathan’s Famous invited Bielawski and his seven-year-old son to spend Saturday evening in Coney Island as guests of the brand. The two arrived to the original Nathan’s Famous store via limousine and were greeted by current hot dog eating champion, Matt Stonie, who joined them for dinner just steps away from where he won the 2015 contest. After lunch, Stonie lead the Bielawskis to the boardwalk where the family enjoyed various amusement park rides and games.
On Sunday, Bielawski again joined Nathan’s Famous to be its guest at Citi Field where, prior to the New York Mets game against the Atlanta Braves, he was on-stage to experience the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest qualifying event as a celebrity counter for the contest.
It was on the hot dog eating contest stage where the surprises continued. Just prior to the eating competition, current Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Champion Matt Stonie presented Bielawski with a $1,000 gift card to Stop & Shop, courtesy of Nathan’s Famous, premium tickets to enjoy the game, a personalized Mets jersey, Nathan’s Famous apparel and finally, free Nathan’s Famous hot dogs for one year. After the contest, he was then led to the baseball diamond to be a part of the game’s opening ceremonies.
“First responders from New York City, the surrounding boroughs and across the nation hold a special place in our hearts at Nathan’s Famous,” said Wayne Norbitz, executive board member and 26-year president of Nathan’s Famous. “There’s an unparalleled amount of respect we have for them and we thank them for protecting us every single day. Craig began his career as an EMT and is now a firefighter who is carrying on a family tradition of enjoying Nathan’s Famous with his son, and we couldn’t be prouder to help him make some memories. And with the help of our friends at Stop & Shop, there will be plenty of opportunities to create such moments.”
This weekend’s celebration 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 included a special 5-Cent Hot Dog promotion over Memorial Day Weekend, the upcoming 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.
About Stop & Shop
The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC employs over 61,000 associates and operates 419 stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey. The company helps support local communities fight hunger, combat childhood cancer and promote general health and wellness – with emphasis on children’s educational and support programs. In its commitment to be a sustainable company, Stop & Shop is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and EPA’s Smart Way program and has been recognized by the EPA for the superior energy management of its stores. Stop & Shop is an Ahold company. To learn more about Stop & Shop, visit www.stopandshop.com or www.facebook.com/stopandshop.