Amid Acquisition, New York’s Iconic Hot Dog Competition Is Safe

Less than a month into 2026 and there's been a LOT going on. A recent announcement about the sale of a massive hot dog brand has had plenty of people buzzing, and especially wondering about the future of the iconic Fourth of July hot dog eating contest that has been attached to the brand for decades.

Nathan's Famous Sold For $450 Million (+)

Following a 110 year run, Nathan's Famous has officially been sold in what has been referenced as an 'all-cash $450 million deal' - this according to several outlets including the Associated Press.

The iconic hot dog brand initially opened as a $.05 stand in Coney Island back in 1916 by a man named Nathan Handwerker, and following the opening of several other New York locations, the Handwerker family sold the entire Nathan's Famous business to investors in 1987.

As of January 2026, the entire brand has been sold to Smithfield Foods.

Like almost every food company, Nathan’s has been under significant inflationary pressure. Nathan’s sales costs of branded products rose 27% compared with last year in its most recent quarter, the company said in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. There was a 20% increase in the average cost per pound of hot dogs, it said.

The partnership between Nathan's Famous and Smithfield is not a new one, with Smithfield having had an exclusive license to 'manufacture, distribute, market, and sell Nathan’s Famous products within the U.S, Canada, and Sam’s Club locations in Mexico since March 2014.'

SEE ALSO: Nathan's Hot Dog Drama in NY

The Future Of Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest

Now, the sale or acquisition of a company isn't necessarily something that people tend to focus a lot of energy or attention on, but this one was different. Following the news of the sale so many wanted to know...

what about the hot dog eating contest?

An American past time of sorts, and a part of the Fourth of July festivities since 1972 (but for 103 years informally), the show will go on! Part of the $450 million deal was to ensure that the event will remain 'with no expected changes to the tradition.'

Representatives from Smithfield confirmed to Front Office Sports that the hot dog eating contest will remain as is, at Cony Island, and will continue to air on ESPN platforms through 2029.