Will sale of Nathan’s Famous impact July 4 hot dog eating contest?

Nathan's Famous Acquired in $450 Million Deal

Smithfield Foods has agreed to acquire Nathan’s Famous Inc. in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $450 million, with the transaction announced on Jan. 21, 2026. Under the terms, Smithfield will purchase all outstanding shares of Nathan’s Famous common stock for $102 per share. The acquisition secures Smithfield’s rights to produce, sell, and market the Nathan’s Famous all-beef hot dog brand in perpetuity across retail and foodservice chann…

Iconic hot dog brand Nathan’s Famous just sold for $450 million

Packaged meat company Smithfield Foods has agreed to acquire the historic Coney Island staple — best known for its annual hot dog eating contest — in an all-cash deal.

Smithfield buys Nathan's Famous hot dog maker

Nathan's Famous, which opened as a 5-cent hot dog stand in Coney Island more than a century ago, has been sold to packaged meat giant Smithfield Foods in an all-cash $450 million deal, the companies say.

Nathan's hot dog contest to go on under Chinese ownership

No changes are expected at the traditional Nathan's Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest following the sale of the parent company.

Struggling with inflation, Nathan’s Famous hot dog company has been sold

Nathan's annual hot-dog eating event at Coney Island will continue, the new owner said.

Will sale of Nathan’s Famous impact July 4 hot dog eating contest?

The contest, formal or otherwise, have been going on for decades.