Nathan's Famous Kicks-Off Centennial Celebration with Big Game Surprise Party for an Ultimate FanNathan's Famous Kicks-Off Centennial Celebration with Big Game Surprise Party for an Ultimate Fan

Nathan's Famous is celebrating its centennial by launching the Nathan's Famous Ultimate Fan Nation. Ultimate Fan Nation is a place where Nathan's fans can unite to share their stories, photos and ultimate patronage for their beloved hot dogs.

"The only reason Nathan's Famous is even able to celebrate our 100th anniversary is due to the unbelievably loyal fans who've continually enjoyed our products since 1916," says Wayne Norbitz, former 26-year president and chief operating officer of Nathan's Famous. "You only have one opportunity to celebrate your 100th anniversary and Nathan's Famous will do it right. We want to give back to our Ultimate Fans by providing unforgettable experiences so they know we truly appreciate their loyalty."

This year Nathan's Famous is on a mission to surprise unsuspecting fans with a unique brand experience, company officials say. Fans are encouraged to join the Ultimate Fan Nation and share their story, because one will never know when or what surprises might come their way.

Tom Dabeck of Oldsmar, Fla., didn't know what he was in store for when Nathan's Famous called to surprise him and more than 100 friends and family members with an Ultimate Big Game Block Party, by setting up its entire Coney Island mobile experience in his front lawn. Complete with boardwalk games such as skee-ball and pop-a-shot, a Zoltar Fortune Teller machine, a two-story tall inflatable slide, and Nathan's Famous Premium Beef Hot Dogs, Dabeck walked out of his door and stepped into a taste of Coney Island.

Dabeck and his party guests were entertained by a disc jockey and face-painter throughout the afternoon, and each household of his guests was given a gift featuring Nathan's Famous-branded tote bags, hats, t-shirts, drink koozies and a $25 Publix gift card.

In addition to the gifts provided for his guests, Dabeck was on the receiving end of a special presentation that included free Nathan's Famous hot dogs for one year, a $1,000 gift card to Publix and an outdoor theatre system featuring a big screen, projector and sound system.

"We learned that Tom was a huge fan of Nathan's this past December when we asked our Facebook fans how they tailgate for football games," says Mike Paribello, senior director of marketing, Smithfield Foods. "Tom, just like many others in our Ultimate Fan Nation, told us how he's been enjoying Nathan's hot dogs for as long as he can remember. It's loyal fans like Tom who we want to express our deep gratitude to, and we will throughout our 100th anniversary celebration."

The course of the next 11 months will see Nathan's Famous reflect 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, with Dabeck being the first.

Highlights of the Nathan's Famous centennial 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. Beginning in May, fans will also have the opportunity to have their Ticket to Fun punched as part of an online, summer-rewards program featuring games, prizes and exclusive branded merchandise.

Smithfield Foods is the licensee of Nathan's Famous pre-packaged hot dogs.