Nathan's Famous Surprises Ultimate Fan in Houston

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. Darryl Boyd, of Houston, was recently recognized as one of Nathan's Famous "Ultimate Fans."

Boyd recently shared his passion and affinity for the brand on the Nathan's Famous Facebook page, detailing stories about his childhood and enjoying the world-famous hot dogs.

Growing up just outside of Coney Island, Boyd recalled spending the days on the boardwalk and beach, riding the Cyclone roller coaster and enjoying a natural-casing hot dog at the original Nathan's Famous on the corners of Surf and Stillwell Avenues. Coincidentally, Boyd's brother worked in Manhattan at a Nathan's Famous store where the entire family—he is the youngest of nine children—would gather for dinner.

Boyd did not know that the simple act of posting his story would lead the hot dog company to show him just how much his loyalty is appreciated. Nathan's Famous invited Boyd to be guest counter at the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest qualifying event in Houston, but a last-minute conflict kept him from participating. However, Nathan's Famous wouldn't let a little hurdle stop the brand from expressing its thanks for his loyalty.

Nathan's Famous representatives made arrangements to meet Boyd at his residence after the completion of Saturday's qualifying contest. It was on the sidewalk in front of his house where he was surprised with a $1,000 Kroger gift card, Nathan's Famous apparel, gift certificates for the Nathan's Famous store at Memorial City Mall and finally, free Nathan's Famous hot dogs for one year.

"As a family-first brand, we're thrilled to thank Darryl for his and his families' loyalty to Nathan's Famous," says Wayne Norbitz, executive board member and 26-year president of Nathan's Famous. "After the destruction that Hurricane Sandy caused a few years ago, Darryl's story hit home for us. With the recent flooding issues in Houston, we hope that this helps take some stress away for him. This wouldn't be possible without our friends at Kroger, so we'd like to thank them for allowing Darryl to enjoy plenty of Nathan's Famous for the next year."

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.