5-cent hot dogs: Grab a dog at Nathan’s Famous for its original price

NEW YORK (PIX11) – If watching competitive eaters devour dozens of hot dogs made you hungry on the Fourth of July, you’re in luck.

Nathan’s Famous will sell hot dogs at their original price – 5 cents – come July 17 to celebrate National Hot Dog Day .

Nathan’s Famous first opened in 1916, when the dogs were well under $1 apiece. Now, their hot dogs sell for $5.99.

The discount hot dogs are limited to two per person and will be sold at many locations across the country. Nathan’s representatives recommend calling your local store to see if they’re selling them.

There are over 100 Nathan’s locations across the country and 61 in New York State.

The original location opened in Coney Island as a hot dog stand, selling milkshakes, sodas, dogs and chips. The first hot dog eating contest happened in 1916 as a test of patriotism for four immigrants, according to the hot dog company.

Its second location on Long Island opened in 1955, and a third in Yonkers 10 years later. The Times Square shop opened in 1971, and by the late ‘1980s, it had expanded around New York City.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered New York City since 2023. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here .

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