Mr. Steam: Relishing the Land of Opportunity for July 4th!

How will you mark the nation’s birthday tomorrow, July 4th?

Mr. Steam’s own Dan Reinert plans to relish a special July 4^th celebration. Along with some 40,000 people, he will make his way to New York’s Coney Island to watch the traditional Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating competition.

Did you know that each year 20 individudals take part in this competition? And that Nathan's Famous holds qualifying circuits in 12 cities across the country and Canada to identify the July 4th participants?

Who will cut the mustard on July 4th 2013? Joey Chestnut of San Jose, CA, holds the world record for eating 68 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and Buns in 10 minutes. He will seek his seventh straight title this year – a world record. Sonya Thomas of Alexandria, VA, will defend her title as Female Champion. She consumed 45 Hot Dogs and Buns in 10 minutes last year, setting a new women’s world record.

Allegedly, the Nathan’s Famous contest began on July 4^th 1916 in Coney Island when four immigrants tried to prove which was the most patriotic by wolfing down the most hot dogs.

Nathan's Coney Island

Why has this athletic event, a hot dog eating contest now covered on ESPN, so doggedly endured? There is no better way to “show our commitment to Coney Island and all its businesses, residents and fans,” says Wayne Norbitz, President and COO.

When it comes to hometown committment, frankly, Nathan’s and Mr. Steam have a lot in common. Mr. Steam was founded in New York City a year after Nathan's and still manufactures there today.

With nearly a century of growth and innovation, both companies typify the American dream.

Nathan's founder Nathan Handwerker invented a roll-cutting machine while Mr. Steam's founder Arthur Sussman invented a steam iron for garment factories. (See The History of Steam and Steam Showers in New York City.)

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