New York CNN —Dynastic hot dog eating champion Joey Chestnut will not compete in this year’s Nathan’s hot dog eating contest after he struck a deal with plant-based food company Impossible Foods.
“We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs rather than competing in the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” the Major League Eating organization, which oversees the event, said in a statement.
The organization said that to come back Chestnut must renounce deals with brands that rival Nathan’s.
We would love nothing more than to have him at Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, which he has dominated for years.
Joey Chestnut, Nathan’s and its parent company, Smithfield Foods, did not reply to requests for comment.
Persons:
Joey Chestnut, Chestnut
Organizations:
New, New York CNN, Impossible Foods, League Eating, Labor, Smithfield Foods
Locations:
New York, American