Nathan's Famous: "Keep Me Home"

Could the city's plans west of Stillwell Avenue spell ruin for Nathan's Famous?

Nathan's Famous which opened back in 1916 and hosts the world famous Hot Dog Eating Contest sits on the proposed lot that is part of what the city intends to revitalize and redevelop with a mix-use of retail, residential, and amusements.

Rich Caldler of the New York Post writes:

That revelation is hidden deep within the draft of the 47-acre rezoning plan's environmental-impact statement, which the city submitted yesterday.

While the plan looks like it could eradicate the famous eatery others say the city will work with Nathan's to, instead, expand their facilities and enhance it with; larger space, an actual sit-down restaurant, catering, or even a hot-diggidy-dog attraction or ride.

However, yesterday the Gowanus Lounge reported receiving an emial from the chair of Nathan's Famous calling the story 'bull' about thier flagship eatery at Surf and Stillwell Avenue being history.

Part of the e-mail posted on the Gowanus Lounge reads:

“As to the latest report issued by the City, we believe the information relating to Nathan’s Famous is being misinterpreted and that there is no intention to replace or demolish our flagship location. In fact, the Coney
Island Development Corporation’s own drawings of its intended redevelopment continue to show Nathan’s Famous in the same location on which it has stood for 93 years, on the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues, at the front door to the “People’s Playground.”

Regardless, as usual with delicate issues in Coney Island, there already is a petition to save Nathan's.


Coney Island Plans Bites Nathan's [New York Post]
Nathan’s Calls BS on Talk of Demolition [Gowanus Lounge]