Just ahead of National Hot Dog Day on July 26, Nathan’s Famous is reminding New Yorkers — especially Brooklynites — that all subway lines lead to the borough’s most iconic bite.
Earlier this year, the MTA released its first fully redesigned subway map in nearly half a century. Eagle-eyed New Yorkers quickly noticed an amusing coincidence: the N, F and Q lines, which all stop at Coney Island, form the shape of a hot dog. The F line stretches through the middle — a frank topped with mustard — while the N and Q lines curve around it like a bun.
For Nathan’s Famous, host of the iconic hot dog contest and operator of the original stand at Surf and Stillwell since 1916, the resemblance was too fitting to ignore.
“It felt like the MTA gave us a nod — in the shape of a hot dog,” said Brittany Oliver, marketing manager for Nathan’s Famous at Smithfield Foods. “Coney Island is where it all started for us over a century ago, and seeing the N, F and Q lines come together there? That’s classic New York — and classic Nathan’s.”
In response, Nathan’s has launched a new campaign encouraging riders to “Follow the (F)rank Line” — a cheeky play on the subway routes and the company’s signature frankfurters. Running through Aug. 10, the initiative includes subway station takeovers, digital billboards and social media content directing visitors to the Coney Island flagship.
The campaign also builds on the brand’s “100% Beef, 100% New York” platform, introduced earlier this year as a nod to its heritage and connection to the city.
Nathan’s will also distribute limited-edition subway maps, branded merchandise and new product samples in the lead-up to Hot Dog Day.
