A century-old bite: Nathan's Famous sold to Smithfield's Foods in $450M deal, securing iconic brand's future * Brooklyn Paper

"Smithfield President and CEO Shane Smith said that the deal was a "meaningful step" in the company's evolution. "Since entering into our licensing agreement in 2014, we have made significant investments to build and grow the Nathan's Famous brand," Smith said in a statement. "With our manufacturing scale, marketing strength, product innovation capabilities, and retail and foodservice channel expertise, acquiring Nathan's Famous will allow us to take the brand to new heights.""

"Nathan's Famous , the Coney Island institution known for its hot dogs, has been sold to meat packaging company Smithfield Foods for $450 million, the company announced Wednesday. Eric Gratoff, CEO of Nathan's Famous, called the acquisition a "natural step." "It provides a compelling valuation for stockholders," he said. "As a long-time partner, Smithfield has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to investing in and growing our brand while maintaining the utmost quality and customer service standards.""

"Smithfield's added that the acquisition will help expand Nathan's portfolio, build customer awareness and bolster the company's existing meat/pork presence. By 2028, the transaction is expected to achieve nine million dollars. Nathan's Famous was in 1916 by Nathan Handwerker, where the iconic bites were sold for a nickel thanks to a $300 loan and his wife's secret recipe. Over a century later, they continue to be a land"

Smithfield Foods purchased Nathan's Famous for $450 million, acquiring full ownership and extending a prior exclusive license into perpetuity. Smithfield had held a license since 2014 covering the U.S., Canada, and select Mexican stores, originally set to expire in 2032. The acquisition is intended to secure brand rights, expand Nathan's retail and foodservice presence, and strengthen Smithfield's meat and pork portfolio. Smithfield leadership emphasized manufacturing scale, marketing, product innovation, and channel expertise as drivers for growth. Nathan's Famous traces back to 1916 when Nathan Handwerker sold hot dogs for a nickel using a $300 loan and his wife's secret recipe.

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