Nathan’s, Shmathan’s! Welcome to the borough’s first kosher hot dog eating contest.
The event is slated for between 1-2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 25 at Brooklyn Burger Boyz in the heart of one of the borough’s largest kosher restaurant rows, at 533 Kings Highway.
“You don’t have to be Jewish, but it wouldn’t hurt,” said Burger Boyz spokesperson Bill Ades. “People can enter whether they keep kosher to the strictest levels, or even if they are not kosher.”
Ades said the dogs of choice will be A&H (Abeles & Heymann) Kosher Franks, along with Pas Yisrael’s bread. A&R hot dogs are certified Glatt and held to the strictest standards of Kosher supervision.
“A & R hot dogs make Nathan’s hot dogs look like chopped liver,” claimed Ades.
Ades said the idea to throw a kosher hot dog eating contest came through Burger Boyz owner/entrepreneur Joseph Bijou, who owns over 20 Burger King Franchises throughout the New York tri-state Area, as well several Pop-Eye’s Fried Chicken chains. Joe decided to do this to give something back to the community, so all the proceeds from the event will go toward local food pantries to help feed the less fortunate, Ades said.
Like Bijou’s other eateries, Burger Boys serves their food fast, which also includes fresh made to order hamburgers, chicken and other grill items and an assortment of fresh salad with homemade dressing.
The rules for the event include a $10 entry fee in which contestants will be given the option of eating their hot dogs plain and then the buns, or hot dog and bun together.
Unlike the 12-minute Nathan’s contest, this gastronomic affair will be all of five minutes.
“This is a hot dog eating sprint contest,” said Ades.
The first place winner will receive a $300 cash prize, and the first four runner-ups will receive a free meal for two at Brooklyn Burger Boyz – a $25 value.
Ades said the winner will also receive a blue and white belt – the colors of the Israeli flag.
“I see this contest as something for the entire Jewish community, because Jews love to eat,” said Ades. “You go to a Jewish mother or grandmother’s home and the first thing they do is bring out an entree of food, and say, ‘Let’s eat something.’
Pre-registration is recommended as the contest is limited to 50 spots. Contestants can register by visiting http://www.brooklynburgerboyz.com, going to the restaurant in person or calling 483-9360.