Nathan’s Famous: A Taste of New York

One of New York’s treasured traditions, Nathan’s Famous is one of those rare brands able to claim immeasurable brand equity. The name has always been synonymous with the highest quality, 100% beef hot dogs and unique, golden crinkle-cut French fries.

New Yorkers, you know what I’m talking about.

From a single restaurant in Coney Island, Brooklyn in 1916, Nathan’s has grown to become an international corporation and is officially making its grand debut in China, starting right here in Beijing this September 2010.

Currently in a soft-opening stage, the first Nathan’s Famous China store is located in B1 of Wukesong’s Le Mall Shopping Center (home of the Jackie Chan Movie Theatre Complex, China’s largest movie theatre). Rest assured East-siders, they plan to open a flagship store in the CBD before the end of 2010 and will quickly expand to have 80+ stores throughout China over the next 10 years.

Luckily, I had the privilege of being among the very FIRST to dine at Nathan’s first store in China. To say that I “went to town on the menu” is an understatement.

We tried everything from the legendary hot dogs (RMB 12), chili cheese crinkle cut fries (RMB 18), onion rings (RMB 12), lobster roll (RMB 25), Arthur Treacher’s shrimp platter (RMB 28), philly cheese steak (RMB 18), chicken tenders (RMB 16 for five pieces), spicy chicken wings (RMB 16 for four pieces),  5-ounce super cheeseburger (RMB 28), lemonade (RMB 8 ) and ice cream sundae (RMB 5).

A Sneak Peak of the first Nathan’s Famous restaurant to open in China: