National Amusements hosts hot dog event

Some local chowhounds may be laying off the buffet table today to ensure that they have their game faces on - not to mention empty stomachs - as they gear up for a 1 p.m. hot dog eating contest scheduled for tomorrow.

The event's host is National Amusements Inc., the Dedham-based based chain of movie theaters.

Set to take place at Patriot Place Plaza in Foxborough, National Amusements describes tomorrow's to-do as a "qualifying event" for the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest that takes place in New York's Coney Island.

(In some quarters, aficionados insist that Nathan's is the last word in hot dogs. The image that tops this post was taken from Nathan's website.)

As the home of the New England Patriots, Foxborough is no stranger to behemoths, galoots, and assorted folks with out-sized appetites. Foxborough is also home to Patriot Place, a shopping-and-entertainment complex located near the football stadium, where National Amusements has a Showcase Cinema de Lux, its new luxury theater format.

In describing what is expected to take place at tomorrow's frankfurter fete, National Amusements said, "There will be approximately 20 people competing in the 10 minute 'all you can eat' contest, and they are expected to consume close to 300 hot dogs and buns."

The winner of the qualifying round is eligible to compete in this year's Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, National Amusements said.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)