Joey Chestnut signed an endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, a company known for its plant-based products, including a new vegan hot dog|Amaury Laporte|CC BY 2.0
Joey “Jaws” Chestnut has been banned from this year’s Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4 over his sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods.
His absence means a new champion will be crowned the Mustard Belt this year.
The 16-time winner expressed his disappointment in a post on X.
Chestnut signed an endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, a company known for its plant-based products. It recently launched a vegan hit dog to compete with Nathan’s.
The clash of brands
Nathan’s contest rules require competitors to show loyalty to their brand, which created a conflict when Chestnut partnered with Impossible. Despite Nathan’s offering Joey $300,000 annually, negotiations failed.
Why is it a big deal?
It’s a bummer for Chestnut’s fans because he’s been the reigning champ since 2015, wolfing down 76 hot dogs and buns in just 10 minutes back in 2021.