This is the first time in 96 years "Nathan's" on Stillwell Avenue has closed.
The owners are vowing to be back in business in time for the annual Fourth of July hot dog eating contest.
They released a statement saying, "Nathan's Famous was founded on the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island, Brooklyn, in 1916, and we believe that our flagship restaurant has operated continuously, 365 days a year, since that date. In October, Hurricane Sandy caused significant damage to the Nathan's facility, as it did to many other residences and businesses in Coney Island. Nathan's has begun the process of rebuilding and anticipates reopening this spring, before the summer season, with the same menu and the same Nathan's Famous experience that customers have enjoyed for almost 100 years. Plans are well under way to stage the annual Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, as usual. The contest will be aired on ESPN."
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