EAST GRANBY, Conn. — Today, an East Granby business said, “Move over Nathan’s,” as it prepares to hold a free hot dog eating contest of its own on National Hot Dog Day next week.
TJ’s Burritos, an establishment on Turkey Hills Road, regularly serves craft burritos, local organic coffee, fresh local farm produce and other items out of its marketplace. On July 17, hot dogs will be introduced to the menu.
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Next Wednesday, TJ’s Burritos will celebrate National Hot Dog Day all day long, but the fun ramps up when the evening begins. At 7 p.m., the business will hold a free hot dog eating contest. A portion of the proceeds raised during the event will benefit the Vietnam Veterans of America, according to TJ’s Burritos’ owners Jeremy Jackson and Tricia Martin.
A press release sent out on Wednesday said that before Martin entered the burrito business, she worked with her uncle’s family business. There, she sold hot dogs in Hartford and Windsor.
Martin’s uncle was even dubbed the “Hot Dog King” in the 1980s, and his passion for hot dogs has remained in the family ever since, the release said. Martin went on to open her own hot dog business, Kelli’s Dogs, according to the release.
“Every year, National Hot Dog Day has been like a holiday – and this year will be no exception, as we will pay homage to my uncle by hosting this contest and donating a portion of our proceeds to the very veterans association whose care he was under when he recently passed,” Martin said, in the release.
TJ’s Burritos is seeking 10 contestants and five judges for the contest that will be sponsored by Performance Food Group. There will be cash and merchandise prizes available to win as part of the festivities.
Those in attendance will be offered $2 hot dogs, $10 hot dog flights and $5 margaritas that evening from 7-9 p.m.
To apply to be a judge or a contestant, one can visit here.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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