In a sad pieces of Brooklyn news, Coney Island’s Famous Nathan’s Hot Dog will not re-open until next Spring, at least, after being ravaged by Hurricane Sandy. For many natives and tourists alike, this means one more place crossed off the checklist of sights to see in the city.
The hot dog emporium started with a small hot dog stand on the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Brooklyn 96 years ago and this is the first time that it has been forced to shut its doors. A spokesperson for the company released the following statement. “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.”
The problem is that almost all of their equipment ended up under water when the Hurricane hit the island on October 29th. While the company will not comment on the exact extent of their damage. It did say that their losses were comparable to other Surf Avenue establishments, many of which reported having fluid from the sewers bubble up into their businesses and destroy their interiors.
All we can do is keep our fingers crossed that they are able to be back up and running in time for the famous annual hot dog eating contest!!