Nathans Famous, INC.: management transactions · United States · SEC (Form 4)

About Nathans Famous, INC.

Nathan’s Famous, Inc. is a U.S.-listed consumer and distribution company with a distinctive hybrid model that combines restaurant operations, brand licensing and consumer packaged goods. The company traces its roots to 1916, when Nathan Handwerker opened the original nickel hot dog stand on Coney Island in New York. Today, its operational headquarters are in Jericho, New York, United States, and its shares are traded on the U.S. public market on the NYSE/NASDAQ ecosystem. ([sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/69733/000143774925019916/nath20250331_10k.htm?utm_source=openai)) Nathan’s Famous is best known for its iconic beef hot dogs and crinkle-cut fries, but the business has evolved well beyond a simple quick-service restaurant concept. Historically, the company operated and franchised Nathan’s-branded restaurants. More recently, it has emphasized a broader branded-platform strategy: a Licensing Program for packaged consumer products sold through supermarkets, grocery chains and club stores; a Branded Product Program for foodservice operators; and a namesake restaurant system that includes company-owned and franchised units, as well as virtual kitchens. Management has repeatedly highlighted that expanding distribution points, rather than aggressively growing the company-owned store base, is the core strategic objective. ([sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/69733/000143774925019916/nath20250331_10k.htm)) From a competitive standpoint, Nathan’s occupies a small but highly recognizable niche in the U.S. foodservice and branded-food landscape. Its key competitive advantages are brand heritage, strong consumer recognition, and a clear New York identity that supports both restaurant traffic and off-premise product sales. The company’s offering extends beyond the classic hot dog: recent franchise materials highlight burgers, cheesesteaks, chicken sandwiches, tenders and onion rings, which broadens the brand’s relevance while preserving the core value proposition. For investors, the key point is that Nathan’s competes less as a large-scale restaurant chain and more as a brand monetization platform. ([franchise.nathansfamous.com](https://franchise.nathansfamous.com/)) Recent developments matter materially. In January 2026, Nathan’s Famous announced a merger agreement with Smithfield Foods, a major strategic event that could reshape the investment case, subject to customary stockholder and regulatory approvals and closing conditions. In June 2025, the company also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share. At the same time, management has flagged inflationary pressure, beef input costs and reliance on Smithfield Foods as principal supplier as ongoing risks. For international investors, Nathan’s Famous stands out as a heritage U.S. consumer brand with recurring licensing economics, selective restaurant exposure and a live M&A catalyst. ([sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/69733/000110465926005233/tm263713d1_8k.htm))