Nathan's Famous to open new stores in Brazil, Europe, Middle East

Nathan’s Famous, Inc. is looking to continue its international expansion in 2024.

The fast-casual hot dog chain, which currently operates in 19 countries, has plans to open new brick-and-mortar locations in Brazil, United Kingdom, Egypt and Ukraine by the end of 2024 through franchise agreements.

Through Nathan’s Brazilian master franchisee, Alix Flit, the brand currently has four Nathan’s brick-and-mortar franchised restaurants and 16 kiosks in convenience stores and gas stations throughout Brazil, with plans to open several sub-franchise locations this year.

Reza Aghajanzadeh and Brad Armitage, Nathan’s Famous master franchisees in Great Britain, currently have one franchised location open outside of London and are preparing for a larger expansion in Britain. Additionally, the brand has partnered with a virtual kitchen partner to further expand in London through delivery.

Nathan’s Famous said it will open several virtual kitchen locations in the UAE by the end of the year as well. The chain also plans to open new franchised locations at the Punta Cana Airport in the Dominican Republic this year.

“We have seen an increase in consumer demand internationally for Nathan’s Famous and are looking to expand around the globe to meet that demand,” says Phil McCann, VP of marketing at Nathan’s Famous. “Over the last year, we’ve created partnerships with master franchisees that have allowed us to grow quickly, but there is still additional consumer interest that we’d like to reach. Because of this, in 2024 we will continue to focus on our international presence, and we are thrilled to introduce the flavor of New York to new parts of the world.”

“Before we brought Nathan’s Famous to Brazil, you couldn’t get a good hot dog here,” said Flit. “But now, with Nathan’s, we are going to change the future of hot dogs in Brazil and create a new legacy.”

In addition to international growth, Nathan’s Famous will open new locations in New York, Florida, Arizona, New Jersey and Indianapolis this year.