Orlando has hosted a few competitive eating challenges in the day, even luring in world champs like the currently top-ranked Joey Chestnut for promos and meet and greets.
I say Orlando needs its own Joey Chestnut, and Franco’s Battle Royale — a ween-eating throw down to be hosted by Cholo Dogs on Oct. 23 at GB’s Bottle Shop (531 Virginia Drive in Orlando) — could be the definitive event for our city’s new King or Queen Gurgitator to lay claim to the title.
Who among you has the chops to scarf four loaded Cholo Dogs and as many plain hot dogs as the unforgiving clock will allow?
Company “founder” Franco Furtero, for whom the contest is named, wants to “meat” you — and hopes you’ll throw your hat in the ring.
“We’ll make room for as many competitors as are interested,” says Cholo Dogs’ partner Jordan Eichenblatt, teasing that Furtero, whose mystique includes a stint as a world champion luchador, may be on hand to emcee. “Each of them will receive a Cholo Dogs gift bag for their $25 entrant’s fee. In addition, the winner will enjoy the clout of a trophy, T-shirt and one-of-a-kind bumper sticker for their car — along with free Cholo Dogs for one year — one per visit.”
And of course, the added cachet of supreme ween bragging rights.
“When I was wrestling, there was no feeling better than winning the championship, but it also was a great feeling if your friend won the championship,” said Furtero. “I want all of our friends to feel that as I am hosting the hot dog eating contest, the winner will feel what I felt when I won my championships.”
Those with an appetite for hot dog hubris (or just an appetite) can enter the fray of Franco’s Battle Royale by signing up here: cholodogs.com/events.
Find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie or email me at amthompson@orlandosentinel.com.
