The July 4 Nathan’s hot dog eating contest was conducted without Joey Chestnut, who was prohibited from competing because of an endorsement deal with a plant-based hot dog company. The administrators of the Nathan’s contest felt that Chestnut was supporting a rival brand.Plant-based hot dogs are an alternative to beef hot dogs. They are not truly a competitor of a beef hot dog company.I’m no vegetarian, but I’m also not going to turn my back on the produce farmers who are helping to preserve our rural way of life. I understand there’s a difference between the New York county where the Nathan’s contest is held and San Diego County, where approximately 35 percent of the nation’s avocados are grown, but I will openly admit to having put guacamole on hot dogs I ate.Sa
