Nathan's Famous Expands to Arizona with New Tucson Location

The iconic hot dog brand opens a new restaurant near the University of Arizona.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Nathan's Famous, the iconic American fast-food chain known for its all-beef hot dogs, has opened a new restaurant location in Tucson, Arizona. The new venue, located near the University of Arizona, will offer the brand's full menu including hot dogs, fries, burgers, chicken sandwiches, and more. The restaurant is owned and operated by local franchisee Michael Kramkowski.

Why it matters

The expansion into Tucson marks Nathan's Famous' continued growth across the United States. As a heritage brand with roots dating back to 1916, the new location aims to bring the "Flavor of New York" to Arizona and serve the vibrant student and local community around the University of Arizona.

The details

The new Nathan's Famous restaurant in Tucson is positioned to serve students, residents, and visitors along one of the city's main leisure corridors. The full-service location will offer the brand's complete menu, including its signature all-beef hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, burgers, chicken sandwiches and tenders, wings, cheesesteaks, and thick shakes.

  • Nathan's Famous opened the new Tucson location in February 2026.

The players

Nathan's Famous

An American fast-food chain known for its all-beef hot dogs, fries, and other classic American fare. The brand traces its roots back to 1916 when immigrant Nathan Handwerker opened a hot dog stand in New York.

Michael Kramkowski

The local franchisee who owns and operates the new Nathan's Famous restaurant in Tucson, Arizona.

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What they’re saying

“We're proud to bring Nathan's Famous to Arizona. Tucson is a vibrant, energetic community, and we are excited to partner with a passionate local franchisee to bring our iconic menu and the Flavour of New York to Arizona.”

— Phil McCann, Nathan's Famous Marketing Vice-President (verdictfoodservice.com)

“I wanted to bring a brand to Tucson that has a strong, authentic heritage. Nathan's Famous is an American icon, and this location is the perfect fit – close to the University, accessible by streetcar and right in the middle of Tucson's most dynamic neighbourhoods. We are excited to welcome the community in.”

— Michael Kramkowski, Nathan's Famous Franchisee (verdictfoodservice.com)

What’s next

The new Nathan's Famous restaurant in Tucson is expected to be a popular dining destination for University of Arizona students, local residents, and visitors to the area.

The takeaway

Nathan's Famous' expansion into Tucson, Arizona demonstrates the brand's continued growth across the United States. As a heritage brand with over a century of history, Nathan's Famous aims to bring its iconic menu and "Flavor of New York" to new communities, partnering with passionate local franchisees to serve students, families, and tourists alike.