Nathan's Famous Opens First Arizona Location in Tucson

The iconic New York hot dog brand brings its classic menu to the University of Arizona area.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Nathan's Famous, the iconic New York hot dog brand, has opened its first location in Arizona, setting up shop in Tucson near the University of Arizona campus. The new restaurant will serve the brand's famous hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, burgers, and hand-spun shakes, bringing a taste of the Big Apple to the Southwest.

Why it matters

The opening of Nathan's Famous in Tucson marks the brand's first foray into the Arizona market, expanding its national footprint and giving local residents access to a beloved East Coast staple. The restaurant's proximity to the University of Arizona is expected to make it a popular destination for students, faculty, and visitors to the area.

The details

The new Nathan's Famous is located just steps from the University of Arizona campus and the 4th Street streetcar stop, putting it in the heart of one of Tucson's most vibrant neighborhoods. The restaurant will serve the brand's full menu of iconic hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, burgers, chicken sandwiches, and hand-spun shakes. The local franchisee, Michael Kramkowski, specifically sought out Nathan's Famous to complement the unique character of the area and provide a high-quality dining option.

  • Nathan's Famous opened its first Arizona location in Tucson in February 2026.

The players

Nathan's Famous

An iconic American fast-food brand known for its hot dogs, fries, and other classic menu items. Nathan's Famous has been serving customers for over a century and is now expanding its footprint to Arizona.

Michael Kramkowski

The local franchisee who brought Nathan's Famous to Tucson. Kramkowski has spent over 20 years cultivating the independent spirit of the neighborhood and intentionally sought out the iconic brand to complement the area's unique character.

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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 Flavor of New York to Arizona.”

— Phil McCann, Vice President of Marketing at Nathan's Famous

“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 neighborhoods.”

— Michael Kramkowski, Local Franchisee

What’s next

The new Nathan's Famous location in Tucson is expected to be a popular destination for students, faculty, and visitors to the University of Arizona area. The brand plans to continue expanding its footprint in Arizona and across the Southwest in the coming years.

The takeaway

The arrival of the iconic Nathan's Famous brand in Tucson represents an exciting new dining option for the local community, blending a beloved East Coast staple with the unique character of the University of Arizona neighborhood. This expansion showcases Nathan's commitment to bringing its classic flavors to new markets across the country.