1st Ever Hostess Donettes-Eating Contest Coming To Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia is the site of some momentous historical events. And now it can add hosting the first-ever Hostess Donettes-eating contest, as a Center City shopping center will host the Major League Eating-sanctioned event in June.

At 1 p.m. on Friday, June 1, the world's No. 1-ranked competitive eater Joey Chestnut and other top competitive eaters will participate in the inaugural contest at the Shops at Liberty Place in Philadelphia.

The event will take place on National Donut Day and will set a new world record for the number of Hostess Donettes eaten in six minutes.

Prizes will be awarded to the first- through seventh-place winners. They are are $4,000; $2,000; $1,000; $500; $250; $150; and $100, respectively.

"MLE is honored to celebrate Donut Day, and all those who love donuts, with the first-ever Hostess Donettes-eating contest," Major League Eating emcee Sam Barclay said in the announcement. "It is anticipated that as many as 150 Hostess Donettes will be consumed at this event."

Aside from Chestnut, other competitive eaters participating include No. 2-ranked Carmen Cincotti from Newark, New Jersey; the No. 6 ranked Gideon Oji from Morrow, Georgia; and the No. 8-ranked Darron Breeden from Orange, Virginia.

"If there was a snack cake Hall of Fame, Donettes would most certainly have a place near the top as a confectionary superstar as they are America’s #1 donut, according to independent national sales data," Becky Logan, Brand Director for Breakfast at Hostess Brands, LLC, said. "Powdered Donettes are truly beloved by generations of fans who enjoy them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Donut Day or not, this competition marks another exciting milestone in the world of competitive eating, and we salute the competitors’ efforts to set the world record."

The Shops at Liberty Place are located at 1625 Chestnut St., Philadelphia.

Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images