Austin Bar/Eatery To Stage July 4 Hot Dog Eating Contest

AUSTIN, TX — It wouldn't be a Fourth of July celebration without a hot dog eating contest, and Domo Alley-Gato Tatsu-Ya is bringing the goods.

The bar/eatery at 1600 E. 6th St. has scheduled its inaugural Ban Ban Dog Eating Contest on Thursday, July 4, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The place is open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m, and patrons must be 21 and up to gain entry.

The aim of the contest is to search for the person for the person who has what it takes to reign as Top Cat, organizers explained in a press advisory. To that end, a new competition will begin every hour on the hour from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Contestants are encouraged to arrive early to register to participate. The Ban Ban Dog is a Tatsu-Ya take on the hot dog, made with a panko brioche bun stuffed with curry chili, topped with teriyaki, honey aioli and cabbage.

The contestant to finish 5 Ban Ban Dogs and 5 pickle spears in the least amount of time will earn a place on the wall of fame, bragging rights and a gift card valid for use at all Tatsu-Ya restaurants. Buy-in fee is $20 per person however guests are welcome to stop by, enjoy a cold cap and cheer on friends and family.

Rules and more can be found below as well as HERE.

Courtesy image.

Contest Rules:

• One entry per person. $20 per person entry fee.
• The first contestant to consume five hot dogs in the shortest time wins that heat, the shortest all around time wins the contest.
• Each heat begins at the sound of the gong.
• Every hour on the hour from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. - a new competition begins.
• Every contestant must finish 5 dogs and 5 pickle spears to win their heat.
• The first contestant to complete the five hot dog challenge in the shortest amount of time (all heats included) wins.
• Ringmasters are the final say in completion of dog.
• All contestants will be provided with a poncho for optimum hot dog eating.
• The winner with receive a trophy and their photo on the annual hot dog eating contest wall of fame (posted year round), as well as a gift card valid at all Tatsu-Ya restaurants.
• Contestants may not touch hot dogs until the starting gong.
• Only entire hot dogs eaten will be counted (an entire hot dog includes the bun).
• Contestants may drink beverage of their choice while eating their hot dogs.
• Buns and hot dogs may be separated, dunked or mangled. All portions of the hot dog (including bun) must be eaten.
• When the first contestant finishes, contestants may not put any additional hot dog or buns in their mouths until final ruling from the Ringmaster.
• They will have 20 seconds to swallow what is in their mouths.
• Partially eaten hot dogs will not be counted.
• In the unlikely event of a tie- there will be decided by a sudden death "eat off" of two Ban Ban Dogs.

So you think you have what it takes? It's time to bring out the stretchy pants.

Courtesy image.