Wolves Head launches eating contest

No matter how you prefer hot dogs — with ketchup, mustard, relish or topped with chili — are you up for a challenge that invites you to chow down on the beefy treat?

More importantly, how many hot dogs can you eat?

Wolves Head Pizza and Wings owner John Breiner is hoping to start a tradition in East County. Starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, the local restaurant is hosting its first hot dog eating contest.

Entry is free, but registration is required by calling or visiting Wolves Head, located at 1837 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Cash prizes, T-shirts and bragging rights will be awarded to the top male and female hot dog eaters. Event attendees can also sample craft beers starting at 7 p.m.

The idea stemmed from employees' conversations over who could eat the most hot dogs, after Breiner and his staff members watched the annual Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, held on the Fourth of July in New York. 

"Guys have big egos, and we were all talking about how we could eat 20 or 30 hot dogs," Breiner said, laughing. "But, realistically 15 is what we're looking for. This is a fun event to keep the summer rolling before everyone heads back to their normal routines next month."