Adam Hoffer wins 2nd annual hot dog eating contest at Stewart's Root Beer in Washington

While the Nathan's International Hot Dog Eating Contest was taking place on Coney Island, N.Y., on the Fourth of July, more frankfurters were being lined up outside Stewart's Root Beer on Route 31 in Washington as competitors there prepared to chow down for the second straight year.

The televised competition served as an inspiration of sorts for the champion in the local contest, Adam Hoffer, of Latrobe, Pa.

Hoffer -- who says the local friends he was visiting sometimes refer to him as "Hoffer the Hutt" -- adopted Coney Island champ Joey Chestnut's strategy of first scarfing down the dogs, then dipping the buns in water and consuming them separately.

The plan worked, as Hoffer devoured 10 1/2 hot dogs in five minutes. He beat out last year's winner, Anthony Libero, of Flemington. Libero won after eating 10 dogs in five minutes last year; he finished nine this time.

"I am stuffed," Hoffer said following the competition. "I don't think I'm going to need to eat for awhile."

It was the second time the root beer and hot dog stand hosted what is now becoming an annual event. All proceeds from the contest go to the United Way of Warren County.

Stewart's owners Patrick Ryan and Tom Kowal said there was a bigger turnout this year as between 50 and 70 people attended to watch 12 competitors wolf down some dogs.

Though the money hadn't been counted yet, Ryan estimated it would be about $200 for the United Way this year, about the same as last year.

"That money stays right here in the community," said Sarah Brelvi, president of the local United Way chapter.

The event was conceived as both a fundraiser and another attraction for Washington on a day with community parades and fireworks.

"It's a pretty big hot dog eating day," Ryan said. "It's something else for the town."

A chicken wing eating competition is planned for Labor Day, he said.

This afternoon, trays of hot dogs and cups of water were set on picnic tables outside Stewart's as the competitors were called up individually as "Eye of the Tiger" blared over the sound system. Some gave themselves nicknames like "Fat Boy." One of the larger participants wore a T-shirt that said "Anorexia survivor."

A young boy signed up to compete, telling the announcer, "I just wanted to do it."

The winner received a $50 Stewart's gift card, a $25 Rita's Italian Ice gift card and a case of Stewart's root beer. All the participants got a four-pack of the beverage.
After the competition, Hoffer said he still planned to eat at his friends' holiday barbecue.

Hot dogs were off the menu for him, but he was still game for "some good American hamburgers," he said.

Associated Press