PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

Primanti Bros. is inviting Joey Chestnut to the table, n’at.

The competitive eater, who has won Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 16 times, was ousted from this year’s Fourth of July belly-busting bout due to his relationship with Impossible Foods, makers of plant-based franks.

“If Joey wants to celebrate our nation’s independence with a James Beard Award-winning American classic  — well, we’d be honored,” says Adam Golomb, Primanti Bros. CEO. “At this point, I think the most I’ve ever seen anyone eat in one sitting was five. And I feel like Joey’s got that beat.”

The James Beard Foundation awarded Primanti’s the title of American Classics restaurant in 2007, a designation awarded to family-owned restaurants “with timeless appeal” that have operated for more than a decade. Primanti’s opened in 1933.

In 2021, Chestnut, 40, downed 76 dogs in 10 minutes to earn a Guinness World Record. And I thought I had a big appetite!

If he accepts the Pittsburgh sammich challenge, he’ll get a coveted place on the mural at the chain’s original Strip District location, which opened in 1933. 

“From sea to shining sea – it’s coleslaw, French fries and Provolone for me,” Golomb says. “That’s probably my worst quote ever – but I don’t know if there’s any better way to ring in America’s Independence than with 25 or 30 Primanti sandwiches.”

May I suggest a pile of Pitts-Burgers presented by Toni Haggerty?

How will they get that many fries in one order? Well, on June 13 from 4 to 8 p.m., the Big Idaho Potato Truck will stop at Texas Roadhouse on Duncan Avenue in McCandless.

The vehicle is on a cross-country tour to promote the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association certified Idaho potato and its mission to help small charities in towns and cities with its A Big Helping program. Come and see a 4-ton tater!