Universal Orlando Resort visitors have another reason to head to CityWalk this September, especially if they’re hungry and happen to be NSYNC fans.
Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice is preparing to officially open its Universal CityWalk Orlando location on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The grand opening will begin at 10 a.m., but this won’t simply be a case of opening the doors and welcoming the first customers.
Joey Fatone will be there to celebrate.
The NSYNC member and co-owner of Fat One’s is scheduled to make a special appearance, and some guests will have the chance to receive a free hot dog directly from him.
There’s just one catch: the giveaway is extremely limited.
Only 100 Guests Will Get the Freebie
Fat One’s is giving the first 100 guests at its grand opening a wristband for one complimentary hot dog.
Those wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so anyone who wants one will need to plan accordingly. The restaurant has already encouraged guests to arrive early, with the celebration officially beginning at 10 a.m.
There’s another fun part to the promotion.
Fatone himself will serve the free hot dogs to the 100 guests who receive wristbands.
Afterward, he is expected to stick around for a limited time to take photos with fans. That could turn the restaurant’s debut into a particularly busy morning at Universal CityWalk.
Anyone arriving later shouldn’t count on receiving the same experience. Once all 100 wristbands have been distributed, the free hot dog portion of the celebration will be over. The opportunity to take a photo with Fatone will also only be available for a limited period.
For fans hoping to participate, getting there early will likely be important.
Fat One’s Replaces a Familiar CityWalk Restaurant
The restaurant itself represents another change for Universal CityWalk.
Fat One’s is moving into the former home of Hot Dog Hall of Fame, meaning hot dogs aren’t disappearing from this part of Universal Orlando. Instead, visitors will find a new brand taking over the familiar location.
Fat One’s is co-owned by Fatone and his manager, Joe Mulvihill.
The concept combines hot dogs with Italian ice, giving guests another quick option before or after visiting Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
The location also puts Fat One’s in a heavily traveled area. CityWalk connects Universal Orlando’s original two theme parks and serves as a major dining and entertainment destination on its own.
That should give plenty of visitors an opportunity to check out Fat One’s even after the opening-day festivities end.
September 19 Could Get Busy
For now, the attention is on the grand opening.
Fat One’s will officially celebrate its CityWalk debut at 10 a.m. on September 19, with Fatone appearing in person for the occasion.
The promise of a free hot dog would be enough to attract some visitors on its own. Adding an opportunity to have that hot dog personally served by an NSYNC member makes this a much different kind of restaurant opening.
Only the first 100 guests will receive wristbands, and the restaurant has made it clear that availability is limited.
Once the initial celebration ends, Fat One’s will begin its regular life as one of CityWalk’s newest dining options. For guests who remember Hot Dog Hall of Fame, it will also mark the beginning of a new era for a familiar location.
But if you want the free food and a chance to see Joey Fatone, September 19 is the date to remember.
