Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice officially opens its newest location at Universal CityWalk within the Universal Orlando Resort this Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Taking over the former Hot Dog Hall of Fame space, the eatery founded by *NSYNC member Joey Fatone and manager Joe Mulvihill offers gourmet footlongs, craft Italian ices, and specialty beers.
- The Opening Date: Fat One’s officially debuts at Universal Orlando CityWalk on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
- The Location: The restaurant takes over the real estate formerly occupied by the Hot Dog Hall of Fame.
- Opening Day Perk: The first 100 guests arriving at 10 a.m. will receive wristbands for a free hot dog served by Joey Fatone.
Transforming the CityWalk Landscape
Universal Orlando Resort visitors will notice a familiar footprint with a distinct pop-culture overhaul this weekend. According to Attractions Magazine, Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice is occupying the exact venue that hosted the Hot Dog Hall of Fame from 2014 until its closure in July 2026. While the stadium-style seating and baseball-inspired flooring remain intact, the space has been thoroughly rebranded with tall red-and-black banners, signature star graphics, and prominent Fat One’s signage lining the outdoor walkway.
The transition moved rapidly through late summer. Construction updates shared by the restaurant on Instagram at the start of September confirmed the imminent arrival, with Fatone himself narrowing down the timeline in the comments before the official announcement dropped on September 14, 2026.
A Star-Studded Menu Meets Theme Park Foot Traffic
The culinary lineup moves far beyond standard amusement park fare. The menu highlights nine gourmet hot dogs, each featuring eclectic flavor profiles. Among them is the namesake “Fat One,” a footlong hot dog piled high with roasted pork, pepperoni, chili beans, cheddar cheese sauce, red onion sauce, Pop Fries, and chives. For diners seeking global flavors, the menu includes the Brazilian—featuring grilled linguica sausage with onion sauce, jalapeño veganaise, cotija cheese, Calabrian honey, red peppers, cilantro, and potato sticks on a brioche bun—alongside the Korean-inspired Dirty K-Pop Dog topped with kimchi slaw, spicy gochujang mayonnaise, scallions, crispy onions, and black sesame.
Complementing the savory options are multiple flavors of Italian ice and a curated selection of specialty beers.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening Date | Saturday, September 19, 2026 |
| Location | Former Hot Dog Hall of Fame space, Universal CityWalk Orlando |
| Founders | Joey Fatone and Joe Mulvihill |
| Special Opening Perk | First 100 guests get wristbands for a free hot dog served by Fatone |
Opening Day Logistics and Fan Access
For fans aiming to catch a glimpse of the *NSYNC alum, timing will be everything on Saturday morning. Universal encourages interested visitors to arrive at the venue by 10 a.m. Because space is strictly limited, staff will distribute wristbands on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 100 guests. Those fortunate enough to secure a wristband will receive a free hot dog served directly by Fatone, who will also be available for photographs for a limited time alongside co-founder Joe Mulvihill.
Are you planning to check out the grand opening this weekend, or which gourmet dog on the menu caught your eye? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
