A new restaurant is about to make its official debut at Universal CityWalk Orlando, and the first guests through the door could walk away with more than just a new place to eat.
Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice has set Saturday, September 19, 2026, as the date for its grand opening. The celebration starts at 10 a.m., with a special appearance from one of the people behind the brand: NSYNC member Joey Fatone.
And he won’t just be posing for a ceremonial photo before leaving.
Fatone plans to personally serve free hot dogs to a limited number of guests during the event.
For Universal Orlando visitors interested in taking advantage of the promotion, however, there won’t be many opportunities.
Joey Fatone Is Coming to Universal CityWalk
The first 100 guests to arrive at Fat One’s for the grand opening will receive a wristband.
That wristband will entitle each guest to one free hot dog, which Fatone will personally serve as part of the celebration.
With just 100 wristbands available, the promotion could disappear quickly if a large crowd arrives for the opening.
Fat One’s has already warned guests that space is limited and that wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The restaurant is encouraging anyone interested in participating to arrive early.
The free food isn’t the only reason fans might want to attend.
Fatone is also expected to remain at the CityWalk location for a limited time to take photos with visitors.
For NSYNC fans already planning a Universal Orlando trip, that creates an unusual opportunity to combine a day at the resort with a celebrity appearance and potentially score a free meal at the same time.
A New Restaurant Takes Over an Old Spot
The arrival of Fat One’s also means a familiar CityWalk location is beginning its next chapter.
Fat One’s replaces Hot Dog Hall of Fame, which previously operated from the space. Rather than abandoning the hot dog concept entirely, the location will continue serving the popular food under a different brand.
Fatone owns the chain alongside his manager, Joe Mulvihill.
With Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice moving in, guests now have a new name to look for when passing through this section of CityWalk.
The restaurant’s location should also put it in front of a large number of visitors. CityWalk sits between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, making it a natural stopping point for guests before, during, and after their theme park days.
That means the restaurant won’t have to rely on grand opening excitement forever.
The Countdown Is Almost Over
The CityWalk restaurant already appears close to completion, and the official debut is now only days away.
Saturday, September 19, will be the first big test.
The celebration starts at 10 a.m., but guests hoping for one of those 100 wristbands may not want to treat that time as an invitation to arrive at exactly 10.
With free hot dogs, a celebrity appearance, and a limited photo opportunity all happening at once, there could be plenty of interest.
After opening day, the biggest story will become how Fat One’s fits into the changing CityWalk lineup and whether visitors embrace the replacement for Hot Dog Hall of Fame.
For the first morning, though, Fat One’s is making its arrival difficult to miss.
Joey Fatone will be there, 100 free hot dogs are on the line, and Universal Orlando guests officially have another new CityWalk restaurant to check out beginning September 19.
