He’s famous for a lot reasons.
Frank “The Tank” Fleming of Barstool Sports is coming to Hartford’s Parkville Market Sunday to put his nationally known hot dog eating expertise to the test and to sign autographs for a good cause.
Fleming, internationally famous for openly sharing his weight-loss journey, insightful sports commentary and nationwide hot dog reviews, will pick three hot dog winners from a number of market vendors who normally sell international cuisine.
Fleming, who once weighed 500 pounds, has lost more than 150 pounds.
The vendors have come up with creative twists on the normally all-American hot dog.
The public is invited for free to watch Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m., but for $25 can do a meet and greet, photo and autograph with the star. All proceeds will go to Friends of Feeney, a Hartford area non-profit that helps children and families who need assistance after “heartbreak and tragedy,” according to its website.
The public can get in on the tasting Saturday and Sunday to match their choices with Fleming’s picks. The price of the hot dogs for public consumption will range from $6 to $12.
“Frank the Tank always wants to use his influence for good and this event is the epitome of good,” said Matthew Jenks of Barstool Sports. “When they reached out to Frank, it was a no-brainer to come. Frank will stay and sign autographs until every single fan meets him and we raise as much money as possible for those in need.”
Hot dog creations of the weekend will represent the unique, international cuisines at Parkville Market, with names such as The Dogfather, Sushi Dog, Grilled Cheese Glizzy, and Satay Dog.
Some examples of twists on the hot dog will include: Twisted Italian eatery will serve the hot dog garlic bread style with “crazy” bolognese sauce, calabrian chili pepper mustard, house-made pickled onion; Portly Pig eatery will offer a smoked hot dog topped with smoked beans, 14-hour smoked pulled pork, cole slaw and hickory smoked barbecue; Fowl Play will have offer their dog smoked and deep-fried,smothered in creamy mac and cheese, Nashville sauce and diced fried pickles.
Frank the Tank reviews hot dogs throughout the country, telling it like it is both simply and with humor.
He will choose his top three favorites and the public can compare their favorites to his.
Hot dogs for the weekend’s events were donated by Martin Rosol’s Inc.
“We’re thrilled to be part of this exciting and fun event. Friends of Feeney does incredible work in our community, and we’re proud to contribute to such a great cause,” said Teddy Rosol, general manager, fourth-generation at Martin Rosol’s Inc. “We can’t wait to see the unique hot dog creations from each restaurant.”
In addition, a portion of Parkville Market sales throughout Saturday and Sunday will be donated to Friends of Feeney.
Matt Sousa, vice-president of operations at Parkville Market said they are proud to support the mission and to welcome Frank the Tank to Parkville Market.
“May the best hot dog win! And don’t forget to get your Parkville Market Passport stamped,” Sousa said.
Eric Feeney, president and founder of Friends of Feeney, thanked the market, hot dog company and team at Barstool Sports for their “unwavering support to make this a reality.”
“We are very excited to welcome Frank the Tank to Hartford for this unique opportunity to sample and judge a variety of hot dogs,” Feeney said.
Frank the Tank’s appearance will be on the second-floor catwalk of Parkville Market, 1400 Park St.
