Texas Champs Crowned; Many Hotdogs Consumed
LOCK HAVEN – Wednesday was special on Grove St. in Lock Haven. The nearby Texas Restaurant, a Lock Haven landmark for a century, marked its 100th birthday with a mammoth street party. Highlighting the special day was a three-division hotdog eating contest.
When the final Texas “Growler” (with everything) had been devoured, three champs were crowned: Dan Kennedy of West Decatur in the men’s division, Tasha Benfield of Lock Haven in the female division and Koral Esposit of McElhattan in the youth category. Their winning totals were 26, 7 and 5 respectively, consumed as the 10 minute time clock ticked down.
For Kennedy it was relatively easy pickings. He travels the country on most weekends, competing in multiple events. Kennedy said he carries a number four ranking in one of the two recognized hotdog-eating organizations in the world. For Benfield it was a return to her glory days from a decade ago. She ate up the competition, earning her fourth Texas title, the last in the restaurant’s last such contest a decade ago.
It was a day to honor restaurant owners, the Anastos family. State Rep. Mike Hanna (D-Clinton/Centre) read a state House resolution honoring the restaurant and its longtime owners. Kasey George, Down Town Lock Haven, Inc Director, presented a special plaque to Stella Anastos (with 57 years at the Texas) and son Phil Anastos.
The Texas traces its roots to August of 1918 when Spiros Pappas opened what years’ ago was known as the Texas Lunch. The Anastos family and its predecessors have been involved in the ownership for many years since, all at the original location, 204 E. Main St. The diner style restaurant has become something of an institution in the community and visitors come from miles away to sample its tasty offerings. Hundreds and hundreds did just that Wednesday, consuming thousands of hotdogs specially priced at $1 for the anniversary celebration.
The celebration was something of a family affair as multiple family members and longtime customers/friends manned the four outdoor grills set up to supply the hotdogs for the customers and Dan and Tasha and fellow participants in the eating contest.
