LAWRENCE, N.Y. – Starting with just five feet of counter space on Coney Island’s undeveloped boardwalk, Nathan Handwerker opened Nathan’s Famous, a business that quickly spanned the globe, launching the hot dog as an American food staple and Nathan himself to national fame. Lloyd Handwerker, filmmaker, writer and director of the documentary “Famous Nathan,” which serves as the companion piece to the book, will discuss his famous grandfather during a book and author talk on Friday, November 18, at Temple Israel of Lawrence, 140 Central Avenue, Lawrence, N.Y.
WATCH — FAMOUS NATHAN a film by Lloyd Handwerker (2014)—TRAILER
“Famous Nathan” chronicles the extraordinary life of an immigrant looking for a better life for himself and his family. Nathan’s story provides a window into the immigrant experience, detailing the inner workings of successful business and portraying the riotous landscape of Coney Island during the glory years of the 20th Century.
“Since 1986, I’ve been piecing together my family history, looking for anyone I could find with Nathan’s stories. The most compelling have been the workers, some who stayed 40 or more years at the place,” Handwerker recounted. “Not at all shy at offering opinions, they provide intimate, sometimes hilarious memories of working for Nathan whose fierce dedication was the stuff of legend.”
The talk begins at 10:30 a.m. The cost: Temple Israel of Lawrence member – $18.00/person; non-member – $20.00/person, Kosher dairy lunch is included. Reservations are recommended: call (516) 239-1140, or via email at [email protected].
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