Joey Fatone is making a nostalgic return to Universal Orlando, opening Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice at CityWalk on September 19.
A Full Circle Moment
Before his fame with NSYNC, Fatone performed at Universal as “Wolfie” in Beetlejuice’s Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue. His new venture with business partner Joe Mulvihill emphasizes a distinct identity, aiming to create a lasting culinary destination rather than merely relying on celebrity status.
Culinary Collaboration
Fat One’s features nine gourmet hot dogs, crafted with contributions from Universal’s culinary team. Highlights include the Dirty K-Pop Dog, with its Korean-inspired flavors, and The Fat One, a hefty footlong topped with a variety of ingredients. Fatone is excited about the Italian ice variations that will also feature at the restaurant.
Focused Vision
With a decade of experience before opening at CityWalk, the team learned to prioritize quality and maintain a focused menu. Instead of expanding endlessly, they’ve chosen to refine their core offerings, ensuring each flavor pairs well.
Theme Park Influence
Both Fatone and Mulvihill describe themselves as theme park aficionados. Their time exploring parks has heavily influenced their approach to service and cuisine, aiming to enhance the guest experience at their restaurant.
Future Ideas
If given a creative opportunity, Fatone has playful ideas for hot dogs inspired by classic Universal monsters, showcasing the intersection of his entertainment career with his new culinary adventure.
With its grand opening, Fat One’s is set to become a flavorful addition to Universal CityWalk, drawing from Fatone’s deep roots in the area and love for food and entertainment.
