Nathan Handwerker was a hot dog entrepreneur who opened the first Nathan's Famous hot dog stand in Coney Island, New York in 1916. He was born in Poland and immigrated to the United States in 1912. He started his business with a $300 loan and quickly became a success. His hot dogs were so popular that he eventually opened up more stands and franchises across the country. He is credited with popularizing the hot dog in the United States.