Just ahead of National Hot Dog Day on July 26, Nathan’s Famous is reminding New Yorkers — especially Brooklynites — that all subway lines lead to the borough’s most iconic bite.

Earlier this year, the MTA released its first fully redesigned subway map in nearly half a century. Eagle-eyed New Yorkers quickly noticed an amusing coincidence: the N, F and Q lines, which all stop at Coney Island, form the shape of a hot dog. The F line stretches through the middle — a frank topped with mustard — while the N and Q lines curve around it like a bun.

For Nathan’s Famous, host of the iconic hot dog contest and operator of the original stand at Surf and Stillwell since 1916, the resemblance was too fitting to ignore.

“It felt like the MTA gave us a nod — in the shape of a hot dog,” said Brittany Oliver, marketing manager for Nathan’s Famous at Smithfield Foods. “Coney Island is where it all started for us over a century ago, and seeing the N, F and Q lines come together there? That’s classic New York — and classic Nathan’s.”

In response, Nathan’s has launched a new campaign encouraging riders to “Follow the (F)rank Line” — a cheeky play on the subway routes and the company’s signature frankfurters. Running through Aug. 10, the initiative includes subway station takeovers, digital billboards and social media content directing visitors to the Coney Island flagship.

The campaign also builds on the brand’s “100% Beef, 100% New York” platform, introduced earlier this year as a nod to its heritage and connection to the city.

Nathan’s will also distribute limited-edition subway maps, branded merchandise and new product samples in the lead-up to Hot Dog Day.

New Yorkers might get a new way to travel from Brooklyn to Staten Island as the NYC Ferry system proposed several new routes on Monday.

Although a ferry between the two boroughs is historically nothing new — there were ferries from Brooklyn to Staten Island decades ago — the potential NYC Ferry route would connect Bay Ridge to St. George Terminal on Staten Island’s North Shore, where the city’s Staten Island Ferry docks. 

Officials from the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), which runs NYC Ferry, are proposing the route, among others throughout the boroughs, based on ridership feedback, data, operational analyses and existing infrastructure. The potential overhaul is part of a proposed system-wide optimization and reconfiguration of routes, which is the first in the history of the 8-year-old ferry operation.

“For the first time since our launch in 2017, NYC Ferry is taking a fresh, holistic look across the system and proposing a comprehensive reconfiguration of routes to improve rider experience, fix known issues, and ensure NYC Ferry is a mainstay on our waterways for years to come,” said James Wong, executive director of NYC Ferry.

But before any changes take place, NYCEDC will solicit feedback from riders throughout the summer. Officials will share a feedback survey with all riders, from longtime and daily commuters to New Yorkers who have never used the system before, the ferry folks said.

Potential ferry changes on map

A map of the proposed changes shows what the Brooklyn to Staten Island route would look like. Other possible changes include a one-seat ride to Midtown for the South Brooklyn route, breaking the East River into two routes, and combining Soundview and Rockaway routes. 

“This map of proposed changes is based on years of rider feedback and operational analysis, and will be a strong starting point as we continue to solicit input from our riders and prepare for this next chapter of NYC Ferry,” Wong said.

The proposed Brooklyn to Staten Island route follows the advocacy of City Council Members Kamillah Hanks and Justin Brannan for a ferry to connect the boroughs. 

“Seeing Staten Island and Brooklyn finally linked by ferry is a big win — and a clear example of what’s possible when we put people first in our transit planning,” Hanks, who represents Staten Island, said in a statement. “We aren’t there yet, just as we have asked you in the past, I need you islanders and Brooklynites to push for this needed service.” 

The proposal also comes after Canarsie residents and elected officials rallied on May 25 for a ferry to connect the Brooklyn neighborhood, which many describe as a “transportation desert,” to Manhattan. 

At the time, City Hall said there were “no plans” for a new line. NYCEDC officials said the proposed changes only involve adjustments to existing routes. 

amNewYork contacted Public Advocate Jumanne Williams and City Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, both of whom have called for a Canarsie ferry, but is awaiting responses from both representatives. 

Final route changes will be announced in September, with service to take effect this winter, NYCEDC officials said.