Theme Park Report
Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice is expected to open at Universal CityWalk Orlando sometime in September, according to comments from co-founder Joey Fatone. The restaurant has not yet announced a specific opening date, but Fatone said the team is finalizing one and expects to share it soon.
Attractions Magazine reported that photos taken Sept. 1 show the restaurant’s transformation underway in the former Hot Dog Hall of Fame location. Fat One’s signage, banners and red, white and black star graphics have been added throughout the space, including tall red-and-black banners along the exterior walkway.
The restaurant also shared a construction update on Instagram on Sept. 1, saying it was a few weeks from opening at Universal Orlando CityWalk. In the comments, Fatone addressed questions about the timing, writing that the opening would “definitely” take place during September. He added that he believed it would happen on a weekend, though the final date was still being determined.
Universal Orlando announced Fat One’s in May as the replacement for Hot Dog Hall of Fame, which closed in July 2026 after operating at CityWalk since 2014. The upcoming location’s menu is expected to include creative hot dogs, Italian ices and other items, based on Universal’s announcement. A complete menu has not been released.
Italian ice has been confirmed as part of the concept through both the restaurant’s name and Universal’s description of the CityWalk location. The newly photographed interior still includes recognizable elements from the previous restaurant, including stadium-style seating and baseball-inspired flooring, alongside the new Fat One’s branding.
Fatone founded Fat One’s with his manager, Joe Mulvihill. The first location opened at The Florida Mall in 2016. Fatone also previously worked as a performer at Universal Studios Florida before his career with *NSYNC took off.
The CityWalk restaurant’s September opening date and full menu remain unannounced.
