International Superstar Pitbull Announces Equity Ownership in Iconic Franchise Brand, The New Miami Subs Grill

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Armando Christian Perez, the international music sensation also known as "Pitbull," has announced the purchase of an equity ownership in Florida's largest and most iconic sub and grill chain, The New Miami Subs Grill. CEO Richard Chwatt, along with President Bob Vogel and Miami Subs Executive Partners Bruce Galloway and Dieuveny Louis celebrated the announcement at a private reception held at Shelborne South Beach in Miami.

The unexpected announcement comes hot off the heels of the "Win Lunch with Pitbull at Miami Subs" sweepstakes and corresponding webisode series depicting the illustrious history between the two brands. For weeks, the public's curiosity has been mounting as social media outlets for both Pitbull and The New Miami Subs Grill alluded to an upcoming announcement. The fourth and final webisode of the series (http://a.pgtb.me/c7lJ) officially announced the partnership.

"Since childhood Miami Subs has been one of my favorite Miami spots – It's an incredible feeling to take ownership in a brand that's so close to home," says Pitbull. "When you think about music, it's the universal language. When you think about food, it brings everyone together in the same way – that's powerful and now we're bringing The New Miami Subs Grill franchise worldwide."

"We are excited to welcome Armando, 'Pitbull,' to The New Miami Subs Grill family," says CEO Richard Chwatt. "His introduction as a key member of our executive team and Board of Directors is an important step forward for the franchise." President Bob Vogel adds, "Not only will his astute business acumen and American Dream success story inspire prospective franchisees, consumers can expect influences of Mr. Worldwide incorporated into various aspects of existing and planned restaurants, as well as our upcoming Latin Fusion menu."

"As one of the top global artists of our time, with a powerful viral fan base, Pitbull will certainly make The New Miami Subs Grill the franchise brand to watch in 2012 and 2013," remarks Executive Partner Dieuveny Louis.

"I am extremely excited to see this relationship take hold and see Miami Subs reach its full potential, with the inclusion of Pitbull on the team," states Bruce Galloway, current board member of The New Miami Subs Grill.

Heralded by fans worldwide for their famous Philly cheese steaks, wings, gyros as well as the chain's Healthy Dining menu, certified by HealthyDiningFinder.com, The New Miami Subs Grill has been on the cusp of an active brand revival. Descending upon the marketplace in the late 80s, the brand was considered one of the hottest industry success stories of the 90s, pioneering the term 'fast casual' for their dedication to "great food served fast." Customers raved over their late night dining, drive-thrus and the ability to purchase beer, wine or Dom Perignon champagne, which the brand is planning on re-launching at select locations, to complement the quick serve offerings. 

Recently, the Fort Lauderdale-based chain announced aggressive expansion efforts, including new locations planned for the US and Latin America in 2012 and 2013. The brand recently achieved record-breaking sales comparisons store by store, year over year, for 72 out of 74 weeks respectively, which CEO Richard Chwatt attributes to the franchise's focus on revitalizing the brand through renovation, relocation and a commitment to downsizing existing locations that simply don't fall in line with projected growth plans. New product introductions include Fresh Angus Steak Burgers which have positioned the chain to compete for added market share in the fast casual sector and include quality statements such as freshly baked brioche rolls and multigrain buns.

ABOUT MIAMI SUBS
Miami Subs Grill, a South Florida company, has been serving great food for over 20 years with the first true Miami Subs restaurant opening in 1988. The iconic franchise chain beloved by fans worldwide, has grown to become Florida's largest regional sub and grill chain featuring world famous Philly cheesesteaks, wings, gyros and burgers. Delivery, beer, wine and breakfast available in select locations.  Miami Subs currently has locations in Florida and South Carolina. For franchising, a full list of locations, menu and other information, visit www.miamisubs.com or follow @MiamiSubs on Twitter and Facebook at www.facebook.com/miamisubsgrill.

ABOUT PITBULL
Pitbull has risen to become a global superstar as both a recording and performing artist. The Miami-native recently added to a long-and-growing list of hits with his first #1, "Give Me Everything." At the same time, his Planet Pit world tour sold out concerts in Mexico, Canada and Europe, before bringing the party to the United States, Japan and Australia. Pitbull teamed with international superstar Shakira for his latest single "Get It Started," which is the first release from Global Warming, the highly anticipated follow-up to Planet Pit, which earned critical acclaimed and enjoyed massive commercial success with sales of more than 1.3 million albums and 18 million singles. Global Warming comes on the heels of Pitbull's million-selling single "Back In Time," the chart-topping anthem from the action-adventure-comedy Men In Black 3. To complement his worldwide success as an artist, Pitbull is also a burgeoning businessman with his own line of premium, low-calorie vodka, Voli and a partnership with Sheets, the dissolvable energy strip. These entrepreneurial ventures are the latest for Pitbull, who has inked major sponsorship deals with blue-chip brands like Dr. Pepper and Bud Light.

SOURCE Miami Subs Grill