BOSTON UFood Grill, the nine-unit fast-casual chain led by veteran concept developer George Naddaff, has signed George Foreman as its spokesman, franchisor UFood Restaurant Group Inc. said Tuesday.
Under the restaurant company’s deal with George Foreman Enterprises Inc., the one-time heavyweight boxing champ and well-known home-appliance pitchman will help in selling franchises as well as UFood’s sandwiches, wraps, grilled entrees and other menu items. UFood, originally known as KnowFat! Lifestyle Grill, describes itself as a “better-for-you” quick-service option.
After retiring for the first time from boxing, Foreman lent his name to a mini, “fat-reducing” grill. About 80 million George Foreman Grills have been sold, according to UFood.
Foreman also served as a spokesman for Meineke, the automotive service chain.
“His endorsement will create publicity and reinforce the message of a healthy lifestyle that follows Ufood’s concept [of] feel great, eat smart,” Naddaff, UFood’s chairman and chief executive, said in a statement.
Naddaff soared to prominence after investing in and expanding a small takeout chain in Boston called Boston Chicken. He later led a sale of the brand to several alumni of Blockbuster Video, who renamed the concept Boston Market and expanded it nationwide, only to fall into bankruptcy.
Naddaff also was involved with the Ranch*1 grilled-chicken chain in New York City.
UFood Restaurant Group said it has sold franchise rights to 64 units across the country.