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.

“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,” Pitbull says. “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,” Chwatt says. “His introduction as a key member of our executive team and Board of Directors is an important step forward for the franchise.”

“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,” Vogel says.

“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,” Louis says.
“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,” says Bruce Galloway, current board member of The New Miami Subs Grill.

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 that 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.