Mr. 305 To Help Revive Miami Subs Chain

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Mr. 305 has teamed up with South Florida restaurant chain Miami Subs.

CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald reports hip-hop star Pitbull and Miami Subs announced a partnership that gives the Miami-based recording artist a "significant" equity position.

The partnership, which was announced during an invitation-only cocktail party at the Shelborne South Beach, is aimed at helping lead the revival of the chain that was a South Florida icon during its heydays in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it does give Pitbull expansion rights to some parts of Latin America and the Caribbean.

It's already planning to opens it s first Latin American restaurants in Guyana.

During its peak, the original chain had 200 restaurants but languished after founder Gus Boulis sold the company. Boulis was also a casino boat owner, and was murdered in 2001. Now, only 38 restaurants, located mainly in South Florida, remain.

The revamped restaurant chain, which is now called The New Miami Subs Grill, is expected to be integrated with music and an updated menu featuring a Latin flair.

The chain has also refreshed its restaurants with cushy banquettes and intimate tables, similar to a sit-down restaurant. What hasn't changed is the variety and quality of the food, considered one of the forerunners of fast casual dining. The menu includes subs, chicken, Nathan's hot dogs and chicken pita sandwiches.

Pitbull plans to play an active role at Miami Subs. He'll serve as a member of the board of directors and provide the company with input on aspects from marketing to menu development for a new Latin Fusion menu. He has already been the subject of a Win Lunch with Pitbull contest.

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