Roseville, Calif.- Thirty percent of U.S. children are overweight. An estimated 24 percent of California’s children are classified as obese. Over the past 25 years, childhood obesity rates have more than doubled; and in the past 20 years, childhood diabetes has increased 10-fold. Fifty-one percent of school-aged children consume less than one fruit or vegetable each day.
The statistics are startling. But students from Roseville’s St. John’s School will learn how to combat these statistics, and will get some tips on healthy eating, from none other than two-time World Heavyweight boxing champ George Foreman during a May 16 event at UFood Grill in Roseville.
In his role as a spokesperson and as an enthusiastic supporter of UFood Grill, Foreman will speak to the students and share some of the tasty and affordable menu options available to them at this innovative, fast-casual restaurant which serves healthful versions of the foods America loves. Their flavorful dishes are made with lean ingredients that are baked, grilled or steamed and never fried. Ever.
The school children will also get a lesson on the importance of eating healthy foods, fitness and overall wellness from Rene Yamashiro, food service director for Roseville City School District.
Later in the day, Foreman will meet with local dignitaries, join UFood Grill customers for lunch and sign autographs and pose for photos with fans.
UFood Grill concept
The UFood Grill concept has been deemed the ‘next generation of fast food.’ The first West Coast store was opened locally in Roseville by franchisees John and Tami Peed and Shane and Wendi Vogel in September 2007. The restaurant is the first of its kind meeting the needs of today’s consumers who say they want great tasting food made fresh, and served in a comfortable, fun environment. Customers also find that UFood Grill serves up speedy service, completely customizable offerings, and the same superior quality ingredients they have come to expect at full-service restaurants and their local markets.
UFood Grill was launched in Boston after a three-year development program from an all-star team of restaurant veterans including Chairman and CEO George Naddaff, best known as the founder of Boston Chicken (now Boston Market), and President and COO Charlie Cocotas, formerly the president of Boston Chicken and CEO of TCBY. They began by tapping former Ritz-Carlton Executive Chef Efrem Cutler to develop a mouthwatering menu filled with American favorites and innovative original dishes.
UFood Grill takes a back-to-basics approach to tasty, healthful cooking, where everything served is rooted in quality ingredients-from choice, hormone-free and antibiotic-free meats to natural and organic ingredients, fresh produce, whole grains, and lower-fat cheeses and dressings.
In Roseville, UFood Grill is located in the Nugget shopping center at 721 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Suite 150. A second location will open in the fall of 2008 at Roseville’s Westfield Galleria.