Taking it all off: TRUFOODS LLC revamps Pudgie's Naked Chicken Co.

Sometimes even established brands need a new coat of paint. Pudgie’s Naked Chicken Co. has overhauled its design and menu for a more modern look. Under the TRUFOODS, LLC name, the iconic New York-based chicken brand revamped its image through a partnership with The Watsons, a design firm that lead the redesign. By transforming and building on the iconic image of Pudgie’s Famous Chicken, TRUFOODS, LLC has been able to take a classic flavor and give it a modern touch. The brand’s flagship location opened at 7 Hicksville Road in Massapequa, New York on July 21. “Naked Chicken is all about remaining true to our core products and blending them with the ‘naked’ concept, by enhancing the menu and making it relevant to today’s consumers.” said Gary Occhiogrosso, President and Chief Development Officer for TRUFOODS, LLC. “By using quality ingredients not typically found in the fast-food industry –such as locally-sourced greens, artisan baked bread and farm-fresh ingredients –we are setting a new standard for quality and offering customers only the best.” Pudgie’s Naked Chicken Co. was designed with an overall theme of engaging the audience by providing an entertaining and playful atmosphere to the dining experience. The full rebrand is entirely integrated throughout the system, and scalable in a franchise model. From packaging and store design, to signage and uniforms, the new creative approach ensures enhanced brand recognition and future growth. “This was an extremely creative project for our design firm to take on. Our ultimate goal was to unify both the consumer and brand standpoints,” said Jennifer Watson, founding partner of The Watsons. “The new logo and colors embody the brand from top to bottom and we feel very fortunate to be part of the process and collaboration.” As the brand continues projecting a fun and fresh identity to customers, it remains identifiable with the quality product that it serves. Pudgie’s Naked Chicken Co. has made a splash in the restaurant industry with its balance of first-rate product and forward-thinking messaging. “We’re developing a unique position in the market by providing handcrafted food alongside superior guest service, and providing a menu that has something for everyone,” Chief Operating Officer for TRUFOODS, LLC, Anthony Leone said. “It is the well-rounded approach that makes Pudgie’s Naked Chicken Co. a sought after restaurant as well as a business opportunity, proving why people are crossing the road.” Pudgie’s was acquired by TRUFOODS, LLC to re-launch the historical American brand and build market awareness. The TRUFOODS, LLC management team knows that it is working with one of America’s best-loved heritage brands, and have the rare opportunity to update a menu that better matches the diets and approaches to eating of its contemporary fans. "Pudgie’s has great brand recognition and consumer loyalty in New York," Chief Operating Officer for TRUFOODS, LLC, Anthony Leone said. “We started with a brand that so many people grew up loving, but with a focus on advancing the offerings to match today’s interest in options. What this means for franchisees is that they can be part of a brand that has incredible market awareness, but to come back to them in new and more meaningful ways with a menu that is designed for today’s dining interests. Key to this is fresh, locally grown and sustainable ingredients.” To ensure that the brand stands out among the ever-growing pack of suitors that are making a deeper commitment to freshness, TRUFOODS, LLC is in the process of implementing strategic improvements, including various build-out options and augmented franchise opportunities for both Pudgie’s Naked Chicken Co. and Ritter’s Frozen Custard.