IRVINE, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After a nationwide search for America’s hottest dads, Habit Burger & Grill and UFC GYM are turning up the heat, literally. The five winning dads were flown to Los Angeles from across the country for a steaming hot photoshoot to bring the Hot Dads of Habit x UFC GYM Calendar to life. Each dad was selected to represent a unique salad in Habit’s bold new salad lineup, packed with protein and featuring hot, chargrilled chicken.
The five-month calendar (August–December) is now available for preorder at ufcgym.com/habit. Net proceeds benefit The Habit Restaurants Foundation, helping communities and other charitable causes.
“This campaign is all about honoring the dads who show up in their own ways and with their own flavor,” said Jack Hinchliffe, Chief Marketing Officer of Habit Burger & Grill. “Like our new salads, they’re bold, protein-packed, and full of character. We partnered with UFC GYM to spotlight real guys with real stories and to remind us that strength comes in many forms.”
To further celebrate the hot dads eating Habit salads, Habit Burger & Grill is serving an offer redeemable from now until June 20th: enjoy a free entrée-sized salad* with any $5 minimum purchase at participating Habit locations in-store or via the Habit app with promo code FREESALAD. Must be a CharClub member to redeem. Not a CharClub member? Sign up here for free and get a chance to meet the salads everyone's talking about. Existing CharClub members will find the offer under "My Offers" when logged into the site/app.
Meet the Official Hot Dads of Habit:
- Mr. Santa Barbara Cobb, Caden Wilson, Vero Beach, FL
- Mr. Mango Miso Crunch, Ron Smith, Moreno Valley, CA
- Mr. Harvest Chopped, Anthony Disano, Warren, NJ
- Mr. Grilled Chicken Caesar, Wenzy Reyes, Murrieta, CA
- Mr. Side Salad, Zach Sowers, Los Angeles, CA
“I didn't even apply," said Ron, aka Mr. Mango Miso, a father of two from Riverside. "My wife saw the ad on the news and submitted me without telling me. When she got the email, she burst out laughing. She yelled, 'Guess what? You’re a hot dad!' It totally turned her day around. Being named a hot dad? Worth it just to make her laugh."
UFC GYM CEO Adam Sedlack said the final cast of dads embodies what both brands stand for.
“The dads our teams selected really showcase everything we value, grit, heart, and the commitment to show up for their families,” said Sedlack. “They’re not just great dads, they’re determined, driven, and live with purpose. That’s what makes this calendar so much more than just a fun idea.”
The limited-edition calendar is available now for preorder at ufcgym.com/habit for $24.99, including U.S. shipping. Net proceeds will go to support The Habit Restaurants Foundation.
For more information about Habit Burger & Grill and to find a location near you, visit www.habitburger.com. To find a UFC GYM location near you, visit www.ufcgym.com.
Connect with Habit Burger & Grill on social media on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn.
* Free entrée-sized Salad with $5 minimum purchase with promo code FREESALAD. Promo code valid from 6/17/25 through 6/20/25. Free salad does not apply to the Side Garden Ranch. Taxes and fees extra. Add-ons extra. No substitutions permitted. LIMIT: one (1) redemption per CharClub member. Valid at participating U.S. Habit Burger & Grill locations for users who are logged in and place an order on the Habit Burger & Grill website, app, or scanned in-restaurant at the register. For a limited time and while supplies last. May not be used for delivery orders unless order is placed directly on the Habit mobile app. Prices and items may vary. Cannot be combined with other offers. Must have or create a valid account with a valid form of accepted payment on file. No cash value. Non-transferable. Offer not valid at Habit Burger & Grill locations in Las Vegas, NV; Henderson, NV; Chino Hills, CA; Upland, CA; Redlands, CA; Ontario, CA; Fontana, CA; Hesperia, CA; Rancho Cucamonga, CA; Victorville, CA; Barstow, CA; Rialto, CA; Colton, CA; San Bernardino, CA; Rohnert Park, CA; Hamilton, NJ.
About Habit Burger & Grill
Born in sunny Southern California in 1969, Habit Burger & Grill is known for Charburgers cooked-to-order over an open flame. But the menu extends far beyond burgers—it’s a celebration of Californian-inspired flavors. Alongside the brand's signature Charburgers is a meaningful array of handcrafted sandwiches, crisp salads, and creamy shakes, ensuring there's something for everyone. Habit Burger & Grill has earned notable recognition, with its Double Char being ranked #1 by USA Today 10Best1, its Tempura Green Beans also reaching a #1 rank in USA Today 10Best2, and its Chicken Club recognized as the best grilled chicken sandwich by The Daily Meal3. The brand was also featured in Newsweek’s “America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains 2023” and included in Thrillist’s roundup of “Underrated Burger Chains that Need to be in Every State!” Habit Burger & Grill has since grown to over 385 restaurants across 14 states and internationally—continuing to serve up bold fresh flavors, made-to-order. Learn more at www.habitburger.com.
Sources: USA Today 10Best, USA Today 10Best, The Daily Meal, Newsweek, The Daily Meal, Thrillist
1Based on USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice 2024 Awards for Best Fast Food Burger. (Published July 2024).2Based on USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice 2024 Awards for Best Fast Food Sides. (Published July 2024).3Based on Daily Meal’s survey of consumer reviews from Reddit, Yelp! and TripAdvisor (Published Dec. 2023).
About UFC GYM
UFC GYM® is the first major brand extension of UFC®, the world's premier MMA organization. As the first to unite the benefits of MMA with fitness, the brand is not what you expect, and more than you can imagine. UFC GYM's TRAIN DIFFERENT® approach provides members with the ultimate fitness experience and programming that secures results for all ages and training levels. With more than 160 locations opened and 500 additional locations currently in development globally, UFC GYM has revolutionized the mixed martial arts and fitness industry while positively impacting countless lives worldwide. Members can enjoy classes ranging from Brazilian Jiu-jitsu to boxing, yoga and its signature DUT (Daily Ultimate Training), train in state-of-the-art fitness rooms, enjoy spacious locker rooms, indulge in juice bars, utilize kids clubs and more. In addition to its corporate-owned clubs, UFC GYM offers the opportunity to own and operate a franchise domestically and internationally through the UFC GYM® or UFC FIT® model. For franchise information, email franchiseinfo@ufcgym.com or visit www.UFCGYMfranchise.com. For more information, please visit www.UFCGYM.com and follow UFC GYM on Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube.
Habit Burger & Grill Press Contact: HBGMedia@yum.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cd21ee36-2cc0-4cc9-9a11-9acdf12d4797
