Pistons sign beefy free agent

Just when you thought the Pistons were done making deals this season, they go out and sign a Whopper.

But heavy does not lie the crown, because Detroit's new Savior comes wearing a  Halo.

It was just announced that hometown hero Halo Burger will join forces with the Pistons to give the team extra beef down low for the playoff push.

It was a move that needed to be made. Being a Flint product, you know you're getting a gritty, blue collar, "take your lunch pail to work and stuff it full of hamburgers" kind of mentality that will fit right in with the organization.

But Halo Burger is more than just a Kitchen Rat; its versatility will surprise some folks.

Like Coach Van Gundy, Halo knows how to adjust with the times, and does a great job managing the egos of Millenials, offering non-traditional options like Chipotle Blackbean Burgers, Turkey Burgers and Grilled Chicken Salads.

And it does so without compromising its roots, knowing their true identity comes from not cutting corners by giving the fans fresh, never frozen beef, pressed on a searing hot grill to give it just the right amount of char.

There's a good energy surrounding the Pistons right now. Not since the first decade of this millennium have you heard people around town buzzing about this team like they are now.

Will the burger joint known for serving ‘em up with "The Works" help make the Palace a destination like it was during the Goin' to Work days?

I like to call that the "Halo Effect."

Here's the press release from the Pistons on the PS&E's new corporate deal:

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Palace Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) announced today a corporate partnership agreement with Halo Burger, the iconic Michigan-based hamburger chain which originated in Flint, MI. The completed deal marks the first professional sports partnership for Halo Burger. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"We are thrilled to partner with a Michigan-based company like Halo Burger to bring a distinct taste of Michigan to The Palace," said PS&E and Detroit Pistons President & CEO Dennis Mannion. "We look forward to working together in ways that will elevate our brands and provide new food options for fans."

Halo Burger will operate a newly designed concession stand in the North Pavilion of The Palace during all Pistons games and Palace events. Additional sponsorship elements include signage in the North Pavilion, advertising on the official team website, www.pistons.com, and in-game radio advertising on the Pistons flagship station, Detroit Sports 105.1 FM.

Halo Burger is one of the oldest hamburger chains in the United States and originated in Flint, MI in 1923. Originally called Kewpee, the company served its first hamburger out of a "boxcar" style wagon on Harrison St. in downtown Flint. The award-winning burgers are made with fresh, never frozen beef, pressed on a searing hot grill to give it just the right amount of char. Halo Burger has served Michiganders and visitors for over 90 years.

"A Halo Burger concession stand at the The Palace is like a dream come true for our brand. Nothing says ‘Pure Michigan' like The Palace, the Pistons, and great burgers," said Chance Richie, CEO of Halo Country LLC. "We're looking forward to working with the Palace and to serving Michigan's best burger at all Palace events."