ITEM 5.02. DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR CERTAIN OFFICERS; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN OFFICERS; COMPENSATORY ARRANGEMENTS OF CERTAIN OFFICERS.

Appointment of Principal Financial Officer

On January 13, 2009, UniFirst Corporation ("UniFirst" and the "Company") announced that the Board of Directors of the Company appointed Steven Sintros, age 35, as the Company's Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Sintros is a Certified Public Accountant and has been with UniFirst since February 2004. He has held the position of Corporate Controller with the Company since January 2005. Prior to joining UniFirst, Mr. Sintros was a manager with Ernst & Young LLP and Arthur Andersen LLP in their Boston offices. Mr. Sintros will receive a base annual salary of $225,000. In connection with his appointment, Mr. Sintros was granted an option to purchase 1,300 shares of UniFirst common stock.

On January 13, 2009, the Company also announced that John Bartlett is retiring as its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective immediately. Mr. Bartlett will be continuing on with the Company in a limited role as a senior business advisor.

A copy of the press release the Company issued announcing the appointment of Mr. Sintros and the retirement of Mr. Bartlett is filed as Exhibit 99 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION

99 Press Release of the Company dated January 13, 2009