Media Contact: Sanderson & Associates, Ltd.
Courtney Thomas
Phone: 312-829-4350
E-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 

TASTI D-LITE ACQUIRES PLANET SMOOTHIE FRANCHISE SYSTEM
Dual-Branding Intended to Drive Growth 

    (Franklin, Tenn.)---Tasti D-Lite, the lower-calorie frozen dessert chain catering to healthconscious consumers has announced the acquisition of Planet Smoothie, LLC, a franchise system with more than 100 units in operation, mainly in Georgia and Florida.  Planet Smoothieis a national franchisor and consumer products business which sells smoothies and all-natural snacks to health-conscious consumers.  The strategic acquisition, which closed on November 30, will allow both brands to broaden product offerings, improve retail sales and accelerate unit growth through co-branding initiatives and non-traditional development opportunities.

    “This acquisition presents an opportunity to combine two iconic brands to create a winning combination for both the customer and the franchisee,” said Jim Amos, chief executive officer of Tasti D-Lite.  “The consumer profiles of Tasti D-Lite and Planet Smoothie are very similar, so combining the two complementary brands will provide both brands an opportunity to increase the scale of the combined store network as well as sales at the store level.

    ”Over the coming months, Tasti D-Lite products will be added to select Planet Smoothie stores and likewise, Planet Smoothie menu offerings will be made available to Tasti D-Lite locations.  Tasti D-Lite’s core frozen dessert products will be made available to Planet Smoothie customers utilizing self-serve machines.  “We are giving our consumers even more reason to visit our stores,” Amos said. “By adding a product line that enhances Planet Smoothie’s menu, we are adding a new component that broadens the offering to the consumer.

    ”This acquisition is Tasti D-Lite’s latest initiative focused on increasing growth through the pursuit of non-traditional development methods.  Earlier this year, the first drive-thru Tasti D-Lite location opened in Columbia, Missouri, and the first on-campus store was opened at Duke University.  In addition, Tasti D-Lite introduced its first self-serve model to the brand’s long-time full-serve model, and also introduced their first “store-within-a-store” location on Las Vegas Boulevard.  Following this transaction, Tasti D-Lite plans to offer new franchisees the option to own and operate in a co-branded store concept, which fully integrates both brands into a unique customer experience.

    “Combining these brands will add value for our franchisees, which in turn will allow us to accelerate the growth of our store network” Amos said. “We are thrilled to have acquired such a compelling brand with great promise that complements our product offering.”

About Tasti D-Lite:

    Since its inception in 1987, Tasti D-Lite’s popularity has grown largely by word of mouth and has resulted in a huge base of raving fans who line up day and night to get their favorite guilt-free treat, available in more than 100 flavors.  In 2008 the company launched its first franchise program.  Since then, the company has grown to 60 locations across three countries and has already secured commitments to open more than 500 locations around the world.  Tasti D-Lite is now poised for growth throughout the U.S. and around the world with plans to build a global franchise network through a combination of single- and multi-unit franchises, nontraditional locations, area developers and international master franchises.Including this transaction Tasti D-Lite expects to end 2011 with 170 locations open and operating.  Tasti D-Lite is majority-owned by Snow Phipps Group, LLC, a New York based private equity firm with $1.5 billion of assets under management.

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PLANET SMOOTHIE LAUNCHES “PLANET LIGHT” SMOOTHIES

Over 20 Smoothies Under 300 Calories are a Nutritionally Sound Option for Healthy Living

 ATLANTA (March 29, 2011) – Planet Smoothie, a Petrus Brands company intent on redefining the smoothie category, announces the launch of Planet Light – more than 20 smoothies under 300 calories.  Planet Light smoothies are sweetened with LeanLeaf, Planet Smoothie’s proprietary sweetener made from a blend of Agave and Stevia plants, which is all natural and contains no sugar.

With the introduction of Planet Smoothie’s proprietary LeanLeaf sweetener, the high calorie, sugared smoothie is now a thing of the past.  According to LiveStrong.com, the word "smoothie" implies healthy ingredients and low calories….you may assume it contains far fewer calories than a milkshake…but many smoothies contain high amounts of sugar and calories.  Not anymore!

“Planet Light smoothies are specially designed for those consumers who seek lower calorie options to enhance their ability to live a healthier lifestyle,” says Bonnie Rhinehardt, president of Planet Smoothie.  “Most of the 20 smoothies are gluten free, which enable us to appeal to an even broader audience, including those afflicted with celiac disease – affecting one in every 133 people.”

Three of the featured Planet Light smoothies include:

Lunar Lemonade with Strawberries:

• A blend of lemonade, strawberries and bananas with a Fat Burner Blast


• 250 calories


• Naturally sweetened with LeanLeaf, Planet Smoothie’s proprietary sweetener made from a blend of Agave and Stevia plants, which is all natural and contains no sugar


• Gluten free

Grape Ape:

• A blend of strawberries and grape juice with an Energy Blast


• 210 calories


• Naturally sweetened with LeanLeaf


• Gluten free

Mediterranean Monster:

• A blend of strawberries, bananas and a splash of orange juice with a Fat Burner Blast


• 260 calories


• Naturally sweetened with LeanLeaf


• Gluten Free

About Planet Smoothie

Planet Smoothie, intent on redefining the smoothie category, was founded in 1995 and is among the country’s top smoothie concepts.  The brand appeals to a demographic of loyal, active and occasion-driven customers who want to live a healthier lifestyle.  Planet Smoothie offers fresh fruit smoothies with low calorie, low sugar, and high protein options, offering customers a quick, portable snack or meal replacement.  Planet Smoothie’s menu is organized into lifestyle categories to help customers find the smoothie that helps them achieve their personal goal, including protein, weight loss, energy, wellness and cool blended categories.  Planet Smoothie currently operates 110 locations in 18 states.  For more information, please visit www.planetsmoothie.com.

PLANET SMOOTHIE LAUNCHES PLANET PRO:  NEW PROTEIN MEAL REPLACEMENT

Planet Pro Smoothies are a Nutritionally Sound Option for Healthy Living

ATLANTA (March 8, 2011) – Planet Smoothie, a Petrus Brands company intent on redefining the smoothie category, announces the launch of Planet Pro - a protein meal replacement powder.  Planet Pro is offered in light and regular formulas both of which can be utilized as meal replacements based on their protein, calories and carb counts.

Planet Pro Light features 25 grams of protein; 160 calories; two grams of sugar; and seven grams of carbs.  Planet Pro offers 40 grams of protein; 250 calories; three grams of sugar; and 12 grams of carbs.

“Planet Pro was specially designed for improved taste and blends perfectly with consumer’s made-at-home smoothies or Planet Smoothie’s in store fruit choice,” says Bonnie Rhinehardt, president of Planet Smoothie.  “Both the light and regular formulas provide a creamy texture vs. the typical gritty/chalky consistency found in many meal replacement options available in the market today.”

In addition, both products feature a time release protein blend, which promotes rapid recovery and fuels hours of muscle growth.  Both Planet Pro Light and Planet Pro can be used before and after intense workouts or as a meal replacement.  Planet Pro blended with fruit is ideal as it is nutrient dense, limited caloric intake, highly absorbable and will maintain the levels of protein, carbs and calories needed to jump start a day. 

According to a Perdue University study (2007), additional protein resulted in post-meal feelings of fullness and improved overall mood.  The study also states that fruits are essential to the body because they are a good source of fiber, vital vitamins, dietary minerals, and antioxidants.

About Planet Smoothie

Planet Smoothie, intent on redefining the smoothie category, was founded in 1995 and is among the country’s top smoothie concepts.  The brand appeals to a demographic of loyal, active and occasion-driven customers who want to live a healthier lifestyle.  Planet Smoothie offers fresh fruit smoothies with low calorie, low sugar, and high protein options, offering customers a quick, portable snack or meal replacement.  Planet Smoothie’s menu is organized into lifestyle categories to help customers find the smoothie that helps them achieve their personal goal, including protein, weight loss, energy, wellness and cool blended categories.

Planet Smoothie revolutionized the smoothie category in 2010 with the introduction of new ingredients created solely for the company, including LeanLeaf, the company’s proprietary natural sweetener made from a blend of agave and stevia, and Blast supplements to enhance the function of your smoothie. 

Planet Smoothie currently operates more than 110 locations in 18 states.   For more information, please visit www.planetsmoothie.com. 

Planet Smoothie Launches “Give a $1, Get a $1” to Benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Customers will Receive Smoothie Bucks for Future Smoothie Purchases

                        ATLANTA (October 13, 2010) – Planet Smoothie, a Petrus Brands company intent on redefining the smoothie category, announces “Give $1, Get $1” in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.  For every dollar donated by a customer between October 11 and November 14, customers will receive a $1 off Smoothie Buck to use towards the purchase of a small, medium or large smoothie on a future visit.

“Give a $1, Get a $1” continues Planet Smoothie’s national partnership with Komen for the Cure.  Between June 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011, Planet Smoothie pledged to raise a minimum of $25,000 to benefit Komen.  In June 2010, Planet Smoothie launched the Pink Promise Smoothie, researched and developed by Planet Smoothie’s nutritionist and approved by Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s breast health experts.  The Pink Promise Smoothie is the first product developed in partnership to benefit Komen for the Cure and features a blend of pomegranate juice, ruby red grapefruit juice, strawberries and Planet Smoothie’s proprietary yogurt, Pro-Yo, which is sweetened with stevia and contains both prebiotics and probiotics.

Planet Smoothie is committed to providing healthy solutions to customers by always seeking the most natural and beneficial ingredients.  The company continually explores nutrition and health benefit trends and strives to be an active part in customer’s quest for healthy living.  The Pink Promise Smoothie is fat free, 210 calories with two grams of protein and five grams of fiber – all beneficial to those aspiring to make lifetime changes, which in turn affects their overall health and well-being.

About Planet Smoothie  

Planet Smoothie, a Petrus Brands company, is among the top smoothie concepts in the country, serving real fruit smoothies infused with vitamins and nutrients for active, occasion-driven consumers.  Planet Smoothie was recently named one of the "Sweet 16" in the 2009 Fast Casual Movers and Shakers list as a brand that sets itself apart in the dessert, beverage and yogurt category.  In 2007, Planet Smoothie was recognized by Restaurant Business as a "Future 50" concept”, one of the fastest growing up and coming concepts in the country.  Planet Smoothie currently operates more than 115 locations.  For more information, visit www.planetsmoothie.com.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, we have invested more than $1.5 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

Media Contact:  Planet Smoothie, LLC Names New President

Bonnie Rhinehardt Assumes Role

ATLANTA (August 30, 2010) –Planet Smoothie, LLC owned by Petrus Brands LLC, has named Bonnie Rhinehardt as its new president.  Bonnie Rhinehardt assumed the role of President on August 23, 2010. As president of the Planet Smoothie brand, Rhinehardt will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations, customer service, marketing, distribution and purchasing.

Rhinehardt has been in the hospitality business for over 20 years.  For the last 18 years, Rhinehardt was an executive with Hooters, one of the most recognized brands in the industry.  Most recently, she was responsible for the Southern Division of Hooters, including 60 company-owned restaurants.  Rhinehardt has vast experience in people development, team building, market development, community and charity involvement, as well as developing new programs that were responsible for top line sales growth and bottom line profits.  She has also been involved in developing new positions and departments for support of these programs.  During her time at Hooters, Rhinehardt has received the Presidents award 4 times, GM of the Year, Area Supervisor of the Year, Department of the Year and various others to include net profit and sales awards.

“We are very excited to welcome Bonnie Rhinehardt to our executive Planet Smoothie team,” said Petrus Brands Chief Executive Officer, Chris Morocco.  “Adding Bonnie to our team gives us a solid foundation for operational excellence and superior customer service across the system.  Her commitment to the community is also a perfect compliment to the Planet Smoothie brand.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the Planet Smoothie team,” said Rhinehardt.  “My heart and soul has been dedicated towards operations and customer service for the last 20 years, and after meeting the Petrus Brands [Planet Smoothie] executive team, I knew it was the right fit.  I am eager to jump in quickly and begin developing relationships with the Planet Smoothie franchisees.”

Rhinehardt resides in Smyrna and has two sons, Corey and Ryan.  She is an active member of the community and involved with various charities, including Operation Home Front and the MDA, raising over $40,000 to send over 50 kids to camp this year.

-more-

About Planet Smoothie

Planet Smoothie, a Petrus Brands company, is among the top smoothie concepts in the country, serving real fruit smoothies infused with vitamins and nutrients for active, occasion-driven consumers.  Planet Smoothie was recently named one of the "Sweet 16" in the 2009 Fast Casual Movers and Shakers list as a brand that sets itself apart in the dessert, beverage and yogurt category.  In 2007, Planet Smoothie was recognized by Restaurant Business as a "Future 50" concept”, one of the fastest growing up and coming concepts in the country.  Planet Smoothie currently operates more than 110 locations.  For more information and to find store locations, visit www.planetsmoothie.com.

-end-

Petrus Brands, LLC Names New Chief Financial Officer

Carl Jakaitis Assumes CFO Role 

ATLANTA (August 18, 2010) – Petrus Brands, parent company of Shane’s Rib Shack, LLC and Planet Smoothie, LLC, has named Carl Jakaitis as its new chief financial officer.  Carl Jakaitis assumed the role of CFO on June 15.  He will be responsible for supervision of the Petrus Brands finance and administrative functions, strategic business planning, regulatory functions and working closely with franchisees.

Prior to joining the Petrus Brands team, Jakaitis owned a consulting business specializing in part-time CFO assignments for companies such as J Christophers, Shoney’s and Country Club of the South.  Before starting his consulting business, Jakaitis was CFO for Cherokee Town and Country Club where he was responsible for all financial aspects of the business   From 1994-2004, Jakaitis served as CFO for Church’s Chicken where he was responsible for overseeing 1,000 franchised restaurants and 600 company owned stores.   His extensive restaurant experience began in the earlier years of his career where he worked in financial roles at Pizza Hut, Boston Market and Lettuce Souprise you.  

 “After conducting an extensive search, we are thrilled to have Carl joining our team, “says Chief Executive Officer Chris Morocco.  “He brings 30 years of industry experience and a strong record of financial operations expertise and execution.  His high standard for operational excellence aligns well with Petrus Brands’ strategic plans and initiatives.”

“What excited me about joining Petrus Brands is the growth opportunities for both Planet Smoothie and Shane’s Rib Shack,” said Jakaitis.  “I look forward to working with the Petrus Brands team and welcome the opportunity to add value to the organization.”

Jakaitis received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Psychology at Kansas State. He is married and has four children.  Jakaitis is an avid tennis player.

-more-

About Planet Smoothie

Planet Smoothie, a Petrus Brands company, is among the top smoothie concepts in the country, serving real fruit smoothies infused with vitamins and nutrients for active, occasion-driven consumers.  Planet Smoothie was recently named one of the "Sweet 16" in the 2009 Fast Casual Movers and Shakers list as a brand that sets itself apart in the dessert, beverage and yogurt category.  In 2007, Planet Smoothie was recognized by Restaurant Business as a "Future 50" concept”, one of the fastest growing up and coming concepts in the country.  Planet Smoothie currently operates more than 110 locations.  For more information and to find store locations, visit www.planetsmoothie.com.

-end-

PLANET SMOOTHIE LAUNCHES THE PINK PROMISE SMOOTHIE™ TO  BENEFIT SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE®

Planet Smoothie’s Pink Promise First Smoothie to Benefit Komen for the Cure

Click here to download an image of the Pink Promise Smoothie
Click here to download the LOGO for Planet Smoothie

ATLANTA, GA (June 1, 2010) – Today, Planet Smoothie, a Petrus Brands company intent on redefining the smoothie category, is honored to announce the launch of the Pink Promise Smoothie, researched and developed by Planet Smoothie’s nutritionist and approved by Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s breast health experts.  The Pink Promise Smoothie is the first product developed in partnership to benefit Komen for the Cure.  For every Pink Promise Smoothie sold, Planet Smoothie will donate $.50 to Komen, with a minimum guaranteed donation of $25,000 in the first year of the partnership.

The Pink Promise Smoothie features a blend of pomegranate juice, ruby red grapefruit juice, strawberries and Planet Smoothie’s new proprietary yogurt, Pro-Yo, which is sweetened with stevia and contains both prebiotics and probiotics.  Incorporating prebiotic fiber is essential to the efficiency of probiotic cultures to enhance immunity and digestive benefits.

“The Pink Promise Smoothie is filled with antioxidant-rich fruits, which are so essential for fending off free radicals that can contribute to a whole host of chronic diseases,” says Donna Shields, MS, RD, LD, nutrition and recipe consultant for Planet Smoothie. “The added prebiotic and probiotic based frozen yogurt lends calcium, protein and good bacteria necessary for keeping digestive tracts functioning.”

Planet Smoothie is committed to providing healthy solutions to customers by always seeking the most natural and beneficial ingredients.  The company continually explores nutrition and health benefit trends and strives to be an active part in customer’s quest for healthy living.  The Pink Promise Smoothie is fat free, 210 calories with two grams of protein and five grams of fiber – all beneficial to those aspiring to make lifetime changes, which in turn affects their overall health and well-being.

“In order to stay within the appropriate nutritional profile and ensure a healthy and nutritious product, Planet Smoothie worked closely with Donna Shields, nutrition and recipe consultant for the company, as well as Susan G. Komen for the Cure representatives to ensure a healthy and nutritious product,” says Chris Morocco, CEO, Petrus Brands.  “Planet Smoothie recognizes the importance of developing a product that benefits those women who fight the fight every day against breast cancer.” 

                                                                             -more-

About Planet Smoothie

Planet Smoothie, a Petrus Brands company, is among the top smoothie concepts in the country, serving real fruit smoothies infused with vitamins and nutrients for active, occasion-driven consumers.  Planet Smoothie was recently named one of the "Sweet 16" in the 2009 Fast Casual Movers and Shakers list as a brand that sets itself apart in the dessert, beverage and yogurt category.  In 2007, Planet Smoothie was recognized by Restaurant Business as a "Future 50" concept”, one of the fastest growing up and coming concepts in the country.  Planet Smoothie currently operates more than 120 locations.  For more information and to find store locations, visit www.planetsmoothie.com.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure® 

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, we have invested nearly $1.5 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

Planet Smoothie Encourages Consumers to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle on Earth day 

Celebrates Earth Day with Reusable MacDaddy Mug Giveaway

ATLANTA (April 1, 2010) – Planet Smoothie, a Petrus Brands company on a quest to reinvent the smoothie category, will celebrate Earth Day by providing the first 30 customers at each location with a free, reusable MacDaddy Mug with the purchase of any 32 ounce smoothie.  Planet Smoothie’s MacDaddy Mug program encourages customers to re-use their mug on future visits with a 10% discount on refills.

“Planet Smoothie values the importance of offering a solution that works for our customers and helps the planet by reducing our carbon footprint,” explains Tra Williams, president of Planet Smoothie.  “Our MacDaddy Mugs are the perfect giveaway for Earth Day because they allow our customers to re-use their mug every time they enjoy a smoothie.”