Planet Smoothie, one of the country's largest smoothie franchises, Wednesday announced that it has signed its first regional representative, charged with opening as many as 22 Planet Smoothies in Colorado by 2008.

Philip Minatra, a Colorado native and champion cyclist, has signed on to develop the presence of Planet Smoothie throughout the state.

"The regional representative strategy makes great sense for us because it places an individual in the market who is dedicated to and insightful about the geography," Chris Morocco, CEO, said in a statement.

Minatra expects to open his smoothie operation in early 2005 at the Rocky Mountain Medical Center in Denver.

Planet Smoothie, which currently has two locations in Colorado -- one on the 16th Street Mall in Denver and one in Pueblo -- offers a menu of 30 smoothie selections and is in the process of offering extended menu and cafe selections to many of its locations.

The Colorado locations are expected to offer gourmet wraps, fresh salads, fresh squeezed juices, low fat snacks, and low fat carb bars.

Founded in Atlanta in 1995, the chain operates 136 units in 20 states and plans to open an additional 60 Planet Smoothies by the end of 2004.

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