ATLANTA, May 17, 2004 - Planet Smoothie, one of the country's largest smoothie franchises, plans on hitting fast food companies below the belt as it rolls out a line of "How LOW Can You Go" smoothie products. Its new marketing takes aim at the fast food category for featuring menus that remain largely HIGH in fat, calories, carbohydrates and sugars and challenges them to go lower in all areas, not just carbs.

"We believe when it comes down to it, the simple secret to weight management is to burn more than you take in," explains Chris Morocco, Chief Marketing Officer, Planet Smoothie. "A stop or two a week at a fast food destination will put you on a treadmill for life. It's not practical given the fast-paced lives we live. We need fast, convenient, healthier options that have staying power. Life is not about low or no carbs alone. We believe it needs to take into consideration smart management of carb, sugar, calories and fat in-take."

Planet Smoothie's new creative reminds consumers what Ronald and his peers are serving behind the fanfare of typically limited time "low" menu options. The initial creative talks about the quarter pounder with cheese, fries and a soda totaling 1290 calories. In comparison, a 44 oz Leapin Lizard, a meal in itself, is 419 calories. According to the USDA's Food Guide Pyramid, the average consumer should take in 1,600 to 2,800 calories a day which doesn't leave much room for additional meals if you are on the lower end of daily caloric in-take.

"Our goal is to offer consumers a balance of options regardless of whether they are dieting or simply trying to eat smarter," explains Morocco. "The market is crowded with low carb offers and diet plans that promise dramatic results. We believe there is truth to lower carbohydrate in-take; however, we also know that you cannot forsake calories, fat and sugar consumption that goes along with an item modified for low carb only consideration."

Low Carb Shake Introduction

As a complement to its existing line of Low Fat, Low Sugar and Low Calorie smoothies, Planet Smoothie introduces five Low Carb Shakes - Grape, Cherry, Pineapple, Pina Colada and Chocolate. Each shake is only 5 grams of net carbs, 150 calories, 2 grams of fat and 25 grams of protein.

Planet Smoothie is encouraging consumers to take a break from fast food and especially superficial low carb offers to enjoy a truly low-carb, healthy menu item. Its next line of creative will feature 22 ounces of fruit, juice and yogurt containing half the fat of one chicken nugget.

"We believe there are convenient, great tasting alternatives to fast food destinations," says Morocco. "We believe Planet Smoothie is that alternative destination not just for health enthusiasts, but parents with kids. There are far better things to do than spend life on a treadmill."

About Planet Smoothie

Founded in 1995 in Atlanta by highly successful quick casual entrepreneur Martin Sprock, Planet Smoothie is the original smoothie concept featuring fresh fruit smoothies infused with vitamins and nutrients. It operates 136 units in 20 states throughout the country with plans to open an additional 60 Planet Smoothies 2004. Planet Smoothie was the first in the industry to expand its product line to include healthy wrap sandwiches called Round-A-Bouts (TM) and nutritious soups, giving customers a range of healthy meal options. Planet Smoothie is part of the Raving Brands portfolio, which includes Moe's Southwest Grill, Mama Fu's Noodle House, and PJ's Coffee Company.

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