Petrus Brands, LLC Names New Chief Financial Officer Carl Jakaitis Assumes CFO Role

ATLANTA, Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

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.

About Shane's Rib Shack

Shane's Rib Shack, a Petrus Brands company, is a true American rib shack, known for its slow-cooked ribs, hand-chopped chicken and pork, and many southern sides to compliment each plate.  The Original Shack was founded in 2002, in rural McDonough, Ga. by Shane Thompson, who started the restaurant with his grandfather's secret BBQ sauce.  Since becoming a franchised restaurant in 2004, Shane's Rib Shack has grown to become the country's fastest growing fast-casual barbecue concept.  Shane's Rib Shack was selected as #56 on the Fast Casual Movers and Shakers list of 2009 and selected to Franchise Times Fast 55 list, highlighting the very best of the Fast Casual industry's over 600 restaurants.  Shane's Rib Shack currently operates more than 60 locations.  For more information, visit www.shanesribshack.com. 

SOURCE Petrus Brands, LLC