Monkey Joe's, Shane's Rib Shack and Planet Smoothie, Some of America's Hottest Franchises, Rolling Into Chicago

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - September 10, 2008) - While the stock market, housing market and banking industry all work aggressively to recover, franchising continues to be an opportune path to follow for those small companies or entrepreneurial souls who want a piece of the American Dream -- ownership in one form or another. Franchise concepts -- including Monkey Joe's, Shane's Rib Shack, Planet Smoothie, Flying Biscuit Café and Boneheads Grill Fish and Piri Piri Chicken -- will be meeting with potential franchisees in Chicago, IL on Wednesday, September 24 and Thursday, September 25 to continue an aggressive growth strategy in the Midwest with hopes of selling at least 20 Monkey Joe's.

These choice concepts have established a reputation for building a best-in-class franchise development model, fueling growth by developing key markets like the Midwest and providing potential franchisees with the opportunity for multi-concept and multi-unit growth. With more than 275 franchise units already open across the concepts, each offers a turnkey start-up with some of the lower costs of entry in the franchising industry, according to Director of Franchise Sales Spencer Reid.

About the concepts

Monkey Joe's is a fun and exciting indoor facility filled with inflatables that provides families with engaging and interactive activity and entertainment -- all day, every day (no special occasion necessary!). Recognized in 2008 as one of Franchise Time's "Fast 55" fastest growing franchises, Monkey Joe's continues to be a clean and safe alternative where parents can take their children for endless hours of active play. In all locations, Monkey Joe's has committed to full-facility sanitizing from Swisher. The service is intended to reduce exposure to germs and cross-contamination for all who visit and play at Monkey Joe's, making it a cleaner environment than public playgrounds, schools, daycare centers and amusement parks.

Shane's Rib Shack, founded in McDonough, Ga. in 2002, is recognized as the fastest growing barbeque concept in its industry. Founder Shane Thompson's dedication to the highest quality meats and secret family barbeque sauce has been a recipe for success for the existing 85 locations across the county.

Planet Smoothie, one of country's most sought after smoothie concepts, was recognized in 2007 by Restaurant Business as a "Future 50" concept, one of the fastest growing, up-and-coming concepts in the country. Planet Smoothie continues to fulfill America's ongoing desire to replace fast food with healthy alternatives.

The Flying Biscuit Café, known for its non-stop breakfast menu, is a popular casual dining destination for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Started as an Atlanta institution, the concept has soared to National recognition in outlets like Elle Magazine, Bon Appetite, New York Times, Good Morning America and $40 a Day with Rachael Ray.

Boneheads Grill Fish and Piri Piri Chicken is a culinary experience featuring flavorful cuisine including fire-grilled fish and chicken dishes with South African influences. Boneheads has received multiple awards for its Piri Piri sauces at the 2007 and 2008 Scovie Awards competition which recognizes top fiery foods from around the globe.

Midwest Expansion

"Today, we are offering franchise opportunities across multiple categories -- an entertainment center that caters to the entire family -- parents and kids alike, restaurant opportunities, and healthy lifestyle concepts," notes Reid. "We are looking to grow these exciting brands in the Midwest and are committed to being the first choice for franchisees within the family entertainment and restaurant segments."

With some of the lowest royalty fees and an industry-leading level of marketing, real estate and operational support for franchisees, these concepts are well positioned to meet that goal. Seeking potential franchise partners in the Chicago area who have what it takes to be part of a few of the nation's most innovative and fastest growing franchises, the concepts are meeting with potential franchisees on Wednesday, September 24 and Thursday, September 25. For reservations, contact Spencer Reid, director of franchise sales, directly at (404) 273-0229.

Interested entrepreneurs and investors are invited to engage in one-on-one meetings with franchise representatives to discuss franchising guidelines, associated financial investments and agreements, marketing, training and supporting system-wide business operations.

"Our corporate structure operates on the principle that each concept should be an engaging and unique experience for our consumers, creating lifelong fans of our concepts," explains Reid. "In Chicago, which is highly competitive yet also affords huge growth potential for these concepts, it is key that we grow this market with franchisee partners who not only have a passion for food and service, but who also truly share our dedication to creating an exceptional consumer experience -- whether their goal is to own one store or grow into a multi-unit or multi-concept operator."

About Monkey Joe's

Monkey Joe's is a fun and exciting inflatables-filled indoor facility that provides families with engaging and interactive activity and entertainment -- all day, every day (no special occasion necessary!). Today Monkey Joe's operates 19 facilities totaling more than 228,000 square feet of pure-kid-fun in motion. For information on franchise opportunities, call 877-534-7216 or visit www.monkeyjoes.com.

About Shane's Rib Shack

Shane's Rib Shack is a true American rib shack, known for its hand-cut baby back ribs, chicken, pork and 13 southern sides to complement each plate. The original shack was founded in 2002, in rural Georgia, by Shane Thompson who started the restaurant with his grandfather's, Big Dad, secret BBQ sauce. Since Atlanta-based Raving Brands acquired the concept in 2004, Shane's Rib Shack has grown to become the country's fastest growing fast-casual barbecue concept. For more information, visit www.shanesribshack.com.

About Planet Smoothie

Planet Smoothie is among the top three smoothie concepts in the country, serving real fruit smoothies infused with vitamins and nutrients for active, occasion-driven consumers. Founded in Atlanta in 1995, Planet Smoothie is the original concept in the Raving Brands portfolio. In 2007, it was recognized by Restaurant Business as a "Future 50" concept, one of the fastest growing up-and-coming concepts in the country. Its sister concept, Planet Smoothie Café, expands the smoothie concept to a more food-oriented experience and features healthy breakfast and lunch menu choices including acai bowls, wraps and salads. For more information, visit www.planetsmoothie.com.

Contact Information: Media Contact: Christy Olliff Trevelino/Keller Communications Group colliff@trevelinokeller.com 404-214-0722, ext. 117