Shane's Rib Shack and Planet Smoothie Open in the Middle East

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - February 4, 2009) - Shane's Rib Shack, a national rib shack and barbecue concept and Planet Smoothie, a national smoothie concept, announce today the opening of two locations at the Al-Rashid Mall in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Shane's Rib Shack and Planet Smoothie opened these locations in partnership with A.A. Turki Corporation for Trading and Contracting (ATCO).

"The recent openings of Shane's and Planet Smoothie in the Middle East are the first steps towards our continued growth and focus on the Middle East region," says Chris Morocco, CEO of Shane's Rib Shack and Planet Smoothie. "While we continue to expand both brands within the United States, we believe it is important to identify growth opportunities outside the United States as well. Our first locations in the Al-Rashid Mall have been extremely well received and we look forward to continuing to grow these brands throughout the region."

The first fully enclosed mall in the area, Al-Rashid Mall, houses six major department stores and more than 600 specialty shops. With food courts, restaurants and amusement arcades, it creates an energetic social environment for the entire community.

In conjunction with Shane's Rib Shack and Planet Smoothie, ATCO will continue to develop an additional 45 restaurants in the next five years, throughout six countries in the Middle East. Continued growth will be based on finding the right locations for the long-term development of the two brands. "We believe it's important to grow strategically with the right partner who has the same commitment to growing the brand with a long-term perspective that we do. ATCO has the capital and infrastructure to grow the Shane's and Planet Smoothie brands following our vision," Morocco continues.

About Shane's Rib Shack

Shane's Rib Shack is a true American rib shack, known for its slow-cooked baby back ribs, hand-chopped chicken and pork, and many southern sides to complement 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 #20 on the Fast Casual Movers and Shakers list of 2008, highlighting the very best of the Fast Casual industry's over 600 restaurants. Shane's Rib Shack currently operates more than 80 locations. 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. 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 was named one of the "Sweet 16" in the 2008 Fast Casual Movers and Shakers list as a brand that sets itself apart in the dessert, beverage and yogurt category. Planet Smoothie currently operates more than 125 locations. For more information, visit www.planetsmoothie.com.

About A.A. Turki Corporation for Trading and Contracting

A.A. Turki Corporation for Trading and Contracting (ATCO) is the flagship of the A.A. Turki Group of Companies (the ATCO Group), a leading, 4000-employee strong conglomerate that has successfully operated since the mid-1950s in Saudi Arabia's governmental, industrial, commercial, and consumer sectors (see www.atco.com.sa). The ATCO Group is ranked among the largest in Saudi Arabia and has offices throughout the Kingdom.

Contact Information: Media Contact: Heather Graham 404-214-0722 x103 hgraham@trevelinokeller.com