Planet Smoothie is leading the expansion of the nation’s smoothie industry and riding the wave of a national consumer trend toward healthier, quick-service food choices. Planet Smoothie announced today a 150-store expansion deal with conglomerate Smoothie Partners, which will increase its total number of stores nationwide to more than 250 retail outlets over the next 15 months. The company also continues to ehance its corporate management team with the addition of new president and CEO Bryan O’Rourke.

As president and CEO, O’Rourke brings a wide diversity of industry experience to the company’s management team. Over the last 15 years, he has held key senior management positions with such food industry leaders such as Smoothie King, PJ’s Coffee & Tea Company, Copeland’s of New Orleans, Church’s Fried Chicken, Diversified Food and Seasonings, Popeye’s Famous Fried Chicken and BKO Consulting Group, Inc.

Planet Smoothie offers a full menu of healthy meals and snacks for people on-the-go, including smoothies(blended fruit drinks), Round-A-Bout wrap sandwhiches and healty soups. Round-A-Bout’s currently come in three varieties: Veggie Cha Cha, Southwestern Chicken, and Turkey and Friends.

Mario Feijoo, one of five partners who own the Park Ridge store, said, “Eating right and living well isn’t just a ‘west coast’ thing anymore. At Planet Smoothie, we’re offering mid-westerners a fun, upbeat environment with a variety of products that taste great and support good health.”

In addition to a presence in 21 states, Planet Smoothie’s first international location opened this June in Singapore, with five more in the works.

As part of its overall growth and expansion vision, Planet Smoothie is also enhanicing its corporate management team. In commenting on Planet Smoothie’s formula for success as the compay progresses on a steep growth curve, O’Rourke said, “We have taken great care to enhance our staff and board with individuals who have stellar credentials, solid experience, and share common values. Our overriding focus is our customers and how we can consistently offer healthy and delicious foods and superior service. I strongly believe in a team-building corporate culture that supports learning, shares profits and provides an environment where mistakes are viewed as opportunities to get better.”

Founded in Atlanta, Georgia in 1995, Planet Smoothie was named the fastest growing smoothie chain in the country in 1998 by Entrepreneur Magazine. With franchise sales beginning a little over two years ago, 100 stores are currently open in 19 states.