Petrus Brands, parent company of Shane’s Rib Shack LLC and Planet Smoothie LLC, 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 to 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 when 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 CEO 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,” Jakaitis says. “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.