The Pita Pit Recognized as Top Franchise Opportunity by Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – For the fifth straight year The Pita Pit, a 187-unit pita franchise offering a healthy alternative to fast food, has owned Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500. This year’s rankings were no different, as the chain was not only No. 1 in its category, but No. 124 in overall top U.S. franchise opportunities, moving up 36 positions from 2010.

“We’ve been incredibly successful through the combined factors of our amazing franchisees and the loyalty and dedication of our fans,” said Dr. Jack Riggs, CEO of Pita Pit. “We are thrilled to be recognized yet again by such a prestigious institution and look forward to climbing even higher next year.”

While Pita Pit opened nearly 20 locations in 2010, it also reached uncharted territory for many franchises over the last five years, in that it opened more than 140 U.S. locations despite rocky economic conditions and other growth difficulties experienced by many franchises. Additionally, over the last five years, Pita Pit has improved the model with additional systems, infrastructure, and a fresh leadership team all designed to help propel its growth towards the 200-unit mark during 2011.

“We made great strides towards taking Pita Pit past 180 units this year in the U.S. and are prepping for an even bigger 2011,” Riggs said. “Positioned for steady growth, we are consistently introducing new products to continually satisfy our fans’ taste buds.”

Entrepreneur Magazine has conducted the Franchise 500 survey for 32 years. To determine rankings, each company is evaluated on its financial strength and stability, growth rate, size of system, years in business and franchising and percentage of unit closings. In 2011, Pita Pit plans to continue their national expansion with plans to add 25 units and rise even higher in the rankings on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, all through the support of new and existing franchisees.

With nearly 300 total locations in North America, Pita Pit has initially found success serving up a healthful variety of pita sandwiches on more than 100 Division-1 college campuses across the U.S, but has since expanded to many cities and communities without a collegiate presence. Unlike its quick service competitors, Pita Pit offers a large number of low-calorie, healthful options, making it the breakfast, lunch, dinner and after-hours snack choice for people aiming to keep their diets wholesome and their bodies fit without sacrificing great taste.

“We’ve stayed at the top of our industry by offering a healthy, personalized product and a genuine experience,” said Pita Pit’s VP of Corporate Business Unit, Peter Riggs. “In 2011, we hope to introduce our concept to more and more untapped markets and rise even higher on the Franchise 500 list.”