Fast-casual restaurant Pita Pit to open near UTSA in January

Pita Pit were recently featured in an article in the San Antonio Business Journal titled, "Fast-casual restaurant Pita Pit to open near UTSA in January". The article announces that Kam Mehta will be opening the first Pita Pit in San Antonio, as well as future locations across the city. Click here to read the article or begin below.

"Fast-casual restaurant Pita Pit to open near UTSA in January"
By Stephanie Guzman

San Antonio's first Pita Pit restaurant is set to open in January at the Shops at Prado, near the university of Texas at San Antonio Main Campus. 

Kam Mehta, a general contractor and developer, is opening the franchise, which is his first restaurant. 

Mehta said he chose the 1,500-square-foot space on UTSA Boulevard and Roadrunner Way because it's close to plenty of hungry students who are also health conscious.

Pita Pit's motto is "fresh thinking and healthy eating." The fast-casual restaurant allows customers to choose from a variety of lean meats and vegetables to build a customizable pita. The restaurant also serves breakfast pitas with eggs. The Idaho-based company has about 500 locations in 11 countries.

Click here to read the entire article.

Pita Pit featured on Tallahasse.com

Pita Pit was recently featured on Tallahassee.com in an article titled, "Pita Pit reopens with energetic new owner."  The article talks about Andrew Cook, 25, who reopened Pita Pit in Tallahassee on Friday, August 24, just as the students at the Florida State University returned to the campus. Cook first hear about the Pita Pit opportunity after he graduated from the University of Idaho and opened the location in San Luis Obispo, CA before moving to Tallahassee to take over this new restaurant.  Click here for the entire article or begin below.

Pita Pit reopens with energetic new owner
By: Dave Hodges

When opportunity presents itself, Andrew Cook is the kind of guy who is ready to act.

Born and raised in Idaho, Cook, 25, moved to California after graduating from the University of Idaho with a degree in civil engineering. The lure was the chance to get started in business with The Pita Pit restaurant franchise in San Luis Obispo. He did well there and got a year’s management experience in the process.

Cook then heard about an opportunity to reopen the franchise’s location in Tallahassee and build The Pita Pit brand locally. “Once I heard that, I jumped at the opportunity to bring a healthy alternative to fast food to Tallahassee,” he said.

(Read More)
    

Pita Pit featured in Greenville Online

Pita Pit was recently featured in the Greenville Online in an article titled, "Downtown restaurant celebrates grand opening with giveaway Thursday."  The article profiled Clemson grad and newest Pita Pit franchisee, Justin Kopelman.  For the entire article click here or begin below.

Downtown restaurant celebrates grand opening with giveaway Thursday

By: Lillia Callum-Penso

Pita Pit, long the place to get a late night bite in college towns across the U.S. has come to Greenville. The official downtown location opened Aug. 16 but the grand opening is Thursday, said Owner Justin Kopelman.

The Clemson grad hatched the idea for a franchise in Clemson while finishing up his studies. He officially opened that location in October 2009, five months after he graduated.

“I felt like we needed something downtown,” Kopelman said. Something “beyond pizza.”

(Read More)

Pita Pit featured in the Orlando Business Journal

Pita Pit was recently featured in the Orlando Business Journal in an article titled, "Two retailers adding up to 20 new metro Orlando sites." The article features Patrick O'Dell, Pita Pit Orlando franchisee, and Peter Riggs, VP of Brand Development. With the recent opening of Patrick O'Dell's fifth location in Orlando, the market provides strong growth  and Peter discussed the time line for expansion and the opportunity for potential candidates to still get decent real estate prices before the market starts to change. Peter also shared Pita Pit's success throughout the Florida market, with over 25 restaurants open across the state. Click here to view the full article.

Two retailers adding up to 20 new metro Orlando sites
By:  Anjali Fluker

Glenn Ajmo is capitalizing on the tail end of a tenants’ retail market.

The Marco's Pizza area director and other local franchisees are banking on what could be the last round of landlords’ lower rents and tenant-incentive dollars to outfit retail spaces for new businesses.

That has driven at least two concepts, Marco’s Pizza and Pita Pit, to plan for nearly 20 new stores with 330-455 workers within one to three years in Central Florida for a total of $2 million-$7 million.

(Read More)

New Pita Pit Openings This Month

It's been a great month so far for Pita Pit! This month 3 locations have been added to the over 200 other US locations, and another is set to open by the end of the month. The new locations are located in:

Ann Arbor, MI
Lehigh Valley, PA
Melbourne, FL
St. Louis, MO - coming soon!

Look out for these new Pita Pit locations as well as many more that will be opening soon!

Pita Pit featured in Vancouver Business Journal

Pita Pit was featured in an article today in the Vancouver Business Journal for Dennis and Laura Sallee as they just opened their fourth Pita Pit titled, “Fresh success in a down economy.” Dennis Sallee discusses the success that he and Laura have found in the Vancouver market since opening their first Pita Pit in 2008 as well as the healthy, customizable food options that Pita Pit makes that are perfect for everyone. In addition, Dennis and Laura are only the second Pita Pit in the 300-plus unit franchise that has the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine that provides over 100 different drink choices. Click here to view the full article.

Fresh success in a down economy

By: Jodie Gilmore

Give the customer what they want and watch every penny – this is the bread and butter of Dennis Sallee’s success with the Vancouver-area Pita Pit restaurants he co-owns with his wife, Laura.

The Sallees have opened three additional Pita Pits since their first in Fisher’s Landing in 2008: one in Hazel Dell, one in Orchards and one in Ashland, Oregon. Sallee hopes to open “at least two more” Pita Pits in the Vancouver area – possibly at the Westfield Shopping Mall as well as a mobile unit.

Sallee said he would choose his locations carefully, because “it takes three daily rushes to make one of these work” (lunch, dinner and catered platters of sliced pita sandwiches).

(Read More)

Pita Pit featured in the Argus Leader

Pita Pit was featured in the Argus Leader with an article entitled "Pita Pit to provide new fast-food option." The article was built from an in-depth interview with Peter Riggs discussing Pita Pit's development plans for the Sioux Falls region. In addition, Tom Cruse, Pita Pit's new franchisee in Sioux Falls, was interviewed to discuss his new opening and why Pita Pit will be a great addition into the community. Click here to view the full article.

"Pita Pit to provide new fast-food option"

Sioux Falls is getting a new fast-food franchise this year.

The Pita Pit is set to open its first franchise store mid-2011. The franchise owners have signed a deal to open a total of three restaurants in the city, said Peter Riggs, vice president of Pita Pit.

Tom Cruse, who will manage the restaurants and will be part owner, said the location for the first Pita Pit hasn't been finalized.

(Read More)

Pita Pit Opens in Lancaster, PA and is Featured in the Intelligencer Journal

The Intelligencer Journal recently published an article about the new Pita Pit opening today in Lancaster, PA. The article, entitled, “The Pita Pit arrives here,” also has photos of the new store built from a photo shoot set up with Pita Pit owner Nathan Groff. The piece announces Pita Pit’s arrival to the city and can be found below, and the original article can be found by clicking here.

The Pita Pit arrives here
By Chad Umble

The Pita Pit, which features Lebanese-style pitas, is opening Wednesday in Champion Forge Center, 398 Harrisburg Ave. It is next to Sukhothai Restaurant in Suite 500.

The Pita Pit's menu has sandwiches with a number of meat and vegetable fillings and a variety of toppings, including souvlaki, gyros and falafel sandwiches. It also offers salads and smoothies. It features takeout food, but also will have seating for 12.

The Pita Pit is a franchise that began in Canada in 1995 and now has more than 100 locations there and almost 200 in the United States. This is the first one in Lancaster County. Owners are Brad Alexander and Nathan Groff.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. Phone: 517-7111.

(Read More)

Pita Pit Featured in The Advocate

Pita Pit was recently featured in The Advocate in Baton Rouge, LA where local entrepreneur Jack Brighenti is having a new opening on September 3, 2010. The newest Pita Pit location will be next to the LSU Campus in a new shopping complex, across the street from the campus. Jack Brighenti, 24-year old franchisee has two locations now, in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Baton rouge will be featuring beer sales for the first time in the system and will stay open until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as serve delivery to the whole city. Jack has plans to further expand the brand in Louisiana adding additional units in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette and Hammond. Below is a portion of the article and you can view the article in its entirety here.

Chain restaurant Pita Pit branch to open near LSU
By CHAD CALDER

Pita Pit, a chain restaurant promoting itself as the healthy alternative in the fast-casual segment, is opening today in the Northgate area near LSU and plans another four in Baton Rouge over the next few years.

The local franchisee is Jack Brighenti, a 24-year-old who opened the 180-unit chain’s other Louisiana location, on Magazine Street in New Orleans.
Brighenti said Thursday that he is scouting locations and plans another four units in Baton Rouge and four in New Orleans, “but we’re also looking at Lafayette and Hammond. Those are pretty interesting markets.”

The timetable for this expansion, he said, is about three or four years.
Brighenti said the key is locating restaurants near colleges and universities, where Pita Pit’s healthier fare and late hours can find a market.

He said the Pita Pit opening today in the shopping center anchored by the new CVS pharmacy will serve Abita beers and Michelob Ultra and will offer daily dollar-beer specials.

(Read More)

Pita Pit Featured on New Day Northwest

Pita Pit was recently featured on a great segment in which Seattle franchisee Andrea Palmer recreated the Pita Pit experience live in-studio today on KING 5 TV’s live morning program, “New Day Northwest.” In the 7-minute segment, Andrea Palmer came into the studio and demonstrated for host Margaret Larson and the live studio audience how to make a variety of different pitas as healthy alternatives to popular calorie-heavy options like burritos and crispy chicken sandwiches. The video can be seen below and you can get more information on KING 5 TV's website here.

Pita Pit Featued in Nation's Restaurant News

Pita Pit was recently featured in Nation’s Restaurant News about its recent appearances on the morning show FOX & Friends every Friday this summer. The article discusses the way Pita Pit is using this PR tactic as a way to build the awareness for the brand in New York City and connect personally with customers and potential franchisees along the east coast. Pita Pit has also been able to feed the people of New York for free every Friday for the past 7 weeks, generating product trial throughout the region. The article discusses these segments and also includes a link to each of the segments on YouTube. Here is a portion of the article and below you will find a link to read the entire article:

Pita Pit pop-up building franchise buzz
By Mark Brandau

Pita Pit has no locations in New York City, but that hasn’t stopped the 180-unit chain from generating some Big-Apple-style media buzz through a pop-up restaurant it temporarily operates outside the building where Fox News Corp. broadcasts its “Fox and Friends” morning show.

For the past five Friday mornings, the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho-based chain has been serving breakfast pitas to passersby from the makeshift restaurant and plans to continue service each Friday through the end of August. Vice president of corporate business unit Peter Riggs also will be interviewed on each broadcast.

Riggs said the intent of being featured so prominently on television for eight straight weeks was to spread awareness not only to potential Pita Pit customers, but also to franchisee candidates.

“Ultimately, we’re hoping to get to potential franchisees, but the more blunt-object attitude we have is just trying to get the Pita Pit name out more,” Riggs said. “Any time you can increase brand recognition, that’s what we’re after.”

(Read More)

Pita Pit Featured on FOX Business Network

The Pita Pit was recently featured on FOX Business Network where Peter Riggs, VP of Corporate Business Unit, was interviewed by host Chris Cotter live. The segment is entitled, “Put it on a Pita,” where the host discusses his experience with the Pita Pit after trying it in the FOX plaza where Pita Pit has been serving breakfast pitas on FOX & Friends morning show every Friday this summer. The segment discusses Pita Pit’s national growth strategy and the current franchising industry as a whole. Peter Riggs discusses what it means to be a franchisee in the Pita Pit system and why not it is such a prime time to get involved with Pita Pit. Here is a link to the segment live on FOXBusiness.com:

"Put it on a Pita" (FOX Business)

Pita Pit featured in the Denver Post

Recently Margaret Jackson, a reporter at the Denver Post, wrote a story about franchisors’ increased interest in the Denver market for expanding their brands. Due to certain characteristics, Denver and Colorado as a whole has been one of the markets that has seen an upswing in development and is an attractive market for franchises to grow. Pita Pit was one of the brand’s featured in the article and Corey Bowman, Pita Pit’s Vice President of Franchise Development, was interviewed discussing Pita Pit’s growth plans in the market and some trends seen in the real estate opportunities. Bowman also discussed some of the incentives that Pita Pit is offering to new franchisees entering the system to help entrepreneurs go into business ownership despite the economic climate. Below you will find a portion of the article and a link to read the full article as well.

Metro franchises rise as proven models hit the ground running
By Margaret Jackson | The Denver Post

Widespread job losses combined with strong regional demographics have turned metro Denver into a popular spot for franchises.

But even though many people who've lost their jobs want to go into business for themselves, getting financing remains a challenge.

As a result, some franchise companies are making special offers to lure franchisees, and many landlords are negotiating more favorable lease rates to attract tenants.

"When the economy lags, franchising sees an increase in the number of people becoming franchisees," said Corey Bowman, vice president of franchise development for The Pita Pit, a Coeur d'Alene, Idaho-based quick-service restaurant chain that is expanding in the Denver area. "People who were working and got laid off have a sour taste in their mouths and don't want to work for somebody else." (Read More)

Pit Pit Rolls Into Week 3 in New York City with FOX and Friends

FOX and Friends interviews Pita Pit VP of Corporate Development Peter Riggs, discussing the original concept, franchising, and breakfast food! This segment comes for Pita Pit's second week of their FOX and Friends summer residency.

Pita Pita Returns to FOX and Friends for Week 2

FOX and Friends interviews Pita Pit VP of Corporate Development Peter Riggs, discussing the history of the company, exponential growth, and delicious food! This segment comes for Pita Pit's second week of their FOX and Friends summer residency.

Pita Pit Featured in Dayton Business Journal

Pita Pit was recently featured in an article in the Dayton Business Journal entitled, “Pita Pit Cooks Up Plan for Dayton-Area Push.” The article was built from an in-depth interview with Corey Bowman and delves into Pita Pit’s expansion plans throughout Ohio and specifically Dayton. The article also discusses the success Pita Pit has seen in the Ohio market and plans to develop further. Below is a sample of the article along with a link to the article in its entirety.

Pita Pit cooks up plan for Dayton-area push
by Tom Demeropolis

A fast-casual dining franchise is looking to capitalize on the colleges in the Dayton region.

The Pita Pit, an Idaho-based franchise, is looking to open five locations in the Dayton area in the next 12 to 18 months.

The development team has started looking for retail locations and meeting with existing Ohio franchisees and potential franchisees to operate the new locations.

(READ MORE)