New Ultimate Choice Program Gives Customers More Control over the Menu at Healthy Alternative QSR ChainThey say variety is the spice of life. Maybe that’s why Pita Pit turned to its loyal customers to decide what flavors they want to see spicing up menus across the nation with its newest program, Ultimate Choice, rolling out May 2.
In a recent nationwide survey, 65 percent of adults said their favorite restaurant foods provide flavor and taste sensations they can’t easily duplicate in their own kitchens. To help meet demand for new and exciting flavor combinations, the 300-plus-unit healthy pita concept introduced the Ultimate Choice Program to allow its customers to have a voice in selecting the brand’s newest menu items and facilitate pita customization.
Pita Pit surveyed its 72,000 eClub members and thousands of guests visiting individual restaurants across the U.S. to collect consumer preferences and tastes. After tallying up the results, the program will introduce nine new sauces, four new spreads, five new cheeses and 11 new toppings. Which new ingredients will appear at each location was determined by customer surveys.
“We have a tremendous base of supporters whose opinions we hold in high regard,” said Peter Riggs, Pita Pit’s vice president of corporate business unit. “When they said they wanted variety, we gave them a voice so we’d know exactly what to provide.”
New toppings include Artichoke Hearts and Shredded Carrots, while spread updates include Pesto and Pico de Gallo. Provolone, introduced during the Prime Rib and Provolone limited time offer promotion, will return to the menu as a core item and will be joined by Blue Cheese Crumbles and Gorgonzola, among others. Of the nine sauce updates, Chipotle BBQ and Jalapeño Ranch were in the highest demand. The new menu options also allow individual restaurants across the country to take advantage of seasonal products and events, adding to the already extensive menu.
“Our devoted customers expect new and innovative flavors. It’s one of the reasons they choose us over our competitors,” Riggs said. “This initiative is designed to bring exotic tastes to our customers to keep the pita experience fresh. It also allows our franchisees to customize menu items to their individual markets and provide their customers with the ultimate selection of options.”
The introduction of Ultimate Choice comes on the heels of Pita Pit’s “Name That Pita” Facebook contest, in which Pita Pit’s Facebook fans were given the chance to name the Prime Rib and Provolone pita, should it return to the menu in the future. Fifteen finalists were selected from nearly 400 entries, with fans voting to select the best moniker.
“When you have customers as passionate and dedicated as ours, you can’t help but want to get them involved in decisions,” said Tracy Carbonneau, Pita Pit’s marketing director. “Why should we hog all the fun when they love the brand as much as we do?”
