Pita Pit Franchise

Pita Pit

2015-12-07T13:26:00.003-08:00

Thanks so much for stopping by the Pita Pit blog. For more information on our fresh and healthy offerings and what's happening with the Pita Pit brand please check out our company website at www.pitapitusa.com.

Pita Pit in QSR

2015-04-21T14:03:00.001-07:00

Pita Pit has been able to enjoy tremendous growth over the last 20 years by building brand loyalty in both large cities, but also in smaller markets where franchisees are able to connect with their customers on a sometimes deeper and more intimate level. Find out how community involvement is key to success in a small market. You can check out the article here, or continue below.

“Diamonds in the Rough”

By Sam Oches

The fast-casual renaissance that has taken over the restaurant industry in the last decade has lately infused excitement and momentum into the broader limited-service sector. Market research firm Mintel found that sales at fast-casual restaurants grew 10.5 percent last year, compared with 6.1 percent growth from quick-service restaurants.

But that renaissance has so far been mostly confined to major U.S. markets. Cities like Washington, D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, and Denver have proved to be hotbeds for fast-casual development, while other mid-sized and large cities have become the default destination for brands’ expansion plans, both corporate and franchise. The reason for that, of course, is plain: the bigger the city, the more potential customers, especially customers with more dollars to spend.

Continue and read the article here.

Pita Pit in the Cincinnati Business Courier

2015-04-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

RadioShack recently announced the closure of thousands of existing stores, which creates additional real estate opportunities for businesses like Pita Pit looking to break into the Cincinnati market. Find about what the real estate specialist at Pita Pit thinks about these site opportunities and how converting an existing space can save money. You can check out the article here, or continue below.

“Cincinnati RadioShack closures make way for new opportunities”

By Andy Brownfield

When RadioShack filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week, it announced that 11 Cincinnati-area stores would be closing. But that could mean a big opportunity for other companies trying to enter the market.

Continue and read the article here.

Pita Pit in Loyola Phoenix

2015-04-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

Pita Pit will soon be opening the doors to its restaurant next to Loyola University. In preparation for its opening, Pita Pit operating partner Manuel Valdes to learn more about the brand. Find out about the new location and what to expect when the new Pita Pit opens. You can check out the article here, or continue below.

“New local eats: what to expect”

By Matt Boey

Does new always mean improved?

That’s the question for two new additions to Loyola’s off-campus food joints: the health-orientated fast food alternative Pita Pit and Insomnia Cookies, a late-night bakery that has become a staple on many other college campuses around the country. But are these new joints worth the time and, most importantly, the money?

Continue and read the article here.

Pita Pit in Franchise Times

2015-04-01T13:56:00.000-07:00

On the heels of slumping sales across the globe, McDonald’s is looking for ways to enhance their image with the coveted millennial segment. Jordy Patano, digital marketing manager for Pita Pit, talked to the Franchise Times about how attracting millennials may not be easy for McDonald’s. You can check out the article here, or continue below.

“Attracting millennials may not be easy for McDonald’s”

By Tom Kaiser

As all eyes are on McDonald’s latest Create Your Taste program, to lure young customers, we tapped a few in the coveted generation to get their point of view. Plus they describe their dream burger, just for fun.

Millennials love authenticity. Organic cotton flannel shirts with shiny, pearl-snap buttons. Electronics made with real glass and aluminum. Chocolate milk stouts brewed just down the street. Celebrities that follow you back on Instagram. That kind of stuff.

Continue and read the article here.

Pita Pit on FOX Studio 10 Mobile

2015-03-25T13:53:00.000-07:00

Consumers are looking to spice up all of their meal options this year; many fast food brands have been adding new items to their menus for a limited time. Pita Pit, a 500+ unit franchise brand, is no stranger to limited time items. In fact, Pita Pit’s Carlos Serrano introduced the Boom Boom Chicken that he is offering at his Mobile Pita Pit for Mardi Gras. You can check out the segment here.

Tips for Eating Healthy in 2015

2015-03-18T13:51:00.000-07:00

With consumers looking to eat healthier in 2015, many fast food brands have been promoting their low-calorie items in the New Year. Pita Pit, a 500+ unit franchise brand, is no stranger to healthy marketing. In fact, Pita Pit’s Jesse Gonzalez introduced the variety of customization available at Pita Pit to continue your New Year’s resolutions to eat healthy. Watch as Jesse creates a Light Chicken Souvlaki pita with the anchor, demonstrating how you can load up our pitas at Pita Pit with fresh veggies and ingredients. You can check out the segment here, or continue below.

“Tips on healthy eating for 2015”

By Lisa Gonzales

Jesse Gonzalez with Pita Pit is here to show us how to "build a better pita" that maintains flavor while cutting calories.

Continue and watch the video here.

Build Your Own Healthy Pita with Pita Pit

2015-03-10T11:07:00.001-07:00

Pita Pit was recently featured on WKOW's Wake Up Wisconsin . Pita Pit is a 500+ unit franchise brand that is no stranger to healthy marketing. Pita Pit’s Chuck Tier introduced the variety of customization available at Pita Pit to help fans eat healthy. They discussed the “Build A Pita” option available on the website to create a delicious and healthy pita to your liking. You can check out the segment here, or continue below.

“Fast food chain boasts healthy menu options”

By: Caroline Bach

The sandwich chain, Pita Pit, defines their menu as being one with "fresh thinking and healthy eating."

As people are on a mission to eat healthier this time of year, the fast food restaurant is sharing healthy recipes on their menu that guests can enjoy in their restaurant or recreate at home.

Continue and watch the video here.

Pita Pit Weighs In On FDA Calorie Info on Menus

2015-03-03T12:08:00.000-08:00

Pita Pit was recently featured in The Ledger. Pita Pit’s VP of Research and Development Benjamin Drake was interviewed for an article about the new FDA regulations requiring franchises to display calorie information on menus. Pita Pit, a leader in the healthy food segment, has been displaying calorie information for more than two years now. You can read the full article here, or continue reading below.

“Chains Prepare as FDA Rule Requires Calorie Info on Menus”

By John Ceballos

Benjamin Drake, vice president of research and development for Pita Pit, acknowledges the rule can potentially be an inconvenience.

"Now, if we make a change to a product — like using a different protein or switching to a different kind of ham — then the calorie count becomes lower and higher, and we have to change everything in terms of our menu.

Continue reading the article here.

Pita Pit is Expanding in the Milwaukee Area

2015-02-24T10:10:00.001-08:00

Pita Pit was recently featured in the Milwaukee Business Journal. Pita Pit opened their second Milwaukee location in the downtown area. The new restaurant is owned by Andrew Culp, who owns a Pita Pit in Madison, and he’s already got his sights set on a third Pita Pit. Milwaukee Business Journal spoke with Bill Wilfong, VP of Franchise Development for Pita Pit, for an update on the brand and their plans in the area. You can read the entire article here, or you can continue below.

“Pita Pit opens in downtown Milwaukee, plans third localrestaurant”

By Alison Bauter

The city of Milwaukee's second Pita Pit location opened Tuesday, this one on Wisconsin Avenue downtown.

Franchisee Andrew Culp already has a Pita Pit franchise at 2224 N. Farwell Ave. He also owns one on State Street in Madison. The new location opening this week is at 229 E. Wisconsin Ave., in the Railway Exchange Building downtown.

Make 2015 Your Best Year Yet with Pita Pit

2015-02-17T10:31:00.001-08:00

Pita Pit was recently featured in Nation’s Restaurant News. The article focused on comfort foods that have taken a healthful turn and included Pita Pit’s Resolution Solution lineup of six pita-based sandwiches under 500 calories. This includes the popular Philly Steak Pita. According to Benjamin Drake, vice president of research and development, the brand wanted to choose one of its most popular offerings to show customers it could be more healthful. You can read the entire article by clicking here, or you can continue below.

“Comfort Foods Take a Healthful Turn”

What is it about winter’s abbreviated days and frigid temperatures that trigger our cravings for heavy, high-calorie foods at the very time of year when we’ve just resolved to swear off them? We classify cheesy-starchy casseroles, rich and meaty stews and gooey hot sandwiches as comfort foods for a reason: once eaten and inside us, all just seems well.

Fortunately, chefs have succeeded in reducing the negative nutritional impact of our beloved comfort foods — cherished dishes like Grandma’s multi-meat, multi-cheese lasagna. They have found that by replacing meats with vegetables and other lower calorie ingredients they can offer a new version of an iconic favorite that is both savory and smart. In addition, these wholesome remakes have led to further experiments with bolder sauces, varied cooking techniques and artful plate presentations.

Read the full article here.

Pita Pit is Finding Room in the Convenience Store Industry

2015-02-10T15:45:00.000-08:00

Pita Pit was recently featured in Convenience Store News and Petroleum Magazine. The piece looks at how QSR brands expanding with the convenience store model. Elliott Oil Company opened a new convenience store in Ottumwa, IA that incorporates Pita Pit. Andrew Woodard, VP of Elliott Oil Company, discussed the decision to bring Pita Pit into their portfolio and why Pita Pit is a great opportunity to grow in the convenience store industry. You can read the article by clicking here, or you can continue below.

“Up-and-coming QSR brands find room to grow in c-storechannel.”

By Samantha Oller

When it comes to foodservice, breaking with tradition can be good—and even offer a more sustained avenue of growth. This is especially true when it comes to signing with a foodservice franchise, where up-and-coming brands are focusing on the c-store channel as a fast, more economical way to get known in the crowded space.

Several factors are driving interest in nontraditional locations overall, says Aziz Hashim, president and CEO of NRD Holdings LLC, an Atlanta-based franchisee-sponsored and -managed equity fund. Among those factors include saturation of traditional sites and the need to find growth opportunities for mature brands. But for developing brands—those whose locations number in the hundreds, not thousands—it is especially attractive, considering the premium on real estate for freestanding locations.

Read the full article here.

Pita Pit Enters Des Moines

2015-02-04T10:23:00.000-08:00

Pita Pit was recently featured in the Des Moines Register. The article looks at how Mike Rink opened a new Pita Pit in Urbandale at 4212 Merle Hay Road. The new location will be offering online and mobile app ordering services. Find out about the three more stores that Mike looks to open in the metro area and the variety of meats and vegetables that his current locations offer on pitas.

“Pita Pit opens in Urbandale”

By Patt Johnson

A Pita Pit restaurant opened Tuesday at 4212 Merle Hay Road in Urbandale next to the Dunkin’ Donuts shop.

The store will seat about 42 people and offer online and mobile app ordering services. Owner Mike Rink also operates Pita Pit stores in Ankeny, Cedar Falls and Waterloo. He hopes to open three more stores in the metro and is looking at building restaurants in West Des Moines and along Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines. A third location is undetermined, although Rink said he has been looking in downtown Des Moines.

Read the full article here.

Fresh Thinking, Healthy Eating with Pita Pit

2015-01-27T15:09:00.000-08:00

Pita Pit was recently featured on ezCater. Recently data has shown that 40 percent of consumers are likely to visit a restaurant if it offers healthy options, like Pita Pit. At Pita Pit we strive to offer fresh and healthy products made with a healthful focus in mind. Find out how we partnered with nutrition analysis company Healthy Dining to develop customizable sandwiches in the 300-450 calorie range. Also find out how Pita Pit is expanding across the nation and targeting corporate catering. You can read the article by clicking here, or you can continue below.

“Fresh Thinking, Healthy Eating”

Recent data shows that 40% of consumers are more likely to visit a restaurant if it offers healthy options. In response, many major brands—including Subway and McDonald’s—have added low-calorie selections to their menus. Fast-casual chain Pita Pit takes healthy eating a step further. In 2013, they partnered with nutrition analysis company Healthy Dining to develop customizable pita sandwiches in the 300-450 calorie range. Pita Pit’s ingredients contain no additives or preservatives, and they back up their health-centric brand culture at every store: none of their locations use fryers or convection ovens; everything is grilled. How’s that for forward-thinking food?

Continue reading the article here.

Eat Healthy in 2015 with Pita Pit

2015-01-21T10:18:00.002-08:00

Pita Pit was recently featured on WKRG Take 5. Carlos Serrano from Pita Pit was in the WKRG Take 5 studio to talk about how viewers can maintain flavor while eating healthy in the New Year. Carlos went through the six different pitas that Pita Pit offers that are all under 500 calories and how viewers can make similar items at home. Furthermore, Carlos talked about the fun giveaways that they offer to guests and the food truck that they drive around town to bring pitas to customers.

You can see the entire “Pita Pit: Pita Builds” segment here.

Keep Your New Year's Resolutions with Pita Pit

2015-01-16T13:59:00.001-08:00

Pita Pit was recently featured on News 10 NBC Today – WHEC TVRochester, the segment was titled, “Keeping your New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier.” The video features six pitas less than 500 calories to let fans eat great and watch their weight. Watch as Judy Pennington from Pita Pit walks us through how to make the pitas. You can read the article by clicking here, or you can continue below.

“Keeping your New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier.”

We are in the first full week of 2015 and for those of you who are trying to stick to your resolution to eat healthier, we have some options for you!

Judy Pennington of the Pita Pit joined Rebecca Leclair on News10NBC Today to showcase six new, low-calorie pitas. She also explained how you can build your own and keep your calorie count low. Press play on the video player.

Click here to read the entire article and watch the video.

Ridgeland's The Township soon will have Pita Pit

2015-01-02T08:25:00.003-08:00

Pita Pit were recently featured in an article in The Clarion-Ledger titled, "Ridgeland's The Township soon will have Pita Pit". The article announces that Pita Pit will soon be opening in Ridgeland, and describes the menu items that will be available. You can read the full article by clicking here or you can begin below.

"Ridgeland's The Township soon will have Pita Pit"
By Nell Luter Floyd

The Township at Colony Park in Ridgeland will sport the metro area's second location of Pita Pit.

Maulik Patel, franchisee, opened the metro area's first Pita Pit in November 2013 in a 600-square-foot space at the food court at the Outlets of Mississippi in Pearl.

Patel plans to open the Ridgeland location, which is across from Sombra Mexican Kitchen and in a strip of businesses that include Metropolitan Bank, Super Shakes and Sportique apparel in early March.

Click here to read the entire article.

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

2014-12-17T08:03:00.000-08:00

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.

Ephrata Pita Pit owner is 'Rookie of the Year'

2014-12-03T12:07:00.000-08:00

Pita Pit were recently featured in an article on the Columbia Basin Herald titled, "Ephrata Pita Pit owner is 'Rookie of the Year'". The article begins with franchisee Pam Leseman's new found media fame since winning her Rookie of the Year award, and how she got involved with Pita Pit. The article provides information about Pam's community involvement and how Pam's Pita Pit is in the smallest city that the brand exists in. You can read the article by clicking here or begin below.

"Ephrata Pita Pit owner is 'Rookie of the Year'"
By Justin Brimer

EPHRATA - Pam Leseman said she feels like a celebrity. The long-time Ephrata resident recently won the Rookie of the Year Award for her new Pita Pit franchise store. She said she fielded telephone calls on Monday morning from media outlets across the country.

She has spent nearly a lifetime in the restaurant and catering industry and said her decision earlier this year to jump from management to ownership was the right call at the right time.

Leseman formerly managed the Ephrata Subway. When their corporate office laid her off and much of her staff in April 2013, she decided to open her own store in town.

"I guess I decided on Pita Pit after three people came up to me in the same day and said, you know you should open a Pita Pit here.," she said.

Click here to read the entire article.

Introduction of Flex Improves Business For Pita Pit

2014-11-26T09:03:00.000-08:00

Pita Pit were recently in an article on "The Flat Hat" titled, "Introduction of Flex Improves Business For MOOYAH, Pita Pit". The article discusses how the Williamsburg Pita Pit has been added to the college's meal plan. The article begins with a little background on Pita Pit being added to the student meal plan where students can use Dining Dollars and the success they've since seen. You can read the full article here or begin below.

"Introduction of Flex Improves Business for MOOYAH, Pita Pit"
By Amelia Lucas

Sodexo USA has brought many changes to the College of William and Mary this semester, but based on the number of Dining Dollars students are using, the addition of Tribe Square restaurants to the meal plan might be the most beloved new change.

Alpen Patel, the owner of Williamsburg MOOYAH and Kim Twine, the owner of Pita Pit, have both noticed an increase in business from College Students

Click here to read the entire article.

Pita Pit opens near Dillon campus

2014-11-18T12:56:00.000-08:00

Pita Pit was recently featured in an article in the Dillon Tribune titled, "Pita Pit opens near Dillon campus". The article discusses how Franchisee Ashly and Travis loved Pita Pit in college and then eating it after their baby was born, which led them to their decision to bring Pita Pit to Dillon. The article then provides details of the construction and renovation, proximity to the college, and discusses future plans. Click here to read the article or begin below.

"Pita Pit opens near Dillon campus"
By J.P. Plutt

Dillon's Ashly and Travis Cottom have opened Pita Pit, a fast food restaurant, near the University of Montana Western at the former location of Dairy Queen.

Ashly Cottom and her husband Travis enjoyed their college years at the University of Montana in Missoula. The couple regularly dined at Pita Pit and when they spent three weeks in January at the neonatal intensive care unit watching over their young son, they began calling Pita Pit for deliveries to the hospital.

"I wanted to try something different," said Ashly, who at the time was the manager at Wells Fargo Bank in Dillon. "We started thinking it would do really well here in Dillon. This building came up for sale shortly after that so we decided to go for it."

Click here to read the entire article.

Rolling out: Pita Pit expands into Dillon

2014-11-12T09:59:00.000-08:00

Pita Pit were recently featured in an article in the Montana Standard titled, "Rolling out: Pita Pit expands into Dillon". The article begins with information about Pita Pit opening in Dillon and Franchisee Ashly Cottom's decision to join the brand. Ashly discusses Pita Pit's role in setting up franchise owners for success. You can read the entire article here or begin below:

"Rolling out: Pita Pit expands into Dillon"
By Matt Hoffman

Dillon is an outside-the-box market for most-chain restaurants. that's not scaring a company that's betting pitas can envelop the fast-food landscape.

Pita Pit opened in Dillon on Tuesday - the smallest market ever for the international chain with more than 500 locations.

Ashly Cottom is continuing the chain's use of local owner/operators and furthering the trend of young people reviving Dillon's business scene.

"We decided it was a good time, it needed to be now," the 30-year-old owner said.

Click here to read the entire article.

Pita Pit Doors Swing Open

2014-11-05T10:01:00.000-08:00

Pita Pit were recently featured in an article on the KDBM-KVEV titled, "Pita Pit Doors Swing Open". The article discusses the opening of Pita Pit in Dillon and provides information on store hours and the opening day. Click here to read the entire article or begin below.

"Pita Pit Doors Swing Open"
By KDBM-KVEV

Word spread fast on Tuesday that Pita Pit had opened their doors. The old building, which used to house another restaurant has been transformed into a modern, hip new eating establishment.

The new business is owned by Ashly Cottom and her husband. The two have lived together in Dillon for 5 years (her husband was born and raised in Dillon) and Ashly was managing the Wells Fargo in Dillon, but kept thinking back about enjoying Pita Pit while she was in college.

Click here to read the entire article.

Pita Pit opens in Virginia Beach

2014-10-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

Pita Pit were recently featured in the Daily Press in an article titled, "Pita Pit opens in Virginia Beach". The article discusses how Anthony Rivera and his wife Tammy just opened up a new Pita Pit in Virginia Beach. The article also talks about how Anthony was looking for a healthy food option to open in the community and found Pita Pit while searching for a business to open. You can read the article here or begin below.

"Pita Pit opens in Virginia Beach"
By The Daily Press

Anthony Rivera and his wife Tammy just opened a new Pita Pit in Virginia Beach at 300 Constitution Drive.

Anthony Rivera, whose family owns several local businesses, wanted to open a different business, according to a news release. After looking for a healthy food option to open in the community, Rivera found Pita Pit while searching for options online and started traveling to check out stores in Florida, Washington, D.C., and Williamsburg.

Click here to read the entire article.

Entrée salads step into the spotlight

2014-10-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

Pita Pit were recently featured in an article on Restaurant Hospitality in an article titled, "Entree salads step into the spotlight". The article is a trend piece about entree salads becoming more popular on the menu. It mentions how Pita Pit offers any of its pita's "Fork-style" to satisfy customers needs. Click here to read the entire article or check out a snippet below.

"Entree salads step into the spotlight"
By fsvoice

To satisfy customers who are attempting to cut down on carbohydrates or avoid gluten, the Pita Pit offers any of its pita sandwiches "Fork-style" without the pita, says Kevin Sanders, vice president of brand marketing for the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho-based fast-casual chain with 500 restaurants, mostly in Canada and the United States. Each salad is paired with its own unique sauce prepared by nationally branded suppliers.

Just as quests can build their own pita combinations, they also can customize their own salads, choosing from proteins, vegetables and cheese.

"We call it the personalization - you can make the pita exactly the way you want," Sanders says. "It can be light and healthy, or a little bit more decadent, if that is what you are looking for."

Click here to read the entire article.