Friday, December 7, 2012
Pita Pit featured on KFYR-TV NBC Bismarck
Pita Pit was recently featured on KFYR - TV NBC in Bismarck, ND which aired on December 5th, 2012. The segment focused on Chris Volk’s Pita Pit in Bismarck, ND being visited by Pita Pit’s founder, Nelson Lang. Lang visited Volk’s location due to the large amount of money raised for Dine Out For No Kid Hungry. Lang worked with employees throughout the lunch hour. Click here for the segment or see below.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Pita Pit Featured in Business News Daily
Pita Pit was featured on Veterans Day on BusinessNewsDaily.com in an article titled, ‘How the Military Prepares Veterans to Start a Business.’ Jack Riggs, CEO of Pita Pit USA shared some insight on how his military training helped prepare him for not only small business but politics as well. After serving as a medical doctor for the U.S. Air Force, Riggs started the first immediate-care facility in Northern Idaho, launching him in to a future of business. He also shared some insight for returning military veterans on how their training with teamwork and the chain of command can assist entrepreneurs get their business started. Click here for the entire article or begin below.
How the Military Prepares Veterans to Start a Business
By: David Mielach
How the Military Prepares Veterans to Start a Business
By: David Mielach
Jack Riggs
Jack Riggs served as lieutenant governor of Idaho and an Idaho state senator before being named CEO of the restaurant chain Pita Pit in 2006. Riggs, however, says his real business training came as a result of his career in the military.
After serving as a medical doctor in the U.S. Air Force, Riggs transitioned into the world of business by starting the first immediate-care facility in north Idaho, he said.
"In military service, you learn a great deal about systems, communication and discipline," Riggs said. "You also learn about teamwork and chain of command. I definitely used all of those tools when I became a 'business owner' in 1985 – and I have used them since in my political career, as well as now, as CEO of Pita Pit USA."
After serving as a medical doctor in the U.S. Air Force, Riggs transitioned into the world of business by starting the first immediate-care facility in north Idaho, he said.
"In military service, you learn a great deal about systems, communication and discipline," Riggs said. "You also learn about teamwork and chain of command. I definitely used all of those tools when I became a 'business owner' in 1985 – and I have used them since in my political career, as well as now, as CEO of Pita Pit USA."
Friday, November 9, 2012
Pita Pit Opens in Evansville, IN!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Pita Pit featured on WNWO Today!
Pita Pit was recently featured on WNWO Today in a segment titled, "Pita Pit comes to Toledo." The live segment was built from an in-store shoot with Tom and Kate Dake, owner and Steve, who is Tom’s brother-in-law and manager. They shared the wide variety of options including breakfast, fork-style, vegan/vegetarian, and of course classic Greek pita’s. During the segment they also shared the fun idea of voting for the local pita and giving the residents the choice, especially with the upcoming election. Click here for the entire segment or see below.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Pita Pit Opens in Toledo, OH!
Pita Pit opens a location new location in Toldeo, Ohio, located at 2903 Dorr Street! Stop in today to try our new Pastrami Pita!
Sunday – Wednesday 10:30am – 3:00am
Thursday – Saturday 10:30am – 4:00am
Friday, October 12, 2012
Pita Pit featured in the Press-Register, AL.com
Pita Pit was recently featured in the Press-Register, AL.com titled, "Pita Pit ownershopeful new Dauphin Street eatery attracts BayFest crowds, loyalty." The article details
the opening of the first Pita Pit in downtown Mobile by two young entrepreneurs
named Carlos Serrano and Matthew Lemond. Carlos and Matthew talk about
how they planned to open the Pita Pit in time for the Mobile BayFest this weekend,
in order to capitalize on the tourism aspect driving many people downtown from
outside the area. The owners also discuss what prompted them to take the risk
to open up a small business and why they thought the Pita Pit brand would be
the most unique and successful business to develop. Click here for the entire article or begin below.
Pita Pit owners hopeful new Dauphin Street eatery attracts BayFest crowds, loyalty
Mobile, Alabama - Location might reign supreme when scouting the perfect location for a startup business, but timing could be the deciding factor for downtown Mobile's newest Dauphin Street eatery.
Indeed, when the throngs of music fans descending on downtown Mobile this weekend for BayFest find themselves tired and hungry, Pita Pit franchise owners Carlos Serrano and Matthew Lemond are ready and waiting to offer patrons healthy fare and a healthy dose of pride in the city's entertainment district.
Pita Pit owners hopeful new Dauphin Street eatery attracts BayFest crowds, loyalty
By: Kelli Dugan
Mobile, Alabama - Location might reign supreme when scouting the perfect location for a startup business, but timing could be the deciding factor for downtown Mobile's newest Dauphin Street eatery.
Indeed, when the throngs of music fans descending on downtown Mobile this weekend for BayFest find themselves tired and hungry, Pita Pit franchise owners Carlos Serrano and Matthew Lemond are ready and waiting to offer patrons healthy fare and a healthy dose of pride in the city's entertainment district.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Pita Pit featured in Pensacola News Journal
Pita Pit was recently featured in the Pensacola News Journal in an article titled, "Pick a pita and pack it full." The article included information about the new Pita Pit in Pensacola that Jeffrey opened at Garden Street and Palafox. The article notes that this is Jeffrey’s second Pita Pit location in the area, that he plans to expand in the next 2-3 years and that he is a major supporter of the revitalization of downtown Pensacola. Click here for the entire article or begin below.
Pick a pita and pack it full
By: Taris Savell
Jeffrey Bell has opened his second Pita Pit franchise at 1 Palafox Place, on the corner of Garden Street and Palafox.
“As a native Pensacolian, I am a major supporter of the revitalization of our downtown area, and am very proud to be a part of its progression and enhancement,” he said.
The Pita Pit menu offers a variety of sandwiches and salads, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Pick a pita and pack it fullBy: Taris Savell
Jeffrey Bell has opened his second Pita Pit franchise at 1 Palafox Place, on the corner of Garden Street and Palafox.
“As a native Pensacolian, I am a major supporter of the revitalization of our downtown area, and am very proud to be a part of its progression and enhancement,” he said.
The Pita Pit menu offers a variety of sandwiches and salads, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Pita Pit featured in the Macomb Patch
Pita Pit Opens Oct. 8, Brings Healthy Fast Food Options to Macomb Township
By: Debra Kaszubski
Two friends, both with an interest in providing healthy alternatives to fast food, will open Macomb County’s first Pita Pit restaurant on Romeo Plank in Macomb Township on Oct. 8.
Tami King and Debbie Fader have been busy preparing the 1,300-square-foot restaurant at at 50966 Romeo Plank near 23 Mile for its opening next week. They’ve hired 25 people, and completed most of the store’s interior design and construction themselves.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Pita Pit featured in The New York Times
Pita Pit was recently featured in the New York Times in an article entitled, "Midlevel U.S. Chains Move Into Fast-Food Hungry Gulf." The article focused on US franchises opening in the Middle East featuring The Pita Pit as the company establishes itself among regional players. The article details their 400 outlets globally and their two restaurants planned for Riyadh in 2013. For the entire article click here or begin below.
Midlevel U.S. Chains Move Into Fast-Food Hungry Gulf
By: Sara Hamdan
DUBAI — After twelve years of running two small, organic tea shops in the New York borough of Brooklyn, Jonathan Spiel had to close one down when his landlord increased the rent in 2009. Facing that setback, Mr. Spiel decided to look into selling Tea Lounge franchises to expand into new markets and keep his business going.
The Tea Lounge’s first franchise opened this year, in Kuwait.
“When I and my family and friends first heard ‘Kuwait,’ it seemed a little out of the blue,” Mr. Spiel, the Tea Lounge’s founder, said.
Midlevel U.S. Chains Move Into Fast-Food Hungry Gulf
By: Sara Hamdan
DUBAI — After twelve years of running two small, organic tea shops in the New York borough of Brooklyn, Jonathan Spiel had to close one down when his landlord increased the rent in 2009. Facing that setback, Mr. Spiel decided to look into selling Tea Lounge franchises to expand into new markets and keep his business going.
The Tea Lounge’s first franchise opened this year, in Kuwait.
“When I and my family and friends first heard ‘Kuwait,’ it seemed a little out of the blue,” Mr. Spiel, the Tea Lounge’s founder, said.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Pita Pit featured in Des Moines Register
Pita Pit was recently featured in The Des Moines Register in an article titled, "Ankeny Pita Pit opens Friday." The article talks about the opening of a Pita Pit location in Ankeny. Franchise owner Mike Rink will open at 8 a.m. on Friday, August 31. He also discusses his existing locations in the Des Moines area and his plans to open four more in the area in the next four years. Click here for the entire article or begin below.
Ankeny Pita Pit opens Friday
By: Patt Johnson
The Ankeny Pita Pit restaurant opens at 8 a.m. Friday.
The eatery is at 1805 S.E. Delaware Ave. in the strip mall in front of the Kohl’s department store.
The store will seat between 35 and 40 people, said Mike Rink, franchise owner. He owns the Pita Pit restaurants in Cedar Falls and Waterloo and expects to open four more stores in the Des Moines area in the next four years. He is eyeing the Jordan Creek retail area in West Des Moines for his next location.
(Read More)
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
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.
Pita Pit reopens with energetic new owner
By: Dave HodgesWhen 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.
Friday, August 24, 2012
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.
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.”
By: Lillia Callum-PensoThe 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.”
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Pita Pit featured in QSR Magazine
Pita Pit was recently featured in QSR Magazine in an article titled, "The Art of the LTO." Tracy Carbonneau shared how franchise brands are impacted by its limited-time offers throughout the year. Tracy shared some tips on when and how often brands should offer LTO products throughout the year and how to mix in new and existing menu items to promote to drive local sales back to the franchisees. Click here for the entire article or begin below.
The Art of the LTO
By: John Morell
Offer a Big Mac or a Quarter Pounder to casual McDonald’s customers, and they might shrug. But offer a Shamrock Shake or a McRib, and there’s a good chance they’ll salivate. These menu options have become hugely successful at the fast-food giant, despite being offered for only a few weeks out of every year.
So why doesn’t McDonald’s add them to the permanent menu? Largely because quick serves have discovered that a good limited-time offer can boost brand excitement and even single-handedly drive sales.
The Art of the LTO
By: John Morell
Offer a Big Mac or a Quarter Pounder to casual McDonald’s customers, and they might shrug. But offer a Shamrock Shake or a McRib, and there’s a good chance they’ll salivate. These menu options have become hugely successful at the fast-food giant, despite being offered for only a few weeks out of every year.
So why doesn’t McDonald’s add them to the permanent menu? Largely because quick serves have discovered that a good limited-time offer can boost brand excitement and even single-handedly drive sales.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Pita Pit Featured in The Daily Mississippian
Pita Pit was recently featured in The Daily Mississippian in an article titled, "Eating Healthy and On-the-Go: Pita Pit Comes to Oxford.” This article discusses Jack Brighenti, restaurant manager Muri Soares and Peter
Riggs who discussed Pita Pit opening for the first time in Mississippi. Jack
opened the new location in Oxford to bring something different and healthy to
the Southern University, something that people could eat late night and
on-the-go. The location opened at the end of May, but haven’t had a problem
being slow, and have seemed to really connect with the community and the university
students, even during the summer months. Pita Pit in Oxford also offers Ole
Miss students the opportunity to use their dining dollars on the Ole Miss
Express. Click here for the entire article or begin below.
Eating Healthy and On-the-Go: Pita Pit Comes to Oxford
By: Alex Dejoy
With over 200 locations across the four corners of the United States and every where in between, Pita Pit has found a new home in Oxford.
Located on North Lamar Boulevard, right off the square, owner of the new Pita Pit, Jack Brighenti, thought this would be the perfect location to provide healthy eating to both students and the Oxford community.
He is the owner of two other Pita Pits, which are located in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. His newest location is the first to open in the state of Mississippi.
Eating Healthy and On-the-Go: Pita Pit Comes to Oxford
By: Alex Dejoy
With over 200 locations across the four corners of the United States and every where in between, Pita Pit has found a new home in Oxford.
Located on North Lamar Boulevard, right off the square, owner of the new Pita Pit, Jack Brighenti, thought this would be the perfect location to provide healthy eating to both students and the Oxford community.He is the owner of two other Pita Pits, which are located in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. His newest location is the first to open in the state of Mississippi.
“It definitely has that youthful kind of energy around; a lot of undergraduates and graduates, a lot of intellectuals, professors, and also the community itself," Brighenti said. “The historic roots and the Square here, we were just kind of drawn to it. We just thought it would make a good fit to provide something healthy to that demographic.”
Friday, July 13, 2012
Pita Pit featured in The Telegraph
Pita Pit was recently featured in The Telegraph in an article titled, "Pita Pit offers healthy fast food." The article focuses on the Pita Pit that recently opened up in Edwardsville on Monday, June 4th. Further, the article discussed the concept of the Pita Pit brand. Bill Wilfong elaborated more on the plans for expansion for the brand, and also spoke on how the brand was created. Jim Hettler explained his experience as a franchisee and business owner. Click here for the entire article or begin below.
Pita Pit offers healthy fast food
By: Jess Charlton
EDWARDSVILLE - Eating healthy can be difficult, especially if you have a busy life and are constantly on the go. Now you can eat fast and healthy, thanks to Pita Pit.
"The concept of Pita Pit was started in 1995 in Kingston, Ontario, by two men, Nelson Lang and his friend, Johnny Sotiriadis," Pita Pit USA director of franchise development Bill Wilfong said.
Lang and Sotiriadis wanted to create a different type of restaurant and in 2005, Pita Pit was born. Pita Pit has many different styles such as Mediterranean, Greek and Lebanese. The food is put into a pita pocket and rolled up, which looks like a burrito. But instead of tortillas, they use the healthier option of pita bread.
(Read More)
Pita Pit offers healthy fast food
By: Jess Charlton
EDWARDSVILLE - Eating healthy can be difficult, especially if you have a busy life and are constantly on the go. Now you can eat fast and healthy, thanks to Pita Pit.
"The concept of Pita Pit was started in 1995 in Kingston, Ontario, by two men, Nelson Lang and his friend, Johnny Sotiriadis," Pita Pit USA director of franchise development Bill Wilfong said.
Lang and Sotiriadis wanted to create a different type of restaurant and in 2005, Pita Pit was born. Pita Pit has many different styles such as Mediterranean, Greek and Lebanese. The food is put into a pita pocket and rolled up, which looks like a burrito. But instead of tortillas, they use the healthier option of pita bread.
(Read More)
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Pita Pit brings back Fan of the Week!
Friday, June 22, 2012
Pita Pit featured in The Oregonian
Pita Pit was recently featured in The Oregonian in an article titled, "Pita Pit opens second location at Tanasbourne Town Center in Beaverton." The article focuses
on Chris McCall and Patrick Peralta opening their second Pita Pit location in
Beaverton, OR at 18033 N.W. Evergreen Parkway. Also highlighted in the article
are the plans of the duo for the future. Click here for the entire article or begin below.
Pita Pit opens second location at Tanasbourne Town Center in Beaverton
By: Dominique Fong
Pita Pit, a restaurant chain that serves grilled meats and vegetables rolled into a pita, opened its second location last week in Beaverton.
Owners Chris McCall and Patrick Peralta, college friends from Washington State University, launched their first site off Cedar Hills Boulevard in 2009. After its success they opened their newest spot at 18033 N.W. Evergreen Parkway in the Tanasbourne Town Center.
McCall said they are now looking at investing in a mobile food trailer and other locations in south Beaverton and in Hillsboro.
"We want to be able to swing by offices and sell pitas and go to fairs and carnivals," McCall said. "That's our next big plan."
Pita Pit opens second location at Tanasbourne Town Center in Beaverton
By: Dominique Fong
Pita Pit, a restaurant chain that serves grilled meats and vegetables rolled into a pita, opened its second location last week in Beaverton.
Owners Chris McCall and Patrick Peralta, college friends from Washington State University, launched their first site off Cedar Hills Boulevard in 2009. After its success they opened their newest spot at 18033 N.W. Evergreen Parkway in the Tanasbourne Town Center.
McCall said they are now looking at investing in a mobile food trailer and other locations in south Beaverton and in Hillsboro.
"We want to be able to swing by offices and sell pitas and go to fairs and carnivals," McCall said. "That's our next big plan."
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Pita Pit featured in The Alestle
Pita Pit was recently featured in The Alestle in an article titled, "Pita Pit offers fresh food fast." The article discusses how Pita Pit offers a healthy alternative to fast food for college students. Jim Hettler talked about Pita Pit is very popular amongst college campuses. Also, Jim talks about how he started franchising with Pita Pit and why he decided to open up in Edwardsville, IL. The article also interviewed some students who shared that they have interest in trying out the food that Pita Pit has to offer. Click here for the entire article or begin below.
Pita Pit offers fresh food fast
By: Andrew Richards
Healthy eating options are piling up in Edwardsville, and Pita Pit is the newest member of the eat-right movement.
James Hettler, a retired Air Force officer of 23 years from Belleville, opened a Pita Pit restaurant on Monday at 215 Harvard Drive in Edwardsville, just off Troy Road.
Pita Pit has more than 300 locations in the U.S. and Canada. At first glance, it seems like an alternative to Subway. They allow customers to top pitas any way they like with a number of vegetables, cheeses and sauces to choose from. However, the restaurant is known for its healthier choices of food including sandwich meats and cheeses on Lebanese-styled pita bread, zesty sauces and fruit smoothies.
Hettler said he got the idea to start a Pita Pit franchise four years ago when he got his first taste of it while taking his daughter back to school at the University of Iowa. He spent more than an hour and a half talking to the owners about how to run one of the franchises.
“I was looking to start one then, in 2008,” Hettler said, “but because of the economy tanking, I wasn’t able to get it up and running.”
(Read More)
Pita Pit offers fresh food fast
By: Andrew Richards
Healthy eating options are piling up in Edwardsville, and Pita Pit is the newest member of the eat-right movement.
James Hettler, a retired Air Force officer of 23 years from Belleville, opened a Pita Pit restaurant on Monday at 215 Harvard Drive in Edwardsville, just off Troy Road.
Pita Pit has more than 300 locations in the U.S. and Canada. At first glance, it seems like an alternative to Subway. They allow customers to top pitas any way they like with a number of vegetables, cheeses and sauces to choose from. However, the restaurant is known for its healthier choices of food including sandwich meats and cheeses on Lebanese-styled pita bread, zesty sauces and fruit smoothies.
Hettler said he got the idea to start a Pita Pit franchise four years ago when he got his first taste of it while taking his daughter back to school at the University of Iowa. He spent more than an hour and a half talking to the owners about how to run one of the franchises.
“I was looking to start one then, in 2008,” Hettler said, “but because of the economy tanking, I wasn’t able to get it up and running.”
(Read More)
Monday, June 4, 2012
Pita Pit featured in Belleville News-Democrat
Pita Pit was recently featured in the Belleville News-Democrat in an article titled, "Air Force veteran tries his hand as restaurateur." The article focused on Jim Hettler and his upcoming Pita Pit
opening in Edwardsville, IL. The article told Jim’s story of how he discovered
Pita Pit and why he decided to franchise with the brand. Further, the article
discusses some Pita Pit menu items and how the food is a healthy alternative to
fast food. For the entire article click here or begin below.
Air Force veteran tries his hand as restaurateur
By: Will Buss
Jim Hettler is the owner of Pita Pit at 215 Harvard Drive in Edwardsville, and hopes to have the restaurant open in early June.
Outlook: "I wanted to go out there and see what I can do and be a part of it."
Since retiring from the U.S. Air Force, Jim Hettler has had his own home-building business and is now preparing to open a restaurant. The veteran is the first metro-east franchisee of Pita Pit and plans to open his first restaurant next month in Edwardsville with plans to open another in O'Fallon at some point. His will join 300 U.S. locations in the chain that connects consumers with a healthier dining option and alternative to the typical fast-food choices. Pita Pit's motto is "fresh thinking -- healthy eating" and features a menu of grilled meats, fresh vegetables and zesty sauces rolled in pita bread. Hettler recently talked to business writer Will Buss about his service in the military and his life as a civilian entrepreneur:
How did you find this pita bread-based restaurant chain?
"Four years ago, I was taking my daughter to Iowa City to find her a place to live because she was accepted to go to law school there, and we were going through town trying to find a place to park, and we happened to park in front of a Pita Pit. It just so happened that I was thinking about opening a little restaurant of this nature in our local area."
(Read More)
Air Force veteran tries his hand as restaurateur
By: Will Buss
Jim Hettler is the owner of Pita Pit at 215 Harvard Drive in Edwardsville, and hopes to have the restaurant open in early June.
Outlook: "I wanted to go out there and see what I can do and be a part of it."
Since retiring from the U.S. Air Force, Jim Hettler has had his own home-building business and is now preparing to open a restaurant. The veteran is the first metro-east franchisee of Pita Pit and plans to open his first restaurant next month in Edwardsville with plans to open another in O'Fallon at some point. His will join 300 U.S. locations in the chain that connects consumers with a healthier dining option and alternative to the typical fast-food choices. Pita Pit's motto is "fresh thinking -- healthy eating" and features a menu of grilled meats, fresh vegetables and zesty sauces rolled in pita bread. Hettler recently talked to business writer Will Buss about his service in the military and his life as a civilian entrepreneur:
How did you find this pita bread-based restaurant chain?
"Four years ago, I was taking my daughter to Iowa City to find her a place to live because she was accepted to go to law school there, and we were going through town trying to find a place to park, and we happened to park in front of a Pita Pit. It just so happened that I was thinking about opening a little restaurant of this nature in our local area."
(Read More)
Friday, June 1, 2012
Pita Pit introduces New Pitas
Pita Pit has introduced 5 new pitas to the Pita Pit family. The new Mediterranean Pitas on the menu include; the Chicken Souvlaki, Falafel, Gyro, Hummus, and Creamy Pesto Chicken.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Pita Pit featured in 1851 Online
Pita Pit's Peter Riggs was recently featured on 1851 Online in an article titled, "From Franchisee to Franchisor: How Peter Riggs Took a Risk and Reward." The article follows Riggs through his journey as a Pita Pit customer to Franchisee and ultimately Pita Pit USA Franchisor. The article profiles the transitions Riggs underwent and the risks he took that eventually lead to his success. Click here for the entire article or begin below.
From Franchisee to Franchisor: How Peter Riggs Took a Risk and Reward
By: Brian Diggleman
It’s not unusual for an executive of a franchise brand to have gotten their start as a franchisee, nor is it uncommon for an executive to have discovered the brand as a consumer. But not many people can say they fell in love with a brand after experiencing the product, bought into the franchise as a unit owner and then became a member of the executive team–Peter Riggs can.
The saga began in the late 90s at the University of Idaho – Moscow. Riggs was still a student when a Canadian concept called Pita Pit opened its second U.S. location near campus. The fresh concept was an instant success and Riggs liked the idea of bringing customization to pitas.
Riggs’ involvement with Pita Pit was only as a customer as he finished his degree and gained experience managing an Italian restaurant in town. It wasn’t until a couple friends asked him to lend a hand with a Pita Pit in California that he got involved with the organization at a deeper level.
“I said I’d love to,” Riggs recalls. “I was helping them out and it became one of those things where the more I helped them, the more involved I got and the more I enjoyed working on it.”
From Franchisee to Franchisor: How Peter Riggs Took a Risk and Reward
By: Brian Diggleman
It’s not unusual for an executive of a franchise brand to have gotten their start as a franchisee, nor is it uncommon for an executive to have discovered the brand as a consumer. But not many people can say they fell in love with a brand after experiencing the product, bought into the franchise as a unit owner and then became a member of the executive team–Peter Riggs can.The saga began in the late 90s at the University of Idaho – Moscow. Riggs was still a student when a Canadian concept called Pita Pit opened its second U.S. location near campus. The fresh concept was an instant success and Riggs liked the idea of bringing customization to pitas.
Riggs’ involvement with Pita Pit was only as a customer as he finished his degree and gained experience managing an Italian restaurant in town. It wasn’t until a couple friends asked him to lend a hand with a Pita Pit in California that he got involved with the organization at a deeper level.
“I said I’d love to,” Riggs recalls. “I was helping them out and it became one of those things where the more I helped them, the more involved I got and the more I enjoyed working on it.”
Friday, May 18, 2012
Pita Pit Featured on CBS Morning in Wichita, KS
Pita Pit's Cammy Onek was recently featured on Wichita's CBS Morning Show this morning. Check out our Fresh Thinking, Healthy Eating philosophy! Click the image below to view the whole video.
Pita Pit featured on CBS Morning's Tasty Tuesday
Pita Pit featured on CBS Morning's Tasty Tuesday
Friday, May 4, 2012
Pita Pit Caters a 1,000+ Order
Pita Pit's Vancouver location recently catered a 1,900 box lunch order!
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| Preparing the order. |
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| Loading the truck. |
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| Setting up the space. |
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Pita Pit featured on Central Pennsylvania Business Journal
Pita Pit was recently featured in the Central Pennsylvania's Business Journal in an article titled, "The Pita Pit franchise growing in Central Pa.," which was built from a phone interview with franchisee, Brad Alexander. Brad discussed the upcoming of the third location in Central Pennsylvania in Elizabethtown after opening two Pita Pit restaurants in Lancaster and Harrisburg. Alexander and his business partners have big aspirations for the brand and are looking to owning 10-15 Pita Pit locations in Dauphin, Lancaster and York counties with a possibility of even expanding in to the Reading area. The group joined together to find healthy, late night options for young professionals and people who are becoming more focused on the types of food that they put in to their bodies. The brand has really taken off in the area and the partners hope to have another four locations open in two years. For the entire article click here or begin below.
The Pita Pit franchise growing in Central Pa.
By: Jason Scott
The Pita Pit, an Idaho-based quick-service restaurant franchise that caters to health-conscious consumers, is expanding in Central Pennsylvania.
Since September 2010, Lancaster County entrepreneurs Brad Alexander and Nathan Groff and their business partners have opened locations in Lancaster and Harrisburg.
In late May, the group plans to open a third location in Elizabethtown, with long-term plans of owning 10 to 15 locations in Dauphin, Lancaster and York counties, Alexander said. The Reading area also is a possibility, he said.
"We're looking for demographics where there are young professionals and people starting to become more focused on what they are putting into their bodies," Alexander said. "It's a convenience food, but it's also an excellent balance between timeliness and healthiness."
The brand caters to college students and the downtown business crowds. Pita Pit focuses on specializing pitas to order by giving guests the opportunity to choose from freshly grilled meats, vegetables and sauce options.
The Pita Pit franchise growing in Central Pa.
By: Jason Scott
The Pita Pit, an Idaho-based quick-service restaurant franchise that caters to health-conscious consumers, is expanding in Central Pennsylvania.
Since September 2010, Lancaster County entrepreneurs Brad Alexander and Nathan Groff and their business partners have opened locations in Lancaster and Harrisburg.
In late May, the group plans to open a third location in Elizabethtown, with long-term plans of owning 10 to 15 locations in Dauphin, Lancaster and York counties, Alexander said. The Reading area also is a possibility, he said.
"We're looking for demographics where there are young professionals and people starting to become more focused on what they are putting into their bodies," Alexander said. "It's a convenience food, but it's also an excellent balance between timeliness and healthiness."
The brand caters to college students and the downtown business crowds. Pita Pit focuses on specializing pitas to order by giving guests the opportunity to choose from freshly grilled meats, vegetables and sauce options.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Pita Pit featured on DJournal.com
Pita Pit was recently featured on DJournal.com in an article titled, "Pita Pit to open Oxford location." The article details the first Pita Pit location opening within the state of Mississippi by Jack Brighinti, a previous franchisee with two locations in Louisiana. Click here for the entire article or begin reading below.
Pita Pit to open Oxford location
by Carlie kollath
April 11, 2012
The first location will be opened by 26-year old entrepreneur, Jack Brighinti, who has previously opened two Pita Pit locations in New Orleans and Baton Rouge near universities.
Jack decided to move to Oxford to open his newest location to introduce the brand to the state because of the tremendous success he has found with his two other locations and loved the idea of bringing something different to the Oxford community. Why Jack has found so many successes is through his community service and sponsorship of local organizations in the region which he feels passionate about after opening in each town. His goal is to make healthy and affordable eating options available to the whole city, deciding to eliminate delivery boundaries and make the whole city his market.
Pita Pit has more than 300 locations across North America and is continuing to grow in college towns and downtown areas across the United States and Canada. They are most known for the fun, fresh atmosphere that focuses on healthy ingredients that are customized to order, grilled meats and unique sauces to spice-up anything on the menu.
Pita Pit to open Oxford location
by Carlie kollath
April 11, 2012
The first location will be opened by 26-year old entrepreneur, Jack Brighinti, who has previously opened two Pita Pit locations in New Orleans and Baton Rouge near universities.
Jack decided to move to Oxford to open his newest location to introduce the brand to the state because of the tremendous success he has found with his two other locations and loved the idea of bringing something different to the Oxford community. Why Jack has found so many successes is through his community service and sponsorship of local organizations in the region which he feels passionate about after opening in each town. His goal is to make healthy and affordable eating options available to the whole city, deciding to eliminate delivery boundaries and make the whole city his market.
Pita Pit has more than 300 locations across North America and is continuing to grow in college towns and downtown areas across the United States and Canada. They are most known for the fun, fresh atmosphere that focuses on healthy ingredients that are customized to order, grilled meats and unique sauces to spice-up anything on the menu.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Pita Pit featured in Wichita Business Journal
Pita Pit was featured in the Wichita Business Journal in an article titled, "Pita Pit plans early-Aprilopening in Northrock Retail Center." The article features Cammy Onek, new franchisee in Wichita and Peter Riggs who
discussed the upcoming opening. The Pita Pit is looking to hire about 20
employees and will be tentatively opening the end of the first week in April.
Eventually, Cammy and her husband Chad are looking at opening additional
locations in Wichita, but for now they are eager to get the first location us
and running. Pita Pit can continue to expand throughout the market and
depending on demand, they will continue to open locations throughout the
metro-area. Click here to view the entire article.
Pita Pit plans early-Aprilopening in Northrock Retail Center
By: Josh Heck
Cammy Onek is busy putting the finishing touches on what will be her first Pita Pit franchise in Wichita.
Pita Pit plans early-Aprilopening in Northrock Retail Center
By: Josh Heck
Cammy Onek is busy putting the finishing touches on what will be her first Pita Pit franchise in Wichita.
The educator and coach turned restaurateur says she is in the process of hiring about 20 employees for the 1,782-square-foot restaurant, which will be in Occidental Management’s Northrock Retail Center at 3242 N. Rock Road.
Pita Pit, Onek says, is tentatively scheduled to open toward the end of the first week of April.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
We Have a Winner!
Voting for our "I Heart Pita Pit" contest ended on Sunday, March 18th, with a clearly defined winner! During the submission period, we had over 30 entries! It was difficult to choose a top 10, but we were able to decide on the lucky finalists. You can view the top 3 at the end of this post.
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| Congratulations Walt and his lucky Bride -to-be Pita! |
Our winner was Walt Arnette. Walt worked very hard at getting his friends and family to vote for his proposal and ended up with over 500 votes! Walt won himself a trip for two to the Final Four games. We hope Walt and his lucky other half enjoy their honeymoon trip and have fun at the games!
Please enjoy our hard working runner-ups!
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| Michael Ford - 189 Votes! |
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| Sean Ireton - 183 Votes! |
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| Jerry Saint-Vil - 88 Votes! |
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