Pita Pit Inc. One of the 'Future 50'

Date AddedAugust 22, 2009 01:25:35 PM

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Restaurant Business Magazine ranks company at No. 29 on their annual list

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho, July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- In a time where the word "recession" seems to be on everyone's mind, it's hard to imagine that some companies are actually experiencing tremendous growth. That is, until you walk into a Pita Pit.

For the second year in a row, the popularity and success of Pita Pit Inc. has positioned the company on Restaurant Business Magazine's ranking of the fastest-growing small chains in the United States, coming in this year at No. 29.

"The Future 50 exemplifies the best this industry has to offer," said Sam Smith, Editor in Chief of Restaurant Business.

After analyzing many different types of restaurant concepts throughout the U.S., Restaurant Business named the top 50 "rising star" U.S. franchises based on factors such as growth, sales, and quality of the product being served.

"This very prestigious ranking acknowledges the success we've enjoyed in the past, and that Pita Pit will indeed continue to grow into the future," said Jack Riggs, CEO of Pita Pit USA. "Along with our expansion, we have maintained our focus on supporting our franchisees while serving great-tasting, healthy food in a friendly atmosphere."

Pita Pit Inc. opened 21 new stores in 2008, and expects to open over 20 new stores in 2009. There are now 173 Pita Pits in 38 states, with nearly 40 new locations in development.

While many of the original Pita Pit restaurants were adjacent to college campuses, the company has expanded its target locations to also include small and mid-sized market areas as well. Interest in the Pita Pit concept continues to grow nationwide.

The Pita Pit has also been ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 for three years and the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies for two years.

History: Founded in 1995 by Nelson Lang and John Sotiriadis in Ontario, Canada, The Pita Pit was a fast food restaurant with a new and unique approach. The goal was to offer quality, healthy, fresh food fast. Realizing great success, they began franchising across Canada in 1997.

Franchising in the United States began in 1999, and Pita Pit Inc. was formed. The first U.S. store opened in Syracuse, New York, and the second in Moscow, Idaho. In April 2005, Pita Pit Inc. was acquired by Pita Pit USA, Inc. and the Pita Pit concept now boasts nearly 300 stores in North America.

The Pita Pit connects healthy food with people seeking alternatives to the typical fast food choices. Its motto is "fresh thinking - healthy eating," featuring a menu based on the customer's choice of grilled meats, fresh vegetables, zesty sauces, and a pita rolled into a unique and convenient package.

Pita Pit Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho-based Pita Pit USA, Inc.