Pita Pit, The Franchise News

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...

The franchise is the first restaurant in the area to become certified November 06, 2008 // Franchising.com // - State College, PA –The Pita Pit located at 218 E. Calder Way in State College, PA became a Certified Green Restaurant™ on October 8, 2008. Following in the eco-friendly footsteps of their Philadelphia location, The State College Pita Pit achieved certification of green status upon the implementation of environmentally friendly practices in accordance with the Green Restaurant Association's rigorous guidelines.

As part of the initial certification phase, The State College Pita Pit is now Styrofoam-free and took additional steps in an effort to reduce its environmental footprint and increase sustainable practices including: Recycled and chlorine free napkins w/ eco dispenser Low flow faucet aerators to limit water waste Energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Lighting Full recycling Eco-friendly non plastic smoothie cups made from corn Aside from the steps above, The State College Pita Pit also plans to implement motion sensor lighting in the bathrooms, non-toxic all natural cleaning supplies, a local produce company to minimize fuel and consolidate orders to decrease deliveries as well as having their employees use personal mugs and silverware to minimize waste...

New rankings by national magazine - Restaurant Business

July 21, 2008 // Franchising.com // COEUR D'ALENE, ID -- Pita Pit Inc. has earned a first ever ranking on the "The Future 50" list in the July 2008 issue of Restaurant Business as one of the fastest growing restaurant chains in the nation. Restaurant Business also stressed that Pita Pit is well positioned in the current economy to continue growing, saying "… you just can't keep a good concept down …"

According to Restaurant Business and a Technomic, Inc. estimate, Pita Pit Inc. system wide sales in 2007 grew by over 18% compared to 2006.

"It's exciting to see that we are recognized once again for our quality growth as one of the leading quick casual franchises in the United States", said CEO Jack Riggs...

Local Pita Pit provides 700 pitas to event

July 17, 2008 // Franchising.com // On Friday July 11, 2008, the local Pita Pit in Muncie, Indiana, rolled and delivered 700 pitas to the nation's 2nd longest running triathlon event, the Muncie Endurathon.

Franchisee Lucas Smelser praises his staff for making this happen. "I couldn't tell my crew how much I appreciated all their hard work and determination", stated Smelser. He continued, "It really requires a great deal of mental toughness to accomplish such a large task and this group showed they could handle whatever obstacle was placed in front of them."

Smelser has been an avid runner and endurance athlete for almost 13 years. He completed his first marathon in 1999 and has competed in 3 triathlons, one of which was the Muncie Endurathon...

February 29, 2008 // Franchising.com // Coeur d Alene, Idaho- Pita Pit USA and the Muscular Dystrophy Association have partnered for the "Shamrocks Against Dystrophy" program. Participating Pita Pit locations around the country are selling the familiar green and gold shamrocks February 15-March 17. The money raised stays local to the community in which the funds were collected and goes toward families within that area battling neuromuscular diseases. "We are proud of our partnership with MDA in working with communities nationwide to help find a cure for the 43 neuromuscular diseases that MDA covers. Pita Pit USA is a community-minded corporation and encourages our nationwide franchises to work hand in hand with MDA within their communities", said Jack Riggs, MD, CEO of Pita Pit USA...

2007 a high growth year for the Coeur d'Alene-based company

January 28, 2008 // Franchising.com // COEUR D'ALENE, ID -- Pita Pit Inc. has moved up on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2008 ranking of the top franchises in the United States, jumping from No. 212 to No. 195 on the prestigious list. After analyzing franchises that range from food service and retail companies to hotels and specialty supply stores, Entrepreneur annually names the top 500 U.S. franchises based on factors such as growth, stability, quality, and presence across the country.

"This ranking signifies the quality growth of The Pita Pit as one of the leading quick-casual restaurant franchises in the United States," said CEO Jack Riggs. "As we continue to expand, we will maintain our focus on being a high-quality franchisee support company, serving great food in a friendly environment...

August 28, 2007 // Franchising.com // COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO -- Inc. Magazine recently ranked the Pita Pit on its first-ever Inc. 5,000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the country.

Pita Pit Inc. debuted at # 31 in the Food and Beverage category and ranked # 1,545 overall for all industries. The 2007 Inc. 5000 list measures revenue growth from 2003 through 2006. To qualify, companies had to be U.S.-based and privately held independent companies as of December 31, 2006, and have had at least $200,000 in revenue in 2003, and $2 million in 2006. Pita Pit Inc. experienced a growth of 231.4% during this time period with revenues of over $3.6 million in 2006.
"This ranking signifies the growth of the Pita Pit as one of the leading fast-casual restaurant franchisors in the United States," said CEO Jack Riggs...