Pita Pit, the national chain that serves up a variety of pita wraps, is coming to town. Franchisee Andrew Gibson plans to open the area’s first Pita Pit at 3019 Olive St. in Midtown Alley.
“I looked all over town but there was nothing available for the size I needed,” said Gibson, who resides in St. Louis. “I heard about Midtown Alley as up-and-coming. I was interested because of the SLU kids: If they wanted something to eat, it’s relatively close to walk on down on a nice night.”
College is, in fact, where many of the younger set become hooked on Pita Pit’s fresh fare. The alternative fast-food chain currently serves up its pitas filled with grilled meats, fresh veggies and zesty sauces on more than 100 college campuses across the U.S. Gibson himself was introduced to Pita Pit when he attended college at the University of Kentucky. “I played ice hockey there and all of our home games lasted until midnight. The only healthy place to eat late at night was at a Pita Pit on campus. I realized that there is nothing like that here that’s open late, with healthy food that you can get somewhat quickly,” explained Gibson.
Pita Pit is slated to sit in a stand-alone building on what is currently a dirt parking lot on Olive between Cardinal and Garrison Avenues. The layout of the 1,200-foot breakfast, lunch, dinner and after-hours snack location is still being finalized, but plans do include the creation of a small patio at the front and side of the building to allow for outdoor dining. Gibson stated that construction should begin within the next month to six weeks, with hopes for an August opening.
– Ligaya Figueras
This article appears in Apr 1-30, 2010.