Yorkshire expansion tastes good for Canadian food franchise
HEALTHY, quick service eatery Pita Pit, which started in Canada, has chosen Leeds for its second UK outlet, creating 10 new jobs.
The company currently has more than 450 stores worldwide in 11 locations and has ambitious UK expansion plans. It has already signed with two other multi-unit franchisee groups for stores in London and Manchester.
Shish Patel and his partner Olsi Pap, Costa Franchisees, will be responsible for Leeds territory and the opening of the Leeds store in May on the Woodhouse Lane side of the Merrion Centre.
Work has already begun on the new development, which is receiving a £200,000 investment and is due to launch next month.
The unit will occupy 1400sq ft and will cater for customers on the ground floor, with the upstairs being used as back of house.
Shish Patel said: “The quality of the food that Pita Pit offers is exceptional and we source as much as possible from the UK. Pita Pit’s brand promise is to serve great quality, delicious, healthy food at affordable prices. The Merrion Centre is our first opening in Leeds and this location gives us the opportunity to establish ourselves in the heart of the city. The Merrion Centre is just the start for us, we have exciting plans to open another 10 Pita Pits in Leeds over the next five years.”
Pita Pit was founded in Canada in 1995 and is on course to have over 500 outlets in 2014. It specialises in healthy pitta bread sandwiches and salads, with low fat sides, ethically sourced coffee and healthy drink options.
It also uses Veg ware packaging, which is low-carbon, plant based, made from renewable or recycled materials which can by fully composted along with food waste.
Helen Green, associate director of estates for Town Centre Securities, said: “We’re delighted that Pita Pit has chosen the Merrion Centre to open its second UK outlet. The array of quality food options that are now available in the shopping centre is ever increasing and our dining experience is getting better and better. This opening is a first for Yorkshire and we’re confident Leeds locals will love the healthy, quick service food that Pita Pit has to offer.”
