“Anything you can do we can do better” must be the catch-cry of Pita Pit franchisees with regards to arch-rivals Subway.
Both are in direct competition, trying to corner the exact same fast-fresh-food market – and both seem to be rapidly taking over this country at a rate that’s frankly terrifying.
The similarity between the two is quite remarkable. One used to have a sandwich of the day, the other still does a pita of the day; one promotes itself as a healthier food option and the other, um, does the exact same thing.
In fact, the main point of difference – besides the blinking obvious – seems to be that one is GINORMOUS and the other is a young upstart, growing up fast and looking to compete with the big boys.
Come to think of it, it’s almost like watching New Zealand take on Australia at cricket, except for the fact that Pita Pit is Canadian of origin and Subway is an American-based company. Perhaps it’s more like ice-hockey.
Either way, you’ve got to admire the plucky Canadian franchise for really taking it to Subway, which first launched in Aotearoa way back in 1995.
Pita Pit was founded that same year in Ontario – but it didn’t open its first store in Takapuna, Auckland until 2007, when California-based Kiwi Chris Henderson decided to move his favourite franchise to Godzone.
Since then, Pita Pit has grown to 27 stores nationwide – with nine restaurants listed on its website as opening soon. (Subway, to put that into context, has more than 70 branches in Auckland alone.)
And the food is great. What’s not to love about having so many different ingredients to choose from?
That is, unless you suffer from indecision. With no less than 16 different varieties of pita, 12 different toppings, 14 sauces, three cheeses and four spreads, you’d be forgiven for looking like a stunned mullet when it’s time to place your order.
What’s your favourite Pita Pit pita? And is it fair to compare the restaurant chain with Subway? We’d love to hear your thoughts below…
Pita Pit - don't be so stingy with your spreads!!
11:14AM, 26th Oct 2012
It tastes great, in fact amazing! But it is very expensive and they are extremely stingy and I have found quite rude about it. The spreads, you would think they were sharing their marmite with only parts of the pita being covered and its more like they accidentally got it on there. And when you ask for more please they look at you like you have the plague and put another minimal amount on. I feel like to much of an idiot to ask again. Feels like they are taking the mickey. And the same goes with the lettuce etc. Sorry for wanting maybe 30c worth of lettuce instead of 10c. I actually want my food to fill me up suprisingly and given the price, no I cannot afford to buy more to make up for the lack of. Rant over.
The food tastes amazing but the price, servings and customer service at the three i have frequented were shocking.
12:43PM, 21st Feb 2013