Army Vet Spearheads Growth of Pita Pit in North Dakota

One thing Chris Volk has never been afraid to do is take on big challenges. Volk, a young Army veteran, is currently spearheading the growth of Pita Pit throughout North Dakota. Pita Pit, a relatively young company itself, is focused on healthy eating and brings guests a customizable experience with pitas made to order. At the age of 21, Volk decided to enlist in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Drum in New York, near the first Pita Pit in Kingston, Ontario. Volk always admired entrepreneurs and in his third year of service decided to make building a business his next great challenge. “I started researching franchise options and found a list of franchises that offered special incentives to military veterans or lowered barriers of entry,” said Volk. “A friend of mine helped me find Pita Pit and I was immediately excited because they were part of the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative (VetFran), a program through the International Franchise Association that offers discounts on franchise fees for veterans.” After deciding to purchase his first Pita Pit location, Volk began looking for financing and real estate options. He soon discovered that his veteran status could continue to help him obtain his entrepreneurial dreams. “As a veteran, I was eligible for the Patriot Express program through the Small Business Administration, a program that helped me obtain my loan quickly and easily,” said Volk. “From the beginning, I was determined to not take no for an answer and presented the business plan to the bank. I was willing to do whatever I needed to get the money to start my business.” In April of 2011, Volk was able to obtain an excellent location and open his first Pita Pit in Bismarck, North Dakota and was rewarded with instant success. “As a military veteran, I place a high value on discipline, precision and following a set plan, which is how I have been able to succeed with Pita Pit,” said Volk. “When I was serving in the military, I became accustomed to doing many important tasks thoroughly, and my multi-tasking ability has translated over into my business.” Volk has recently opened his second Pita Pit location in Dickinson, North Dakota in February and has plans to continue growing throughout the state in the coming years. --Matt Diaz