Former Pharmacist expands Pita Pit in the Chicagoland area

Roshan Patel will be opening her first Pita Pit restaurant with the support of her mother, Chandrika. The Patels have a long history as franchise owners in the Chicagoland area; the family has opened a total of 12 franchise locations (six Subways and six Dunkin' Donuts), and currently employs 120 employees.   In addition to the invaluable advice that her mother is able to provide, Roshan has also acquired extensive experience in the restaurant franchise industry since helping out with daily operations at her parents’ businesses. Although Roshan graduated pharmacy school and received an MBA from Drake University, she knew that her passion was always for the food industry. After working as a pharmacist for several years, Roshan began helping her parents open new franchise locations. With Roshan’s parents ready to retire, her and her brother stepped in to ensure that the family business would continue strong into the future. The experience inspired Roshan to add to the family portfolio with her own venture. Now, her main focus will be on growing the Pita Pit business. Chandrika grew up in India, and has been pursuing business opportunities with her husband for the past 25 years since arriving in the US at age of 17. The couple own franchises in Brookfield and Hinsdale, Illinois. The family’s new Pita Pit will sit next to the Patels’ Dunkin' Donuts, which are both located on a property that the family also owns. How did you learn about the brand? We were doing some research because I was looking to invest in a restaurant. The Dunkin Donuts and Subway markets are so saturated, so I was looking at up-and-coming franchises, and Pita Pit was one of them. I went to Pita Pit’s Discovery Day and it sealed the deal. What they stood for; the freshness of their product; it felt right. I believe in the Pita Pit concept and I think it will be a successful business. With you as the primary operator, what role will your mother play? My parents are looking to retire, so they’re just looking to provide guidance now. I value having my mom involved because my parents have so much experience in the food business.