Louisiana natives, husband and wife Matt and Alicia Smith are preparing to open their second Louisiana Pita Pit, with even more in mind.

Couple Matt and Alicia Smith, as well as their business partners and Matt's parents David and Patty Smith, are preparing to open their second Pita Pit in Shreveport, Louisiana, looking to bring their home state a healthier, quicker, eating option. 

Matt has a background in business management -- even helping his parents run the family business -- and Alicia has an extensive background in health and nutrition, so naturally they were compelled to bring their Shreveport neighbors something useful. So, they landed on opening a Pita Pit. They opened the first one back in October of 2015 and are getting ready to open the second in May, with another to follow in Bossier, en route to establishing a local Pita Pit empire. 

Can you tell me a little more about your background?

Matt: I grew up in Shreveport and have lived here my whole life with the exception of college; I went to Louisiana Tech in Ruston where I met my wife Alicia. Alicia is from Baton Rouge and moved here with me after we graduated. I earned my degree in business management and Alicia studied nutrition and dietetics. My family has owned a siding and window contracting business in town for 34 years called HomeSecure Construction and I had been working there until we collectively decided to pursue opening up a franchise.

Alicia's 11-year experience as a local dietician helped motivate us to bring a healthy-eating option that our neighbors could grab quickly. 

Why did you choose to become a franchisee with Pita Pit? How did you learn about the brand?

My brother-in-law is in the army and he and my sister relocated to South Carolina for his job. When my parents went to visit they took them to their new, favorite restaurant: Pita Pit. My parents loved it and thought that it is exactly what Shreveport needs: a healthy, fresh, affordable meal option. So, when they got back we started looking into it. With Alicia’s background in nutrition it just really made sense. My parents are partnering with us in this business as well.

What’s next for you and your business? Do you have any development/expansion plans with the brand?

Well, we opened our first location in Shreveport in October of 2015. We're getting our second ready to open in May, with another location in Bossier coming soon after. All in all, we had the idea of open a total of five to seven units.

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