<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3LDbrk_0viV8nlb00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3LDbrk_0viV8nlb00" width="1117" height="745" ><figcaption>A view of the new Pita Way location on East William Street Tuesday afternoon. Ashley Gray/Daily. Buy this photo.</figcaption></figure>Pita Way Mediterranean Grill, a Clarkston-based franchise specializing in a variety of Halal customizable Mediterranean dishes, celebrated the grand opening of its Ann Arbor location Sept. 9. The Ann Arbor franchise, nestled in the ground level of the ZWest Apartment complex, is their 40th location. Brandon Bahoura founded Pita Way in 2010 to share the Mediterranean food that defined childhood. The restaurant aims to offer a combination of locally sourced fresh ingredients suited for a quick on-the-go meal between classes, a comfortable ambiance for in-dining experiences and catering to large-scale venues.After working with Pita Way for two years, Managing Partner Kenny Thomas told The Michigan Daily he was inspired to open up a location in Ann Arbor during trips to visit family in the area. “(My family) would always bring us to downtown Ann Arbor,” Thomas said. “I always remember how beautiful and vibrant the city was.”Kipp Quarton, Pita Way marketing director, said in an interview with The Daily that his goal with all locations is to provide high-quality customer service and dining for the customers. “Our primary focus is bringing back excellent customer service with excellent tasting food,” Quarton said. “When you walk in, you are greeted with the Pita Way hospitality.”Pita Way offers a variety of Mediterranean food options where customers can construct dishes based on preference and lifestyle. Protein offerings like dark and white meat chicken, steak, gyro and falafel deliver a variety of choices for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Customers choose their starting bases including salads, bowls, sandwiches and the specialty quesopita dish, which features pita folded in half with cheese and a choice of protein. Moving down the counter, the customer can then customize their dish from the array of fresh toppings and sauces made in house. Side dishes, including soups and salads, are also available. LSA sophomore Zachary Garabedian told the Daily he was excited for Pita Way to open because he misses the one in his hometown. “I was pretty excited when they opened because their food is really good, and the workers are always really friendly and it’s just a great vibe,” Garabedian said.According to Thomas, ensuring quality of food and providing a variety of choices is at the forefront of the Pita Way experience. “We offer health-conscious food,” Thomas said. “We like to have a lot of options, and we put an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.”Pita Way also aims to become involved in the local community through charitable endeavors, Quarton said. “Not enough companies market to the community in a community inclusive way,” Quarton said. “Our favorite type of marketing, and our favorite way to integrate into the community, is by giving out food and donating money back to the community.”Thomas said his goal is to create a business that earns the support of their customers.“I would like to support the students and stuff like that because, of course, they support us,” Thomas said. “You give back to people that support you. I truly believe in that. All the Pita Ways are doing this actually. We are very involved in the communities that we’re in.”Daily Staff Reporter Mia Barr can be reached at barrmia@umich.edu.</div></body>

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Pita Way opens Ann Arbor location on East William Street

Pita Way Mediterranean Grill, a Clarkston-based franchise specializing in a variety of Halal customizable Mediterranean dishes, celebrated the grand opening of its Ann Arbor location Sept. 9. The Ann Arbor franchise, nestled in the ground level of the ZWest Apartment complex, is their 40th location. Brandon Bahoura founded Pita Way...