The Hummus & Pita Co., known for homemade Mediterranean cuisine, announced the sale of a five-unit franchise expansion into the Denver market. The company signed the deal with Rachid Elmrini, an experienced full-service restaurant operator and commercial real estate investor.

The Mediterranean fast-casual concept offers homemade cuisine in a comfortable environment. All menu items are made from scratch on-site and use fresh ingredients to create quality eats. The concept is known for freshly baked pita and laffa breads, vegetarian dishes, and meats cooked in a traditional taboon oven.

Janice Axelrod, founder and president of Hummus & Pita Co., opened her first store in 2011 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood. Since then, the restaurant has opened three additional New York locations, and is set for expansion into the Denver market. Impressive unit economics (averaging at $1,200 in sales per square foot), coupled with high consumer demand, proves the concept is poised to make a foray into additional markets.

“We are very excited about the expansion of the Hummus and Pita Co. into the Denver market.  We look forward to spreading our Mediterranean menu, atmosphere, and service into other markets across the country,” Axelrod says.  “We found the perfect partner in Rachid to accomplish this in Denver, as he shares the same passion we do, as well as the background and know how.”

“I’ve had my finger on the pulse of restaurants looking to expand into the Denver market through franchising for quite some time, but had yet to find one I was passionate about until discovering Hummus & Pita, Co.,” Elmrini says.  “After consulting with my wife, we traveled to New York, where I was immediately impressed with the efficiency and professionalism of the concept.  Meeting with Dave Pesso, and having such a strong connection, sealed the deal.  I am delighted to have this partnership, and honored to have the opportunity to bring Hummus & Pita Co. to the Denver market.”

Earlier this year, Hummus & Pita Co. partnered with Fransmart, the franchise development company behind brands like Five Guys Burgers and Fries, the Halal Guys, and Qdoba Mexican Grill, as their exclusive franchise development partner. They are currently looking for experienced, multi-unit food service operators to develop franchise territories in major markets.

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