By J.R. TIDWELL / Editor

The Chilton County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for new member Pita Mediterranean Street Food on Jan. 17.

Pita opened for business on Nov. 15. The restaurant is attached on the side of the Exxon gas station at Exit 208 near Shoney’s in Clanton.

Pita hosted a grand opening event on Jan. 11 featuring free samples of some of the restaurant’s most popular products.

Owner Anish Noorani said around 200 people attended the event, with a line of customers wrapping all the way around the venue.

Noorani said business has been good since opening, and he was happy that the grand opening was well attended.

Noorani has been implementing different features over time since the restaurant opened. Pita now has several hot beverages to choose from, including multiple varieties of tea and fresh-ground coffee.

Noorani said he also plans on extending Pita’s operating hours in order to begin serving breakfast in two or three weeks.

Pita will open at 6:30 a.m. and feature a breakfast menu that will fuse Mediterranean and Western fare once the hours are extended.

Noorani said word of mouth and social media comments have been overwhelmingly positive when it comes to his restaurant.

Chamber director Francine Wasden said she is always happy to see new businesses open in the county and become members of the organization.

Anyone who would like more information on the restaurant or to see a menu may visit pitastreetfood.com.

Catering is also available, with options to serve anywhere from 10 to 200 or more people.

Pita is located at 942 Lake Mitchell Rd. in Clanton. The restaurant is currently open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. Hours will be from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. once the restaurant begins serving breakfast.