Jan. 30, 2023

The new franchisee for Pita Pit in Sioux Falls is updating the stores and not ruling out a future location.

Paul Duerre took over the three restaurants in the market from franchisee Tom Cruse, who brought the concept to town in 2011.

Duerre’s background includes his family business, Dakota Diesel, and a more recent effort to purchase trucking companies to form a portfolio and sell.

He has a similar vision to acquire existing franchised restaurants in Sioux Falls either as an investment portfolio or long-term holding, he said.

The goal is to acquire 30 locations in three years, he said.

“The only thing I’m focused on is the local area of Sioux Falls and a radius of one hour,” said the Minnesota native who now splits time in Arizona and travels frequently.

“All the categories — the burger, the taco, the pita, the ice cream — and start building out stores.”

With Pita Pit, the opportunity was timely for Cruse to transition out of the business, Duerre said.

“Pita Pit was first branded as more of a Mediterranean concept. Everybody wanted the gyro-type pita,” he said. “And Pita Pit saw they were missing a big market because a pita is basically a burrito like going to Chipotle or Qdoba.”

Recently, the menu has expanded with offerings such as buffalo chicken, smoked brisket and bacon chicken ranch, as well as bowls.

It’s about “making sure we could reach the masses more,” Duerre said. “We offer healthy alternatives and vegan and vegetarian, but in general it’s just getting it out to the masses so the brand can be more popular in the U.S.”

Much of the business comes from catering to businesses, schools and hospitals, he said.

The Sioux Falls locations are receiving new display menus, lighting and appliances, and will be renovated inside and out, he said.

“We’re trying to drive more traffic, so investing marketing dollars to get all the locations up to see if the city can support a fourth one.”

Staffing “is good,” he said. “We came in and overstaffed it. People aren’t hard to find in Sioux Falls, but what is hard to find is a company willing to incentive employees the right way.”

Duerre’s parents are from South Dakota, and they have family farms in the northeast part of the state. He also fishes a national walleye tour and travels throughout the region.