Financing Helps Pita Pit Establish in Hood River

Cheramy Rovianek received a loan from MCEDD to open the Pita Pit in Hood River. After having raised and sent their last child off to college, Cheramy was looking for a way to stay connected to the community and the young people that had filled her life. Her husband Doug, a local builder, had often commented on the lack of fast food options in the Heights. One day, while on a shopping trip in Portland, she stopped for a quick lunch at a Pita Pit and after her first bite she was hooked. This was a perfect “Gorge Lifestyle” fit. Great tasting food that is healthy, fresh, and still served fast is Pita Pit’s alternative to standard fast food. Pita Pit makes the perfect spot to grab a meal in a fun, casual atmosphere where customers can create their perfect pita with endless flavor combinations of lean meats, toppings and spreads. Guests and employees appreciate the promotion of healthy eating.

Operating and running a small business in a small town has had incredible challenges, especially this year.  “I don’t know how we would have made it without the support of  Eric and MCEDD. You name it; we in the gorge have had it: snow, rain, wind, fires, closed freeways!” Cheramy stated.  Although, she still says, “Having amazing employees, meeting wonderful people and having the privilege of donating to great organizations make being a business owner very rewarding. Opening the Pita Pit was one of the best things I have ever done!” Pita Pit is open from 9 am to 9 pm on weekdays, 10 am – 9 pm Saturday and 11 am – 8 pm Sunday.

The MCEDD Loan Program is available to entrepreneurs, start-up businesses and existing businesses doing business in the five county (Sherman, Hood River, Wasco, Klickitat and Skamania) Mid-Columbia Area.  This loan program is part of MCEDD’s efforts to strengthen and support the region’s economy.  Contact Eric Nerdin at 541-296-2266 or eric@mcedd.org for morere information on MCEDD’s Loan Program.