News

Pita Pit mines social media for new item name

March 22, 2011

Pita Pit’s new limited-time offering features prime rib and provolone, but it hasn’t officially been named yet. The 300-unit, Idaho-based chain is depending on fans to help with that part.

Pita Pit’s “Name That Pita” contest is asking fans to come up with their most creative names for the pita after trying it. Once the names are submitted on Pita Pit’s Facebook page, fans will be able to vote on the best name.

The brand will accept name entries for its Prime Rib and Provolone pita through its Facebook fan page through March 27. The contest winner will be announced on the page and will receive one free pita every week for a year.

The grand prize winner also will see their suggested name featured on selected marketing materials when the pita makes its return as either a full-time menu item or again as a future LTO.

“We have an amazing fan base that has been a huge part of our continued success,” said Peter Riggs, Pita Pit’s vice president of corporate business unit. “When it came time to pick a name for our newest limited-time pita, we thought what better way to give back to those same great fans than by allowing them to be involved in the naming process.”

The Prime Rib and Provolone pita features Horseradish Dijon sauce, bacon, grilled onions, mushrooms, fresh romaine and melted provolone cheese on top of sliced prime rib.

Pita Pit has often used social media as a way to connect with fans and include them in its creative process. Past initiatives include a competition to come up with a new slogan for Pita Pit T-shirts and a video contest in which fans submitted commercials and testimonials.

“Social Media gives us a way to connect with our fans on a personal level that would have been impossible in the past,” said Tracy Carbonneau, Pita Pit’s marketing director. “With the ‘Name That Pita’ contest, we’re taking our interaction to the next level and allowing our loyal customers to have a voice in the design process of our products.”