Interview with Alex Rechichi CEO of Exteme Pita

Date

Jul 14, 2009

Alex Rechichi has been President of Extreme Pita since October 1997. Alex received his Bachelor of Arts (Honours degree) from Queen’s University in 1996.

Alex worked from June 1996 to June 1997 in sales and marketing within the Telecommunications industry and in a sales management position from June 1997 to November 1998 within the industrial supply sector.

Alex has been involved in the fast food restaurant business since 1997, when he formed Extreme Pita. He has been named Entrepreneur of the Year in 2006 by Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine. In 2008 he was honoured with Caldwell Partners Award of Excellence as Top 40 under 40 in Canada.

Alex has been a director of Extreme Pita since its incorporation.

BeTheBoss - What’s the story behind Extreme Pita?

Alex Rechichi - Extreme Pita is a lifestyle concept that provides healthy great tasting food for active and busy individuals who live life to the fullest (extreme)!

BTB - What made you decide to franchise?

AR - We noticed a lot of interest from the customer’s who were intrigued by the offering and when noticing this, we felt it would be best to escalate this through franchising.

BTB - Tell us a little about the Fast-Casual Dining Market?

AR - Both concepts are focused on using quality ingredients to provide a fast-casual culinary experience focused on delivering freshness and flavor

BTB - What have some of the challenges been in growing your franchise?

AR - The biggest challenge in the market is finding franchisees who exhibit the necessary core values to be successful in our business such as; a positive attitude towards success, the appropriate attitude towards employees and their involvement in the business and the correct drive and work ethic

BTB - Who has been your greatest inspiration?

AR - Not one person or thing – I am inspired by successful people but mostly from my Franchisees, many invest their life savings into our brand and work hard to make it work and do a great job of representing the brand – that inspires me.

BTB - What are some of the advantages in being an Extreme Pita franchisee?

AR - Since 1997, we've become one of the most unique and rewarding food franchises in North America. We're growing at the rate of one store per week, and currently have regions with unlimited growth potential.

BTB - What “Gadgets” (Blackberry, Iphone, Ipod, etc) can’t you live without?

AR - None of them

BTB - What do you do in your spare time?

AR - Spend time with my family, play hockey and ski.

BTB - What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?

AR - Ensure your well-financed, thoroughly research the brand and have an understanding of what the brand stands for, as well as, the overall success of the unit franchisees

BTB - In your opinion, why do you think that Extreme Pita would be a great opportunity for someone?

AR - Extreme Pita continues to be the leading Pita quality, fast-casual, quick-service restaurant concept across north America. We continue to offer our customers a freshly made-to-order, health-inspired menu in a dynamic, g=friendly and energetic environment owned and operated by profitable franchises. We're fast, fresh, fun, and full of flavour. Besides all that, we're EXTREME when it comes to our commitment to creating a unique product bursting with ingredients that are healthy. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that??