Kronos Foods, Inc. Acquires Pita King Bakery

May 20, 2011
Kronos Foods, Inc., a manufacturer of premium gyros and other Mediterranean specialty food items which has sold products for vending, has completed the acquisition of the commercial baking assets of Everett, Wash.-based Pita King Bakery.

Kronos Foods, Inc., a manufacturer of premium gyros and other Mediterranean specialty food items which has sold products for vending, has completed the acquisition of the commercial baking assets of Everett, Wash.-based Pita King Bakery, a producer of Middle Eastern bread. As part of the transaction, Pita King's operations will be moved to Kronos' manufacturing facility in Madera, Calif.

The Pita King acquisition marks Kronos' entry into flatbread production in its California bakery, known for its fillo-baked specialties. Kronos, which also produces breads out of its Glendale Heights, Ill., headquarters, anticipates expanding its flatbread product line in coming years.

"Pita King's products add to the unique bread offerings Kronos provides restaurateurs nationally," said Mike Austin, Kronos CEO in a prepared statement. "As one of the nation's largest Mediterranean food companies, we are continually expanding our product line with innovative, great-tasting products that are responsive to the needs of our customers.  We believe Pita King's specialty breads will be very attractive to our chain, specialty, grocery, and independent restaurant accounts."

Pita King produces authentic Middle Eastern pocket breads in a variety of sizes and formulations, including white and whole wheat.  Its products are ideal for use by food service operators to fill or wrap with protein and vegetables or as breads for dips, including hummus.  

With no cholesterol, only 0.5 grams of fat and 170 calories, Pita King's 7-inch-round pocket wrap allows restaurateurs to be on trend by offering thinner, less filling sandwiches and menu options.

"This is the perfect sandwich bread because of its incredible versatility," said Howard Eirinberg, Kronos Foods Corp.'s president and head of new product development.  "Its ease of use will allow chain restaurants and independents to expand their menus without heating up a grill and warming the bread.  The unique bread is especially great for chain drive-thru usage because ingredients are contained within the product's pocket and are less likely to spill in the car."