Pita Shack putting a wrap on prep work

3/1/2013

By RANDY GONZALES

rgonzales@dailynews.net

Nikki Conner started a successful business in La Crosse approximately three years ago, opening Subs 'n Sodas.

Now, Conner is trying her luck in Hays. She has targeted Monday for when she will open the doors to the Pita Shack, 2814 Vine.

"I am very nervous; I am excited at the same time," she said. "You could get pitas at Subway, stuff like that, but not just pitas. You get an overall variety at my place."

Conner noticed the vacancy where the former Smoothie King was located on Vine.

"We saw the building was available," Conner said. "I started selling some pita bread wraps in my sub shop. It kind of went over really well. (I thought) why not try in a bigger city?"

Conner has approximately 15 items on the menu, from varying pita combinations to salads to drinks -- such as Italian soda.

There is everything from a southwest chicken pita to a southwest spicy chicken salad to a triple-meat club. There are approximately 15 flavors that can be mixed and matched for the Italian soda. Just add carbonated water and whipped cream on top and voila -- you have an Italian soda.

Conner will remain in La Crosse at her sub shop. She has hired a manager for the store in Hays, which will have approximately 16 employees.

Employees at the Pita Shack will have a certain look to them.

"I'm going for the whole redneck look," Conner said. "We ordered camouflage hats; our theme is we are redneck guys holding hammers on the shack."

The Pita Shack, which will be open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily has a drive-through, and customers can call ahead for their order at (785) 628-8360.