Kronos Foods, Inc., a manufacturer of premium gyros and other Mediterranean specialty food items, completed the acquisition of Everett, Wash.-based Pita King Bakery, a leading producer of Middle Eastern bread.


Kronos Foods, Inc., a manufacturer of premium gyros and other Mediterranean specialty food items, completed the acquisition of Everett, Wash.-based Pita King Bakery, a leading 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, chief executive officer for Kronos. "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 foodservice 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-in. 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," says Howard Eirinberg, president and head of new product development for Kronos. "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."