Pita Peddler the Simple Greek Wants to Bring More Gyros to D.C.

The Simple Greek, a growing build-your-own bowl, salad, and pita brand featured on CNBC’s reality TV show The Profit, is scheduled to open the first of several locations planned for the area in early May in Rosslyn, Virginia.

Destined for 1731 Wilson Boulevard in the Colonial Plaza shopping complex, the 2,350-square-foot restaurant will feature an assembly line with choose-your-own meat, veggie, and sauce options, as well as an open kitchen.

Entrepreneur Marcus Lemonis turns around struggling restaurants on his show The Profit, and the Simple Greek’s model came out of a flailing Greek spot in Pittsburgh. Since the restaurant went the franchise route in 2016, 15 opened in 2017; 20 more are slated to debut this year.

The local franchisees on board are longtime Virginians Tom Grisard and his sons Brett, Ryan, and David, who’s a 23-year Domino’s veteran. Five more area locations of The Simple Greek are in the works, and Newmark Knight Frank is working with the brand to find spaces.

The Simple Greek will have direct gyro competition in D.C., with global chain GRK Fresh Greek recently opening its third area location in a year. Rosslyn recently got another eating option that caters to a surrounding 9-to-5 crowd: chicken chain Nando’s.

• The Simple Greek Landing in Highland Park [EC]