Longtime restaurant owners bring quick-service spot to valley
Utah transplants Basila and John Graham thought they were ready for retirement, so they sold their full-service Mediterranean restaurant in St. George.
It didn’t take long for them to realize that, once you’re in the restaurant business, it’s hard to let it go. Especially after 24 years.
And that realization led to Mad Pita Express, 2980 S. Durango Drive. Prevented from opening a new restaurant by a noncompete clause in their hometown, the couple moved to Las Vegas and started the quick-service restaurant, focusing on a handful of Mediterranean dishes using the Grahams’ personal recipes. Basila is of Middle Eastern heritage, while John is Greek. They hope to eventually franchise.
“I guess the olive oil runs in our veins,” Basila says.
The menu’s focus is more Greek with a few Middle Eastern touches, Basila notes. For instance, the baklava is made with a simple syrup instead of honey.
They offer several sandwiches, salads and dinner plates. Dinners come with Greek salad, hummus, saffron rice and pita bread.
The dining room is small, seating 24, but decorated with warm colors, stained glass and lots of plants. Additional seating is available on the patio.
Reservations are not required. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Specialties: Saffron raisin almond rice, $2.25; falafel on pita bread, $6.29; kufta, a sirloin patty, $9.69
Appetizers: Hummus with pita, $5.49; Greek potato spread with pita, $5.49
Soups/salads: Lemon chicken soup, $2.99; tabouli, $5.99; Greek salad, $7.29; baby greens with Gorgonzola, $7.99
Entrees: Gyros on pita, $6.29, or as entree, $9.69; steak strips on pita, $6.99; grilled chicken, $9.69
Desserts: Baklava of Babylon, $2.79; custard bread pudding with chocolate drops, $4.29; cupcakes, $2.99
Information: 254-7482
By SONYA PADGETT