Pita Pockets, a popular Mediterranean joint in Amherst and Northampton, opened the doors of its new location in Easthampton Monday morning to a small crowd of locals already queued outside.
After the success of the two existing restaurants, owner George Ejja said he was excited to move into Easthampton. The Cottage Street space, formerly occupied by Daily Operation, is on the same block as Mt. Tom’s Homemade Ice Cream.
“People ask me always, ‘why don’t you open in Easthampton?’” he said. “We found the right spot, and here we are.”
Pita Pockets offers the same menu as its Northampton location, including falafel, chicken and shawarma. All are available on a plate or salad, or in a wrap with veggies, creamy hummus and rich tahini. Falafel remains the most popular item, Ejja said, but is also a customer favorite in a combo pocket paired with chicken or shawarma.
Leon Szopa, among the first people in line, said he was certain the new location would thrive.
“Wait ‘til all the tourists come here,” the lifelong Easthampton resident said. “This place gets mobbed.”
“It used to be a place with mills and bars,” Szopa said. “Now it’s more of a cultural district. Lots of people coming from out of town. It’s been kind of revolutionary.”
Szopa was excited for the opening, seeing positive reviews for Pita Pockets’ Northampton spot. He had not yet tried falafel and had rarely had the Middle Eastern staples on the menu. But after enjoying the chicken kabob Monday morning, he was planning to work his way through the menu in subsequent visits.
After more than two months of planning, Ejja was surprised but encouraged by the initial rush of people — about a half-dozen were waiting to get in when he unlocked the front door at 11 a.m. He said a quieter opening could let the restaurant get on its feet before an expected rush over the coming weekend.
“We will be very busy I think,” he said. “It is better for us to start slowly. I don’t want to be very busy the first day.”
Ejja owns the Northampton and Easthampton restaurants with his wife. His brother-in-law owns and operates the Amherst location.
Will Spurgin saw the space being put together while walking his kids to school last week. He was first in line with his wife, Rose, when Ejja swung the door open.
“Falafel places are always great to have,” Will Spurgin said. “It’s really a great thing.”
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