Crazy Pita Bringing Mediterranean Flavors to Jacksonville
The Las Vegas–based Crazy Pita will open February 1 in Jacksonville, offering grilled Mediterranean dishes.
JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crazy Pita, the Las Vegas–based Mediterranean restaurant founded by Mehdi Zarhloul, will open its first Jacksonville location inside the Walmart Supercenter at 13227 City Square Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32218.
Zarhloul told Business Debut the restaurant is targeting a February 1 opening. This marks the brand’s debut in Jacksonville, with a second Walmart location planned to open about one and a half to two months later. A third Jacksonville store is also in development, projected for May or June 2026.
What to Expect
Crazy Pita will bring its fast-casual Mediterranean concept to Jacksonville with counter service and seating for about 30 to 40 guests. The menu centers on fresh, cooked-to-order dishes such as grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, and lamb skewers, served with hummus, salad, and vegetable couscous. Guests can also order Moroccan-style rotisserie chicken, turmeric rice bowls, and a variety of shareable vegetable sides.
Zarhloul said the Walmart locations will focus on quick service and convenient takeout for shoppers. Many guests choose to enjoy their meals at home, though the restaurants will also accommodate dine-in customers during lunch hours.
Menu and Vision
Originally from Casablanca, Morocco, Zarhloul launched Crazy Pita in 2006 in Henderson, Nevada. “We specialize in fresh, cooked-to-order meats,” he told Business Debut. “Our plates are designed with proteins, grains, and vegetables for a balanced Mediterranean meal.”
The restaurant also offers a kids menu with healthy options such as grilled chicken or steak and a touch of sweetness with Nutella or chocolate. The kids menu includes a light dessert option with Nutella or chocolate, giving young diners a small sweet treat to end their meal. A new kefta patty—a seasoned ground beef served burger-style—has been added to appeal to younger diners. “Our mission is to serve the best Mediterranean food with an uncompromising service,” Zarhloul said.
Philanthropy and Community
Zarhloul is known for using his business to promote kindness and community engagement. In partnership with the Josh Stevens Foundation, he helped launch the Be Kind initiative, a program designed to recognize and reward acts of kindness among children and families. Crazy Pita locations have supported this mission through donations, events, and menu tie-ins such as the Joshi’s Pita, named in memory of Josh Stevens. A portion of sales from the dish helps fund kindness programs in schools and community groups. “The spirit of Be Kind has become part of who we are,” Zarhloul told Business Debut. “Our goal is to serve great food and make a difference in the communities we’re part of.”
Hours
Crazy Pita will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. They will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
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