Dubuque's Pita Pit Closes After 8-Year Run

The eatery in Asbury Plaza has shuttered its doors for good.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:52pm

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An extremely blurred, abstract photograph of an empty storefront interior, with a faint 'CLOSED' sign visible through the hazy, warm-toned glass. The conceptual image evokes a sense of melancholy and transition as a local business shutters its doors.The closure of a beloved local eatery leaves an empty storefront, but also an opportunity for new culinary concepts to emerge in Dubuque's evolving restaurant landscape.Dubuque Today

After an eight-year run serving pita sandwiches to customers in Dubuque, the local Pita Pit franchise has permanently closed its doors. A sign on the restaurant's door thanked patrons for their support over the years, but did not specify whether the closure was the choice of the franchisee or a directive from the corporate office.

Why it matters

The closure of the Dubuque Pita Pit location means the nearest option for Tri-State residents is now in Cedar Falls, Iowa, over an hour away. The shuttering also leaves a vacant storefront in the Asbury Plaza shopping center, though the area has seen new restaurants quickly move into empty spaces in the past.

The details

The Pita Pit franchise, which specializes in serving pita sandwiches with fresh vegetables, grilled meat, and sauces, has around 75 locations in the United States. The Dubuque location was reportedly owned by Paul Unsen, though it's unclear if he remained the owner until the shop closed. A sign on the door thanked customers for their support over the years, but did not specify the reason for the closure.

  • Pita Pit opened its Dubuque location approximately 8 years ago.
  • The Dubuque Pita Pit closed its doors for good in April 2026.

The players

Pita Pit

A Canadian company that has operated pita sandwich shops since 1995, with around 75 locations in the United States.

Paul Unsen

The reported owner of the Dubuque Pita Pit location, though it's unclear if he remained the owner until the shop closed.

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What’s next

It remains to be seen what will occupy the vacant Pita Pit storefront in Asbury Plaza in the future, though the area has seen new restaurants quickly move into empty spaces in the past.

The takeaway

The closure of the Dubuque Pita Pit location is a loss for the community, but also highlights the challenges facing small businesses and the evolving nature of the local restaurant landscape. As consumer preferences and shopping habits continue to shift, adaptability and innovation will be key for businesses looking to thrive in the years ahead.