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BUSINESS
PITA from page 36
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | APRIL 13, 2022
their organizations from COVID-19 exposures,” said Paul Binsfeld, president and founder of Company Nurse. “We’re proud to help participating Pita Jungles maintain healthy work environments and show their employees that Pita Jungle cares about their well-being.” Osmani calls Company Nurse a great program that allows Pita Jungle to introduce an extra layer of protection. “The Company Nurse program is helping us vet someone who’s symptomatic and putting them on the right track— where to go have a test, if you run to the ER because you can’t breathe,” Osmani said. “It’s really helpful. It beefs up morale.” Next, he’s hoping to secure testing for the employees’ families. “I got the idea from the charter school my kids go to,” Osmani said. “It makes it easier to catch something in the beginning of it. If we can get test results quickly – less than 72 hours – and take action on it. “Four weeks ago, if someone wanted to get tested, they wouldn’t have the results until eight days after the fact. Obviously, for those eight days, they’re not coming to work.” In addition to using Company Nurse, Pita Jungle has implemented safety practices closely following the recommendations issued by the CDC and state authorities. These include enhanced sanitation procedures, face masks, social distancing, curbside pickup with tamper-evident bags, and strict food safety guide-
lines at all Arizona locations, including the one in Norterra. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Pita Jungle serves a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Pita Jungle’s menu is influenced by tastes from around the globe with the benefits of the Mediterranean diet always apparent through the use of healthy lean proteins, veggies, legumes, nuts, grains and fruit. “Pita Jungle is having to adapt to this new reality,” Osmani said. “We hoped it would have waned by now, but we’re still in the midst of it... but in the interim, it is the new reality and people are adapting to it and modifying consumption methods.” Pita Jungle was fortunate in that it linked with third-party delivery services before the pandemic hit. “We turned it up when this happened,” he said. “We already had the footprint and our customers, who obviously kept their habits. Those who didn’t, switched to it. We’ve held our ground. It hasn’t been a stellar year, but it’s a year of survival. “We count our blessings that we have the foundation to do deliveries. Now we’re working on enhancing it, putting our product in front of our customers, instead of them coming to us. We’re thinking food trucks and such things.” To help families stay healthy during the pandemic, Pita Jungle started offering family meals for takeout and curbside pickup. The $35 meals include Pita Jungle’s signature hummus or caramelized cauliflower; a family-style service of healthful ingredients to wrap pitas or
tect William Francis Gibbs in 1938, Fire Fighter was considered a modern engineering marvel, capable of pumping 20,000 gallons of water per minute to nine topside fire monitors and powered by one of the first diesel-electric powerplants ever fitted to a vessel of its size. Its design was so advanced and performance so impressive, in fact, that throughout her entire 72-year active career, Fire Fighter remained in an essentially unchanged operational condition, outlasting all of her contemporaries and even the majority of the FDNY fireboats half her age. Decommissioned in 2010, the mu-
seum is dedicated to preserving the fireboat as a fully operational vessel, memorial, and teaching museum. As a longtime leader in the fire and life safety industry, Tomes is committed to the preservation of this heroic vessel which is a maritime icon within the fire service industry. “I look forward to the opportunity to offer my experience and insight to contribute to the Fire Fighter by growing visibility for the historic ship and raising awareness of the need for the preservation of this truly unique piece of American maritime history,” Tomes said. Tomes also is active in an advisory capacity for numerous organizations, including the Arizona Sustainability Al-
FIREBOAT from page 36
Pita Jungle fundraiser next Wednesday here AFN NEWS STAFF
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ilver Lining Wealth Advisors is teaming up with Pita Jungle 4921 E. Ray Road, next week to host an allday fundraiser to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Fifteen percent of the proceeds from all dine-in, carry out and online orders will be donated to LLS. Guests who order online can simply add LLS to their order name to be included in the fundraising efforts. Some restrictions apply. This one-day fundraiser is in support of Nayan Ranchhod’s run for Man of the Year, an annual LLS fundraising campaign. Ranchhod is the managing director of Silver Lining Wealth Advisors and is one of 10 candidates running for Man & Woman of the Year in Arizona. Man & Woman of the Year is philanthropic competition to support blood cancer research among a group of mobuild bowls; a choice between signature salads and sides; and a sampling of Pita Jungle’s walnut baklava. Pita Jungle is also offering a shortened version of its regular menu for togo orders and selling wine ($15 select bottles) and beer by the bottle with any meal purchase at select locations. “We also rolled out a flatbread pizza
liance board, Greater Phoenix Chamber board, Arizona Bank & Trust Advisory Board, the San Diego Military Advisory Council, the San Diego Naval Medical Center Surf Clinic and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board, among others. “We are pleased to offer a warm welcome to James Tomes, as the newest member of the Board of Directors,” said Charles Ritchie, museum founder/ president. “Jim’s enthusiasm and energy, coupled with considerable knowledge and expertise in the field of fire protection, will be instrumental as we continue our work together to preserve the Fire Fighter as a memorial and teaching museum.”
tivated and dedicated individuals in communities across the United States. Candidates form fundraising teams and compete in honor of two local children who are blood cancer survivors. The man and woman who have raised the most funds during the 10-week campaign are awarded the prestigious title of Man or Woman of the Year in their community. The event is 11 a.m.-9 p.m. April 20. menu and a happy hour platter,” Osmani said. “Four times a year we roll out a new menu with naturally sourced items that are as organic as possible. Last season it was paleo cuisine and keto. We’re looking next at immune-boosting foods to figure flus and viruses.” Information: pitajungle.com
James Tomes of Ahwatukee heads Telgian Holdings, Inc., a company his father formed in 1985 and that he has grown into a global fire-prevention leader. (Special to AFN)