Bitar’s, 947 Federal Street, celebrates the launch of their new flavored hummus collection by giving away free bags of pita bread on Free Friday/ First Friday on December 6, 2013, from 12:00pm to 7:00pm. Free bags of pita bread will be given away free to anyone that stops by this South Philadelphia institution – no purchase required. Along with “free dough” to celebrate the holidays, Amin and Jude Bitar will sample their new flavored hummus collection that will now include spicy, jalapeño, roasted pepper and kalamata olive, in addition to the classic flavor so loved by the city’s chefs. Bitar’s will also sample and showcase their new holiday platter and baklava collection.

“We’re giving away free “dough” for the holidays as our way of saying thanks Philadelphia for the decades of support. Pita bread is shared daily at our family’s dinner table and we want to share it with our extended family,” said Amin Bitar. “Chef Wilson has added some flavorful twists to our hummus that is used by chef’s around the region. Stop by and rediscover Bitar’s.”

New flavored hummus dips, made from a chickpea base, will include spicy (a family secret recipe), jalapeño, roasted pepper and kalamata olive. They are sold the grab-and-go case, as well as being used in severalBitar’s dishes and catering platters. They retail for half pound for $3.25 and one pound for $5.25.

Bitar’s new Holiday Platter retails for $70.00 and feeds approximately ten to twelve people. The platter includes all of your Bitar’s favorites, including hummus, babaghanoush, pita bread, tabouli salad, stuffed grape leaves with tatziki sauce, balava walnut, mini falafel and mini chicken sandwiches with tahini sauce. Other catering options at Bitar’s include roasted eggplant salad, hummus and pita, fava bean salad, spanakopita minis, Greek Salad, stuffed grape leaves, tabouli salad, babaghanoush and more. All catering platters require 24 hour advance notice.

During this special Free Friday/ First Friday giveaway, no purchase is required. Specific sample varieties will vary throughout the day. During the event, save $1.00 off any flavored hummus, and 10% off any catering platter order. Baklava and other pastries will also be on sale.

Free dough is one of several new things popping up at this long-time institution. Recently, Bitar’s slowly started to renovate with new floors, ceiling panels, and a new exterior. Other new improvements are on the agenda for 2014. The menu will be updated in winter 2014, with the announcement of new dishes and specials coming soon.

Bitar’s is located in South Philadelphia at 947 Federal Street, Philadelphia, just feet away from East Passyunk Avenue and the Italian Market. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00am to 7:00pm, and Saturday 10:00am to 6:00pm.

For more information, call (215) 755-1121, visit www.bitars.com, like Bitar Foods on Facebook, follow @bitarfoods on Twitter – or better yet, stop down and say hi in person.

ABOUT BITAR’S

Bitar’s is not just an award winning specialty food store and restaurant enterprise - it’s a family. When the Bitar’s found that their Middle Eastern neighborhood had no ethnic food market, Elias and Mariette Bitar opened a small shop and pita bakery on the corner of 10th and Federal Streets to cater to the community. Now, nearly 40 years later, that corner store has become a major supplier to the best chefs in Philadelphia.

Brothers Amin and Jude Bitar continue to serve both Philadelphians from the Middle East and Philadelphians interested in the wonderful flavors that originated in the Middle East. The entire family welcomes you to visit us and try the award winning food that had provided Bitar’s it’s excellent reputation.

Daily lunch and early dinner options are a medley of traditional Mediterranean fare, including ample vegetarian options. Bitar’s has received local and national attention for their famous beef and lamb gyros, falafel, “bitzaa” flatbread pizzas, hummus, babaghanuj, chicken kabobs, salads, pita bread, stuffed grape leaves and more. Grab-and-go and catering options also include hummus, cheese, olives, salads, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, pita breads and more. For the home chef, the grocery section is filled with Middle Eastern favorites, including falafel mix by the pound. No trip is complete without one of Bitar’s famous baklava pastries topped with fresh ground pistachios.