Middle East to Middle America

Thanks for everyone who came by and visited us at the Fox River Foods Food Show on Tuesday November 15 at Pheasant Run Resort

Chipping away at snack success our article in the Peoria Journal Star

Aleece's Pita Chips is the brain-child of Alice Anthony. Alice began her business as the owner of Anthony's Tap, a local bar and catering business in East Peoria, Illinois, along with her husband. However, following his death in 1988, Alice needed additional means to sustain her business while caring for her six children.

Alice enrolled in cooking programs taught by internationally award winning chefs to help hone her skill. Later joining the Association of Bridal Consultants, Alice began catering bridal receptions. One of her special menu options were a traditional Lebanese snack - pita chips. This seemingly small offering hit a nerve with customers - in a good way.

Recognizing the chips were slowly gaining popularity the decision was made to sell the snack wholesale. Following years of research and with the help of her 87-year old father, Alice transformed Anthony's Tap into the production center for Aleece's Pita Chips.

Enhancing a long-time family recipe, Aleece's adds a fresh blend of herbs and seasonings to thinly cut slices of pita bread. The chips contain no saturated fat or cholesterol. Offered in five different flavors, customers can purchase the chips in two sizes - 6-ounce bags and 15-ounce tubs. The company also offers a variety of cheese spreads and hummus to compliment the snack.

Sold in local natural food stores, high-end grocery stores, gift shops, and supermarkets, Aleece's Pita Chips are also available in restaurants and hotels exclusive to the Peoria area. Currently there are plans in place to expand distribution of the healthy snack throughout Illinois and the continental United States as well as via the internet.