ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. - They call it the place where "food loves you back."
Roti Modern Mediterranean, which has found steady popularity at its IDS Center location in downtown Minneapolis, has plans to open three more fast-casual spots by the end of the year.
The first up is St. Louis Park, which opens on Thursday. Following that launch, Roti will open locations in Edina (7000 France Ave S, Suite 110) on Nov. 1 and on the University of Minnesota campus (614 Washington Ave SE) on Dec. 13.
The build-your-own-adventure dining spot focuses on fresh, super flavorful ingredients, prepared on the spot with an emphasis on the Mediterranean diet that has been around for centuries.
You start with your choice of a meal -- pita or wrap, rice plate or salad bowl, then pick your protein (anything from chicken kabob to spicy lamb meatballs) and then go to town on your choice of toppings, sides and sauces.
If indecision is your friend, there's also three "Modern Classics," built off research of guests' most popular choices -- the classic pita, the signature rice plate and the Mediterranean chopped salad.
"When we did a lot of research going into choosing these menu items, we pulled all of our most popular selections that our customers really like," said Sam Devermann, marketing manager for Roti. "They've been pretty popular with our newcomers."
Beyond the main meals, there's also flatbread pizzas, plus gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.
After finding success with the initial Minneapolis spot, Devermann said the company saw an opportunity to expand into other areas of the state, beyond the central business hubs.
"We thought let's come to places where people are living, and shopping and playing," she said. "So we thought that (St. Louis Park) was a really great first neighborhood expansion."
The company is doing similar things in other cities, expanding locations in places like Texas.
So far, St. Louis Park marks the company's 36th spot, having started in downtown Chicago and expanding through Illinois, Washington, D.C., Virginia, New York and more.
For more information about the menu or upcoming locations, click here.
