A Nelson couple are behind a new "healthy fast-food" store in the central city. Rangi Ngaruhe, 25, and Mahina Law, 25, opened the Pita Pit franchise store on Saturday in Hardy St.

"You think of takeaways as always being greasy fast-food, but our pita are really healthy and they taste good," said Mr Ngaruhe, after ordering his favourite, a roast lamb wrap for lunch.

The couple, who relocated from Palmerston North with their 7-year-old daughter about three years ago when Miss Law started teaching at Victory Primary School, said opening the store was also a great opportunity to be their own bosses.

However, the business, which employs 11 part-time and fulltime staff, has brought long hours.

They've both worked more than 12-hour days since opening and won't be taking a break on New Year's Day as the demand had been so great, Miss Law said.

"We'll look at employing another two fulltime staff in the new year .

"The business has been received well, people are coming back."

The franchise was founded in Canada in 1995.

Pita Pit New Zealand franchise owner Chris Henderson said the Nelson store was the 32nd Pita Pit to open in the country.

He introduced it here after first trying it while working in California and becoming a regular customer. He then visited the head office in Ontario and signed up with business partner Duane Dalton.

- © Fairfax NZ News