A Bismarck man recently purchased franchise rights to Pita Pit, a restaurant chain originally started in Canada and with about 100 storefronts in the United States.

That means that we may finally get a good, solid gyro in this town nearly any time at night, something that I've been dreaming about for at least two years. Pita Pits are normally open late.

The franchisee is currently looking for a location for the restaurant, which serves fresh ingredients wrapped in pitas. The closest Pita Pit is in Minot, and is owned by a different franchisee. There also are locations in the eastern part of the state and western Minnesota.

More information will be released as the franchisee finds a location and begins building the business. For now, residents who crave a good pita gyro may have to simply make it at home.

New daycare

A new childcare center will open in the area on June 1.

Discovery Chidcare Center at 1413 Sharloh Loop, east of Sleepy Hollow Park, is owned by Bismarck native LaRae Benz Dockter, a graduate of Dickinson State University with a degree in elementary education.

Dockter said some of the features of the new daycare include secured entry, no stairs, good air quality and educated care.

"This center is a long-term dream of mine, and I'm anxious to alleviate the issues many parents have with childcare,"Dockter said of her new business.

For more information, go to www.discoverychildcarebis.com.

Drivin' 'round town

A new taxi business has opened in town:Metro Taxi Inc. recently opened at 2812 Memorial Highway. in Mandan.

The taxi service is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week, and will serve both Bismarck and Mandan and the surrounding communities; it was opened by brothers Joel and Roger Kroh, both Bismarck-Mandan natives.

The service opened Wednesday, said owner Roger Kroh; they are running two Chevrolet Uplanders and three Chevy HHRs.

The Krohs hired 18 dispatchers and drivers for the new services, which can be reached at 667-4567.

New look

Country Barn in downtown Bismarck has changed its look and its name:it's now Classic Design, and is featuring four new dealers.

"We added some urban chic kind of look, along with our vintage antique and cottage,"said owner Ille Leier.

Leier said they were initially considering closing, but decided to only shutdown shop for a week to give the area a facelift.

They have new hours, too:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday; noon to 7 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

(Reach reporter Crystal R. Reid at 250-8261 or at crystal.reid@bismarcktribune.com.)