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OYSTER POINTER is a monthly publication about business in the Oyster Pointer area of Newport News, VA. More About the Oyster Pointer Publication Submit Your Ideas and Thoughts “Oyster Pointer Salutes:” Archives Request
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Oyster
Pointer Salutes: Great Wraps: The sisters’ dream Bijal Patel and Viral Patel are more than just sisters; they are co-owners of Great Wraps in City Center at Oyster Point. Born in India, then moving to Chesapeake in 1987, the sisters embarked on a hard trail to the top. Growing up in India, Bijal and Viral Patel had a dream to open their own restaurant one day. On May 17, it happened: Great Wraps was open for business. Great Wraps contributes to the “complex inner and outer environment of the new area,” the sisters agree. The process of opening a business is not easy, Pijal and Viral say. It takes time and energy. “It took almost a year to open Great Wraps,” says Bija. “We researched the company, talked with the owners of the Richmond location, found a location, and then constructed the building.” The sisters were confident that Great Wraps would be a hit; they had prior experience in the restaurant business. In 1992, their family opened a Subway. Bijal and Viral Patel helped run the family business. Although City Center is a new area, it is a growing area and the prospects for the future are exciting, they say. The surrounding park, with its professional offices and other businesses, is the main source of income for Great Wraps Monday through Friday. On the weekends, City Center shoppers, along with the residents of City Center, are the customers at Great Wraps. When asking Bijal and Viral Patel about City Center they say, “It is a nice concept. The different shops and restaurants bring in a diverse culture. Within the next few years, we are sure City Center will expand even more. It is a great place to live and to shop.” Great Wraps was established in 1981. It is based in Atlanta, and there are approximately 100 Great Wraps restaurants in the country. The eatery specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, including flat bread sandwiches, pitas and made-to-order salads. The restaurant also serves frozen berry smoothies and “kurly” fries. The Oyster Point restaurant is known for its quick and friendly customer service and its catering service. Although there are other eateries throughout Oyster Point, Great Wraps offers a unique dining experience. The menu includes many vegetarian selections and every item is individually prepared with a healthy blend of ingredients. And the “unique dining experience” offers an outdoor setting. This is a popular asset to the restaurant, especially on a nice, sunny day. When they are not in the restaurant, the sisters may be found shopping, going to the movies or hanging out with friends. Most importantly, they enjoy spending time with family. “Family is important,” Viral says. Both Bijal and Viral Patel are living their dream each day as they are prepare what they call some great wraps at Great Wraps. |
