Flat Iron Pita Grill Replacing Wicker Park Food Mart, Owner Confirms

The owner of Wicker Park Food Mart is ready to do a 180, transforming his convenience store into the new restaurant Flat Iron Pita Grill.

Syed Wasi says he plans to close his store at 1571 N. Milwaukee Ave. near the intersection with North and Damen avenues to make way for the new sandwich concept. After being in the community for 16 years, he says it was time to make a change.

“It’s going to be a sandwich place with other things like hot dogs, salads, pitas and soups,” Wasi said. “There just isn’t a place like that around here, so I decided to do it.”

The 1,300-square-foot storefront will be under construction for two to three weeks during the makeover, Wasi says. A permit was approved Tuesday with the City of Chicago, estimating the structural transformation will cost $50,000.

Once completed, it’ll be a casual hangout place with moderately priced food.

In addition, Wasi says the store will maintain a small section of groceries and other items similar to its days as a convenience store. Flat Iron Pita Grill won’t serve or sell liquor, but common store items like cigarettes will still be available for purchase.

“I’ve been in the neighborhood since 1996,” Wasi said. “There’s just no place like that around here.”

Flat Iron Pita Grill will also serve healthy options for diners, including fresh juices.