Co-owner Dahiana Vitabar holds a refreshing mocktail drink.
Founded by two women of international heritage, fast-casual breakfast/brunch/lunch café Pineapple Sol represents the fulfillment of a dream by Aleena Azhar and Dahiana Vitabar. Their vision involved creating a gathering spot inspired by their love of quality food and sense of community.
“Ever since we met and became friends during the pandemic, our goal was to open a restaurant,” said Azhar, a Southern California native whose parents migrated to the United States from India. “We’re excited that we could make it become a reality.”
Instead of debuting their restaurant at the height of Covid-19, Azhar and Vitabar, who hails from Uruguay, decided to offer unique event experiences like luxury picnics and high teas. In addition, they sold charcuterie boards and custom cakes. The strategy paid off, as word spread about their fledgling brand.
“We did not expect the amount of love and support we have received so quickly from the community,” Azhar said, adding that they continue offering picnics, high teas and other catering services today.
Patrons line up to order lunch or coffee and pastries.
Since the eatery opened in March, diners have enjoyed Pineapple Sol’s focused menu and warm, welcoming space.
“Brunch is something that everybody loves, and we have sandwiches, wraps and salads at lunchtime,” Vitabar said with a smile. “We want to have a seasonal menu to keep people interested and engaged.”
The decedent Black forest cake.
Looking for some charcuterie boards or sweets that will make an impression? Consider any of the items listed below by ordering online or by email at hello@pineapplesol.com. Pricing and other offerings are available on the website.
- Charcuterie boards serving 2-12 people
- Grazing tables (regular, brunch, or custom) serving 25+ people
- Vegan boards
- Poultry boards
- Jarcuterie
- Strawberry towers
- Cakesicles
- Custom cookies
“We also keep things affordable so people can bring their families,” Azhar added. “We’re not fast food or high-end, but we’re somewhere in the middle.”
If you’re in the mood for breakfast or brunch cuisine, you can’t go wrong with lavender pancakes topped with mascarpone cheese, a steak, egg and cheese sandwich, or the acai bowl filled with seasonal berries, coconut flakes, honey, granola and peanut butter.
When it comes to sandwiches, order the mammoth triple-decker turkey club featuring slices of sourdough bread piled high with turkey, bacon, cheddar, romaine lettuce, tomatoes and fresh avocado ranch mash. Be prepared to take home leftovers.
Also noteworthy are the caramelized onion steak sandwich with gorgonzola cheese on a grilled baguette and the chicken salad sandwich served on a flaky croissant.
Looking for something vegetarian friendly? Try a spinach wrap filled with savory zucchini, hummus, roasted tomatoes, grilled onions and kale or a balsamic-glazed Caprese panini involving basil, arugula, mozzarella and house-made pesto sauce. Vegan and gluten-free options are available by request.
Don’t ignore the tempting varieties of French fries, especially the truffle loaded fries and the sweet potato fries served with sriracha mayo.
Slake your thirst with a fruit smoothie, mocktail, hot tea, espresso or iced latte.
A convenient grab-and-go cooler is stocked with salads, yogurt parfaits, fruit cups and, occasionally, charcuterie boxes.
At any given time, 10 flavors of gelato are available as well as a tempting assortment of pastries such as macaroons, muffins, cupcakes and slices of cake.
Pancakes with fresh berries, granola and mascarpone cheese are sure to satisfy.
“We change out the pastries daily, and we use a variety of local bakers, some who are stay-at-home moms,” Vitabar revealed.
Décor at Pineapple Sol features a cheery, tropical vibe. Walls are painted in teal, peach and orange hues, while the dining room floor is covered with large ceramic tiles.
“We want to provide a fun, casual environment,” said Vitabar, who was quick to mention that the café’s busiest time is weekend brunch.
Shaded al fresco dining is available.
Although the overall feel is laid-back, Azhar says running a restaurant is not for the faint of heart.
“I think a lot of people don’t realize the hustle and hard work it takes to run this type of business,” she said. “It takes a lot of time, planning and dedication.”
Essential to ensuring things run smoothly is a devoted staff.
“We try hard to install a sense of family closeness with our staff members,” Azhar said. “It takes all of us working closely together to make it work well.”
Whether it’s latte art or other decor pieces, you’ll find whimsy aplenty at Pineapple Sol.
Pineapple Sol is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Covered patio seating is available. For more details about picnics, high tea or other catering options, see the restaurant’s website.
Pineapple Sol
302 Colonades Way, Suite 109
Waverly Place, Cary
(919) 803-8533
pineapplesol.com
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