Pasta Evangelists is a fresh pasta restaurant and meal kit service based in the United Kingdom. Founded in 2016 by Alessandro Savelli, the brand has gained popularity for its commitment to high-quality, handmade pasta. The company started as a direct-to-consumer service, delivering fresh pasta kits nationwide, and has since expanded into physical locations known as “pasta emporiums.” The first emporium opened in Harrods in May 2021, followed by additional locations in Richmond and Greenwich in 2024.
The concept revolves around creating a unique dining experience where customers can enjoy freshly made pasta dishes prepared on-site. The restaurants feature open pasta counters where chefs craft pasta shapes by hand, providing a theatrical element to the dining experience. Customers can choose to dine in or take away their meals, with options for ordering via digital screens or at the counter.
Founding Process
The inspiration for Pasta Evangelists came when Alessandro Savelli attended a pasta-making class with his wife. He recognized a gap in the UK market for premium fresh pasta, which was largely absent at that time. In October 2015, he began by delivering homemade gnocchi with pesto to friends and family. This initial venture quickly evolved into a full-fledged business model as Savelli and his team recognized the demand for high-quality pasta delivered directly to consumers.
The founding team included notable figures such as James McArthur, former CEO of Anya Hindmarch, and Prue Leith, a well-known cookery school founder and judge on “The Great British Bake Off.” Their combined expertise helped shape Pasta Evangelists into a reputable brand within the food industry.
Historical Background
Pasta Evangelists was officially launched in 2016 and quickly established itself as a leader in the fresh pasta market. The company focused on delivering gourmet meal kits that included not only fresh pasta but also sauces and garnishes necessary for creating authentic Italian dishes at home. By 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pasta Evangelists experienced significant growth as more people turned to meal kits while dining out became restricted.
In 2021, Pasta Evangelists was acquired by Barilla, one of the largest pasta manufacturers globally. This acquisition allowed the brand to scale its operations further and invest in new facilities and technology to enhance production capabilities. In November 2023, Pasta Evangelists opened a new 47,000 square foot production facility in Acton, London, which is expected to produce large quantities of fresh pasta weekly.
Menu Offerings
Pasta Evangelists offers an extensive menu featuring a variety of fresh pasta dishes that change seasonally. The menu includes over 15 different recipes each week, catering to various dietary preferences such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Some popular dishes include:
Carbonara of Dreams: A fan-favorite dish known for its rich flavors.
Truffle Mac ‘n’ Cheese: A luxurious twist on a classic comfort food.
Lobster Tortellini: Made with striking black squid ink pasta.
Slow-Cooked Beef and Chianti Ragù: A hearty option perfect for meat lovers.
Additionally, customers can choose from antipasti like tomato and rosemary focaccia or mini calzone pizzas and indulge in Italian desserts such as tiramisù or gelato assortments.
One unique feature of Pasta Evangelists is the “Half & Half” option that allows diners to sample two different dishes for the price of one. This flexibility caters to those who want to explore multiple flavors without committing to just one dish.
Pricing Structure
The pricing for individual portions typically ranges from £7 to £11, depending on the ingredients used. For example:
Rigatoni with tomato sauce: £7
Lobster tortellini: £10.50
Customers can also opt for double portions at slightly reduced prices per serving.
Special Activities
Pasta Evangelists goes beyond just serving food; it actively engages with its community through various special activities:
Wine Tastings: Weekly wine tastings are offered free of charge for local community members.
Kids’ Pasta-Making Classes: Every Saturday, children can participate in hands-on pasta-making sessions designed to teach them about Italian cuisine.
Cooking Classes: The Pasta Academy offers classes where participants can learn how to make their own pasta while enjoying complimentary antipasti and bottomless Prosecco.
These activities not only enhance customer engagement but also promote the brand’s mission of sharing Italian culinary traditions.
Expansion Plans
Pasta Evangelists is on an ambitious path of expansion. Following the successful opening of its first franchise locations in Richmond and Greenwich, the company plans to roll out an additional 20 sites over the next five years across the UK. This expansion reflects their commitment to making high-quality fresh pasta accessible to more people while maintaining their standards of excellence.
The new facilities will support both dine-in experiences and direct-to-consumer meal kit deliveries. With plans to increase production capacity significantly at their new factory, Pasta Evangelists aims to meet growing consumer demand while continuing to innovate their product offerings.
Conclusion
Pasta Evangelists has successfully carved out a niche within the UK’s culinary landscape by combining traditional Italian cooking techniques with modern convenience. From its humble beginnings as a meal kit delivery service to becoming a sought-after dining destination with engaging community activities, Pasta Evangelists exemplifies how passion for food can lead to remarkable growth and success.
With ongoing expansion plans and a commitment to quality, Pasta Evangelists is poised to continue delighting customers with authentic Italian flavors while fostering a love for fresh pasta across the nation.
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