“The Pasta Evangelists founders (L-R) Finn Lagun, Alessandro Savelli, and Chris Rennoldson”
Pasta Evangelists has unveiled plans to open 100 restaurants across the UK over the next five years.
Working alongside its franchise partners, the company will invest more than £30 million into the expansion, with a focus on securing locations and partners in the South of England, the Midlands, and Scotland.
The initiative is expected to generate up to 1,500 new jobs. In addition, the business is exploring the launch of a ‘Pasta Apprenticeship’ programme, designed to attract fresh talent and support its existing team in developing the skills and expertise needed for a successful career in the culinary and hospitality sectors.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “Pasta Evangelists’ ambitious plans to open 100 new restaurants and create up to 1,500 jobs is great news and another vote of confidence in the UK. Investment like this demonstrates the dynamism and resilience of British businesses, as we deliver on our promise to grow the economy and get more money in people’s pockets.”
Alessandro Savelli, CEO and co-founder of Pasta Evangelists comments, “The demand for our fresh, beautifully cooked artisan pasta is growing. Our intention is to become the UK’s fastest-growing, casual dining hot spot and the hottest place to eat for pasta lovers of all ages. We are actively looking for sites and franchise partners across the whole of the UK and welcome approaches. We expect our plans to create up to 1500 new jobs. We already employ 350 people and as part of our recruitment drive, we are looking into options for a ‘Pasta Apprenticeship’ scheme which will encourage young people passionate about food and hospitality into the workplace.”
“Sustainable growth has always been our plan,” continues Savelli. “The hospitality industry is going through tough times at the moment, but we are confident that our business model is robust and dynamic and the proof of this is we have already bucked the trend with the confirmed opening of five more restaurants in the space of 3 months, and more to come.”
Pasta Evangelists expanded beyond London for the first time in July with a new restaurant in Guildford, alongside a Farringdon opening earlier this summer. In the coming weeks, the brand will launch three additional London sites in Fulham, Queensway, and New Oxford Street, increasing its total number of restaurants to 11.
Finn Lagun, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer, said: “A big part of our success is being so much more than just a restaurant. We bring a wonderful experiential element to our restaurants – with our key offering being our famous fresh pasta-making courses. Over 100,000 consumers have already learnt the art of making fresh pasta at our Pasta Academy and with our growth plans there is no reason why we shouldn’t eventually see over a million British people learning the art of making beautiful fresh pasta under the expert tutelage of our chefs.”