Pasta Evangelists to open 100 restaurants across the UK 

Pasta Evangelists has unveiled its plan to open 100 restaurants across the UK in the next five years. 

The company, together with its franchise partners, will invest over £30m in the new restaurants and said it is actively looking for sites and new partners across the South of England, Midlands and in Scotland. 

The expansion plan is expected to create up to 1,500 new jobs, and the company is also looking to develop a ‘Pasta Apprenticeship’ scheme to attract new staff and help its current workforce develop skills and knowledge.

Pasta Evangelists opened its first restaurant outside of London in Guildford in July, as well as a new site in Farringdon earlier this summer. 

In the coming weeks, it will open three new London locations in Fulham, Queensway and New Oxford Street, bringing its total restaurant count to 11.

Alessandro Savelli, CEO and co-founder of Pasta Evangelists, said: “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.”

He added: “Sustainable growth has always been our plan. 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.”

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.” 

Finn Lagun, co-founder and chief marketing officer, concluded: “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.”