Pasta Evangelists plan huge UK expansion creating 1500 jobs

Ambitions at Pasta Evangelists are rising as the London-based fresh pasta specialist charts a bold course for expansion. Defying the current challenges within the British hospitality sector, the company aims to open 100 new restaurants across the UK, a move set to create up to 1,500 jobs and bring a taste of Italy to high streets nationwide.

Having first gained notoriety after its appearance on Dragons’ Den, where investors dismissed its prospects and dubbed it “pasta la disaster”, Pasta Evangelists has disproved doubters with steady growth. Established in 2016 by Finn Lagun, chief executive Alessandro Savelli—a former Genoese investment banker—and Chris Rennoldson, the brand has capitalised on a growing appetite for quality fresh pasta.

Pasta Evangelists enjoyed significant success during the pandemic, thanks to the popularity of its cook-at-home pasta kits. Since then, the team has focused on expanding its restaurant footprint, starting with its flagship location in Harrods Dining Hall in 2021. Shortly after, the business attracted a £40 million buyout from Barilla Group, the global pasta giant, further fuelling its ambitions.

Currently, eight sites are operational, including Greenwich, Guildford and Manchester Airport, with three more restaurants scheduled to open in London soon. Half of the planned new venues will transition from “dark kitchens”—previously dedicated to delivery and takeaway—to sites welcoming dine-in customers, enabling Pasta Evangelists to maximise revenues and margin through events and alcohol sales in addition to food.

Chief executive Alessandro Savelli is targeting 300 restaurants globally, with the intention of cementing the brand’s status as Britain’s fastest-growing casual dining destination. He views the growth strategy as a pathway to establishing a multibillion-pound enterprise. Senior political figures have praised the expansion, highlighting it as a sign of confidence in British industry amid an environment challenged by rising costs, changing tax rules, and higher wages.

Despite sector-wide economic headwinds, Pasta Evangelists’ investment in its workforce and commitment to innovation have positioned the business as a bright spot in UK hospitality. Their ambitious plans exemplify the resilience and creativity needed to succeed in the modern marketplace.