Italian franchise Fasta Pasta has opened its first food court restaurant. The new Rundle Place shopping centre outlet has been attracting more than 3200 patrons a week.
Fasta Pasta chief executive Frank Taddeo said the concept had proved successful. “While a food court restaurant was not on our agenda, the opportunity came up and we decided to give it a try,” he said. “It has done so well, I wish we had many more of them!
“We weren’t sure how customers would react, seeing Fasta Pasta out of its usual standalone restaurant but our customers have voted with their feet – and their verbal feedback has been fantastic too.
“Sales have been well above budgeted figures. Customers are thrilled they can get their favourite dishes while at work in the city.”
On its opening day the restaurant served 1000 customers.
“It’s been phenomenal,” Taddeo said. “The success of our Rundle Place store will change the way Fasta Pasta is perceived and open up tremendous growth opportunities for the future.”
The Rundle Place store is open from 8am weekdays for breakfast and sells the full Fasta Pasta menu throughout the day, with late night trading on Friday and retail trading hours all other days and on the weekends.
“Our regular restaurants have very large dinner sales while Rundle Place is primarily a lunchtime venue,” said Taddeo. “Our lunch specials – the 7 for $7.90 range – are proving to be a big hit and we are selling 600 percent more coffee at Rundle Place than our other restaurants.”
FRANCHISEE FEEDBACK
Franchisees Mike and Dave Porcaro saw the opportunity to be involved with the Rundle Place store as one not to be missed.
“We grew up with Fasta Pasta,” Mike said. “The fact that it’s a brand new concept with a well-respected brand was a big draw card for us. That means we get to put in a lot more of our own ideas as well as have the security and support that comes with an established brand.
“We were confident a food court style restaurant could – and would – work. It’s the same value for money, quality food and service that you get at any Fasta Pasta restaurant, but this time it’s in the heart of the Adelaide’s busiest shopping strip.”