Pastacup is a brilliant concept that brings all the taste sensations of hand-made pasta and sauces to a fast food setting.

This quiet achiever has been wowing Perth locals with its Italian delights since 2008 and has built a great reputation for premium quality matched with unbeatable prices.

Each of the Pastacup stores prepares individually handmade pasta and sauces using quality locally-sourced ingredients.

Franchisor Courtney Ryan says, “These are wholesome meals, freshly cooked fast enough to be convenient for families to pick up on the way home or order online. Because we cook to order the meals travel well.”

Pastacup: Italian dishes in a fast food setting

Courtney says Pastacup is distinct in the market with its artisanal, hand-made approach, and premium quality ingredients, including durum and Australian wheat.

“Italian fast food can be challenging but we’ve streamlined and rationalised the menu, examining what is popular with customers and what works in the kitchen,” he says.

A diverse main menu also includes vegan, gluten free and low gluten options, drinks and
desserts. There are limited time offers throughout the year too.

“We have exceptionally loyal customers. It’s easy to ‘skimp’ on pasta – we’ve seen the occasional competitor try it, and substitute poor quality ingredients. Pastacup focuses on quality, and our customers love it,” he says.

Typically a store’s revenue is evenly split between takeaway and online deliveries. Last year Courtney introduced a dark kitchen brand Ball and Bubble, offering a finger food menu.

“This is an additional revenue stream a franchisee can add without putting on more staff,” he explains.

Pastacup focuses on franchisee profits

Courtney bought the business in 2019 and since then has focused on franchisee profitability. That equates to providing large territories, support and marketing from head office, delivering cost savings where possible, and adding new revenue streams.

“My background is marketing. We are quite technical when it comes to online marketing, and specifically getting a return on investment. Every cent that goes out accounts for a lot more in,” he says. “We added head office funds into the marketing budget.” he adds.

Supporting local community initiatives and sports clubs is part of the marketing strategy.

Franchisees receive comprehensive training and will work with easy-to-operate systems and processes. Head office support staff include training and compliance checks in their regular visits to ensure stores maintain high standards.

Pastacup focuses on franchisee profits

And while high standards are the benchmark at Pastacup, Courtney is flexible with how franchisees’ meet those demands. Franchisees are free to find their own suppliers, whether that’s sourcing high-end, professional Italian manufacturing equipment or purchasing certain ingredients.

“We have a shopping list with specific brands and types, but a sourcing partner for cos lettuce, for instance, can be up to the franchisee. However, we insist on sampling ingredients from any potential new supplier first,” he says.

Courtney reiterates the importance of delivering premium quality and believes it’s an advantage for franchisees to have some experience with cooking.

“It’s important to understand you need to invest your own time to ensure things are done right, done well. It’s about consistent high quality, and a commitment to the store and customer,” he says.

“We have a mix of owner operators and owners with a few stores under management. Quite a few have hospitality experience; they’ve worked as chefs or casual staff within the brand and then purchased their own franchise,” he explains.

Now Courtney is eyeing up expansion interstate.

Pastacup is expanding its Italian fast food concept

“We’ve got a target of 20 stores across Queensland, starting around Brisbane. We won’t be in the city centre, dense suburban is our best location,” he says.

Courtney believes in giving franchisees choice over their stores and the upfront costs. If a new franchisee finds a former fast food site that is half-fitted out and wants help to refit this to the Pastacup system, Courtney will look at adjusting the franchise costs to suit.

“Or a franchisee might want to make a stunning store from scratch,” he says. “My focus is on making sure individual franchisees are doing well,” he says. “We align franchisee and franchisor goals. I care about making great outcomes for everyone involved.”