PastaNito – a fast-casual restaurant concept that proudly serves fresh, healthy ingredients and is based on the philosophy that fast food does not have to be limited to just burgers and fries – is consistently looking for ways to reinvent itself. By Jessica Petrucelli
PastaNito – a fast-casual restaurant concept that proudly serves fresh, healthy ingredients and is based on the philosophy that fast food does not have to be limited to just burgers and fries – is consistently looking for ways to reinvent itself.
Founded by Toni Calderone during the COVID-19 pandemic as a mix of food trucks, pop-ups and drive-thru units, the brand, which specializes in customizable, scratch-made pasta dishes, officially began franchising in 2024. As the Pennsylvania-based company branches out, setting a goal to develop 500 locations in the next five years, Calderone is focused on keeping all of her restaurant’s systems uniquely current.
“Being named a Top 100 Game Changer in franchising reinforces our commitment to staying on the cutting edge, and that means embracing the full potential of technology,” said Calderone about the award given by Franchise Dictionary Magazine. “At PastaNito, we’re simplifying operations for our franchisees by streamlining workflows, integrating smart systems and using real-time data to drive better decisions. We’re not just keeping up with the tech era – we’re using it to lead.”
Proving that quality and speed aren’t mutually exclusive, the brand has made it a point to implement a wide variety of tech features into its daily routine, allowing each of its processes to run smoothly.
PastaNito’s menu offers six types of fresh pasta, including vegan and gluten-free options. Customers can also customize their bowls with a choice of pasta, vegetables, proteins and sauces, leading to more than 393,000 possible combinations. Because of this, Calderone has developed the “Nood Navigator,” an AI-based chatbot, on the PastaNito website to help customers decipher the myriad of combinations and decide what to order.
Additionally, in March, PastaNito launched a branded app for easy online ordering, tracking and redeeming loyalty, gift cards and exclusive perks.
According to PastaNito’s website, “No more fumbling on your desktop computer or trying to pull up your loyalty points in store. The new PastaNito app allows you to place online orders, track and use your loyalty points, buy and use gift cards and get app holder-exclusive offers and perks.”
On the administrative side, the company utilizes Xtrachef, a restaurant management software platform that automates financial and operational tasks, for inventory, waste and theft management.
Scheduling and payroll also are handled through the company’s point-of-sale system training, and key performance indicators are automated through several different technologies. In addition to training on food preparation and customer service, franchisees receive support on crucial aspects of business ownership, such as managing finances and becoming a true CEO of their own enterprise.
“The goal is for franchisees to be as in control as possible while off the premises and for them to be able to hire a team that doesn’t necessarily have the skill set required to run a restaurant but can be taught with the systems in place,” the brand said in a press release.
All tactics that Calderone has initiated to keep PastaNito at the forefront ensure that her brand will remain a “unique fast food experience that will resonate with franchise partners and diners alike.”
Jessica Petrucelli