Pastaliano is the brainchild of Raeece Sulaman-Butt, 28, of Darwen, who said he spent time researching the cuisine before launching his brand in Darwen Street.
Raeece, who is one of a growing number of Blackburn entrepreneurs, said he wanted to offer something that was both ‘different and healthy’.
He said: “I realised that if you want pasta, you have to go to a restaurant.
“Every other cuisine has a fast-food option, so I thought I would create that.
“We have penne pasta, spaghetti fusilli and tagliatelle. It comes with all different sauces and cheeses, cheddar, parmesan and mozzarella.”
Blackburn has seen a boom in new eateries with many backed by national brands in recent years.
Raeece, meanwhile, has designed the concept himself, and the use of the striking yellow was something ‘unique’.
He said: “Everything right down to the design of the shop I did myself.
“I did all my qualifications, and then it took a year to really study all the recipes.
“I also did my own research into authentic and traditional and authentic recipes.”
Pastaliano opened in Blackburn over the weekend (Image: Nq)
The menu features classic Italian dishes such as carbonara, cacio e pepe, and spaghetti bolognese, plus more unique dishes such as hot and spicy, garlic prawn, chicken alfredo and tuna pasta salad.
Customers can create their own bowls and get a choice of regular and larger meals.
The 45-seater restaurant was formerly the home to ‘DNKD’ and is located opposite the popular King’s Castle restaurant and next to Shakey’s Burgers.
Raeece said he wanted to bring something that was both healthy and delicious to the town (Image: Nq)
Raeece added: “It was already running as a takeaway, but we have revamped it with our own concept.
“The first few days have been really good, and the response has been great.
“Pasta as a fast food – there is nothing like it. I see people like the customised options where you can pick and choose what you want.
“So, this format, where you can choose your pasta, choose your sauce and choose your toppings, would work better.”
Dining and Cooking