Featured on the Emerging Franchise Brands Podcast

In this episode of Emerging Franchise Brands, Frank Fiume sits down with our own Toni Calderone, founder of PastaNito, to talk about how she transformed a fine dining background and family restaurant legacy into a fast-growing, quick-service pasta franchise. Toni shares the origin of PastaNito’s three-minute fresh pasta concept, her pandemic pivot strategy, and why she believes franchising is the path forward. From humble roots in York, Pennsylvania, to building a national distribution network, Toni’s story is one of grit, innovation, and heart.

Using Technology to Assist Customers and Franchisees

We’re thrilled to be featured in the June issue of Franchise Dictionary Magazine.

“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.”

Introducing the PastaNito App

There's An App for That! 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 appholder exclusive offers and perks. What are you waiting for!?
Get $2 off your first $10 in the app order in the month of “App-ril”

Revamped "Pasta Lovers Unite" Community Program with Heartfelt Initiatives

PastaNito is delighted to announce the revamp of our "Pasta Lovers Unite" community initiatives program, introducing a series of projects that embody the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors. These initiatives are designed to strengthen community bonds and support local organizations making a difference.

PastaNito has been dedicated to community support over the last decade. During the COVID 19 pandemic, the company's food truck, the Rig-a-toni, drove around neighborhoods delivering pasta (and even toilet paper!) and raising money for local organizations. The company donates nearly $10,000 per year back to the community.

When the brand began franchising in late 2024, it was time to revamp the program to be able to scale in new areas. The Pasta Lovers Unite program features 4 pillars:

Register Round Up: Sharing the Love

At PastaNito locations present and future, guests are invited to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar, with the additional funds donated to a local organization selected by the location's franchisee. These organizations rotate, ensuring widespread community support. At the South York PastaNito location, the first register round up will go to Pink Power York, a local non profit raising awareness about breast cancer while raising money for local patients in need.

Pay It Forward Cards: Tokens of Affection

Guests can purchase a free pasta and sauce card along with their order, which is then displayed on the wall and donated to the local food bank at the end of each month. This initiative allows patrons to share their love of pasta with those in need, fostering care and compassion.

Spirit Nights: Celebrating Community Togetherness

For teams, groups, or organizations looking to raise funds, PastaNito offers Spirit Nights. On a designated night, a percentage of sales is donated back to the participating organization, making it a perfect way to combine a love for pasta with community support. These fundraisers can be scheduled on our commmunity page.

Use Your Noodle Fund: Nurturing Growth

For every bag of fresh pasta purchased in-store, $2 goes towards PastaNito's continuing education program for employees. This initiative invests in the personal and professional development of the team.

"At PastaNito, we believe that pasta is for lovers—lovers of food, community, and the neighbors we live alongside," said Toni Calderome, Founder & CEO of PastaNito. "Our revamped 'Pasta Lovers Unite' program is our way of spreading love and giving back to the communities that have supported us."

As Valentine's Day approaches, PastaNito invites everyone to join in these initiatives, turning a simple meal into an act of love and community support.

About PastaNito

PastaNito is committed to serving fresh, customizable pasta dishes that cater to a variety of tastes. With a focus on community engagement and support, PastaNito strives to make a positive impact in the neighborhoods it serves.

For more information, please visit PastaNito's Community Page.

A Community Minded Spirit- FDM Magazine

“PastaNito is so much more than amazing food. The company prides itself on its locations becoming active parts of the community. When it comes to taking on new franchisees, Calderone is looking for those with a community- minded spirit. “ Thanks Franchise Dictionary Magazine for the feature!

Shark Tank Audition- Yahoo! Finance

Our founder takes on the sharks! 🦈
Against incredible odds – only about 70 out of 20,000 applicants make it to the televised pitches – our own Toni Calderone, PastaNito's Founder, embarked on an epic 36-hour journey to audition for ABC's Shark Tank.
From York to Orlando to Las Vegas, she faced long odds and even longer lines, all in the hopes of securing a spot on the show.
"I knew I couldn't miss this opportunity. I've been following Shark Tank for years with the hopes of one day presenting my own idea to the sharks," says Toni. "I was running on pure adrenaline, pasta-fueled determination, and just enough coffee to keep me moving."
Pastanito, with its determination to change the fast food industry with signature fresh pasta made in minutes, is ready to take on the nation- tune in to find out if we made it!

Deep Roots: FDM Magazine

We were recently featured in Franchise Dictionary Magazine with a feature on founder & CEO Toni Calderone's road to franchising. "From a young age, Calderone was immersed in kitchen table conversation revolving around industry operations and growing restaurants."

Named Top 100 Game Changers in Franchising

We’re thrilled to be named one of the Top 100 Game Changers in franchising for 2024 through Franchise Dictionary Magazine!
Alesia Visconti, CEO of Franchise Dictionary Magazine / FranServe says, “2024 was a year of explosive growth and success for the franchise model. A brand that earns the Top 100 Game Changers designation has gone the extra mile to improve people’s lives and sets itself apart! We are THRILLED to recognize and showcase these 100+ FRAN-TASTIC brands that went above and beyond. Here’s to #ChangingLives and congrats to this year's Game Changers!" 

Holiday Gift Card Sale!

Stocking Stuffer Sale!

From Thanksgiving through Christmas, buy 4 gift cards, get the 5th free (of equal or lesser value)

Offer available in store for physical gift cards at participating locations

or for e-gift cards at all locations using code “GCSTOCKING24”:

Featured in QSR Magazine

We're honored to be featured in the QSR Magazine Women in Restaurant Leadership column profiling our founder Toni Calderone on her vision and story:

“I want my kids to see that I made it through so many pivots and challenges while chasing my dreams,” Calderone says. “For my daughter, especially, I want to show her she doesn’t have to be hardened by the world to succeed. My legacy is about creating space for her and making an impact in an industry where a small percentage of founders are women,” says Calderone.

“PastaNito’s menu offers six types of fresh pasta, including vegan and gluten-free options. Customers can customize their bowls with a choice of pasta, vegetables, proteins, and sauces, leading to more than 33,000 possible combinations, supported by a robust distribution network.”

New Name, Now Franchising

Rebrand to PastaNito: Fresh Pasta Fast, Now Franchising

We are undergoing an exciting transformation! Today we announced our official rebrand to PastaNito, a name symbolizing the endless "pasta-bilities" of delicious pasta creations.

This rebrand signifies not just a name change, but a strategic expansion. PastaNito is now actively seeking franchise partners across Pennsylvania and Florida, bringing the taste of authentic Italian flavors prepared with lightning-fast service to new communities. The concept plans to expand throughout the Mid-Atlantic in coming months.

“Our journey as Presto Fast Italian has been incredibly rewarding,” says Toni Calderone, CEO & Founder. “We've built a loyal following who appreciates our fresh pasta and build-your-own concept. However, to embark on a national franchising journey, we needed a trademarkable name that truly reflects the essence of our brand.”

“PastaNito,” an Italian inspired playful combination of "pasta" and "infinite," captures the spirit of the our core offering: a customizable pasta experience with over 33,000 options. Diners can choose from a variety of fresh pastas, sauces, proteins, and vegetables to create their restaurant quality meal at fast food speed.

The decision to rebrand comes after years of refining the Presto concept. Since 2019, we have strategically opened and closed a few locations in Central PA, allowing us to perfect the operational model for successful franchising. With this launch, we will also be closing our West York location to focus on our franchise process and will use our 2058 South Queen Street store as a home base for training and educating future franchisees. West York customers can still visit Queen Street York or our recently opened Mt. Joy location or order on DoorDash, Grubhub, and UberEats to get their pasta fix.

“We've learned a tremendous amount through this process,” says Calderone. “We are confident that PastaNito offers a unique fast food experience that will resonate with franchise partners and diners alike. We're excited to share our passion for fresh pasta with communities across Pennsylvania and Florida.”

Franchising Opportunities:

PastaNito serves its own proprietary pasta which allows for restaurant quality meals at fast food speed making it unique in the fast casual market. With low investment for a turnkey operation, this concept allows for high margins and low overhead. Parties interested in franchising should visit www.ownapastanito.com for more information or email franchising@pastanito.com

Donegal Square Location Now Open!

DONEGAL SQUARE NOW OPEN

Our Donegal Square Manheim-Mt. Joy PA location is now open! Look for us serving fresh pasta fast on Strickler Road right next to Tropical Smoothie Cafe in the Donegal Square shopping center. This is Presto’s first licensed location- a group of experienced franchisees are eager to serve their community. Show them some love!

Money for your Cause

PRESTO SPIRIT NIGHTS

Give back to your team, organization, or group! We'll work with you to pick a date at a Presto near you and we'll donate a portion of sales to your cause! Get in touch to get started!

Coming to Manheim PA!

DONEGAL SQUARE MANHEIM

Our Donegal Square Manheim PA location is almost open! Look for us serving fresh pasta fast on Strickler Road shortly after the first of the year. We’ll be opening right next to Tropical Smoothie Cafe in the Donegal Square shopping center.

We need YOU at our new store! If you're motivated, energetic, and want to be part of a fast growing company, we want you behind the counter! All positions available!

The Future of Presto

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES

As we develop the Presto brand for a franchise model down the line, we are making decisions on which location styles and sizes work for the growth and sustainability of Prestos to come. You may have noticed that we closed our Shrewsbury location. We decided it wasn’t the best fit for our model. Thank you for helping us to figure this out as we move towards our bigger goal of consistency.

We recently started working with SMB Franchise Advisors to move to the next steps of developing our franchise model. We’re working on ways to ensure consistency across the board and can’t wait to develop our offering.

Interested in learning more about the opportunity to franchise when it’s available? Get in touch.

New Menu Items

BRAND NEW OFFERINGS

We’ve got a whole slew of new menu items for you to try!

From Italian Sammies (choose from Meatball, Chicken Parm, Spaghetti, or Chicken Pesto) to Cannoli Chips & Dip and garlic bread, it’s a whole new word. Explore the menu!