Portland-based Pastini Pastaria Set to open Bend Oregon location on August 26

The casual Italian pasta restaurant, which has six locations in the Portland Oregon area, believes that brand recognition will help its emergence into a regional restaurant company.

Since debuting in 2001 and growing into a bustling multi-unit Italian pasta restaurant destination, Pastini Pastaria has developed a loyal following in the Portland Oregon area. Now, the casual Italian pasta restaurant known for its authentic homemade meals at reasonable price points is expanding outside of Portland Oregon. Pastini will open a location in Bend Oregon's Old Mill District on August 26.

Currently, Pastini has six locations in greater Portland Oregon, but thanks to an aggressive growth plan fueled by creative financing from Seattle-based HomeStreet Bank, it will become a regional restaurant company starting this year.

Serving traditional Italian pasta favorites like Spaghetti and Meatballs and along with classic Italian pastas such as Cappellini Pomodoro and original recipes like Rigatoni Zuccati, Pastini's first Portland restaurant on NE Broadway was so successful that the group opened a second pasta restaurant a year later across town.

"We weren't interested in an upscale, special occasion Italian restaurant that would only appeal to a small percentage of people," Susie Bashel said. "We felt there was a need for a moderately priced restaurant centered around pasta. We envisioned a place where many guests could dine with us on a regular basis and have a quality experience without spending a lot of money."

All of the menu items at Pastini are made from scratch, using Italian pasta recipes developed by Craig Bashel, who serves as the executive chef. Prices for main courses range from $5.75 to $11.75, with most selections between $8 to $9.50. Aptly named for the traditional small pasta shapes called pastina, Pastini offers 36 pasta dishes on the menu, including a large number of vegetarian options

Pastini's Old Mill District location in Bend Oregon will feature a terrace overlooking the Deschutes River. To accommodate guests who do not want dinner but are interested in a light meal and drinks while enjoying the scenery, Pastini will have an extended appetizer menu and a bar.

Pastini Pastaria is a Portland, Oregon. based company with six restaurants currently in the Portland Metro area and plans for 15 locations by 2010, including Bend, Corvallis and Eugene Oregon and Seattle, Wash. Pastini Pastaria has been serving 36 classic Italian pasta dishes in a warm urban atmosphere at moderate prices since 2001.



Media Contact:

Carolyn O. Miller
Miller Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations
503-245-3132
carolyn@millermkt.com