A devastating fire closed the doors of Fasta & Ravioli Co. in Pleasant Gap back in December.
On Friday, May 13, the business will re-open its doors at the site of the old Pleasant Gap Post Office.
It’s been a long road back, according to owner Bob Ricketts.
“We’ve been working very hard to get it re-opened,” Ricketts said. “It’s been challenging and there have been several steps.”
Following the fire, Ricketts predicted three to six months of repairs and renovations. While the Pleasant Gap shop was being rebuilt, Ricketts moved Fasta to the site of its sister store, located at 129 S. Fraser St. in State College.
That presented its own set of challenges.
“That (Fraser Street) store is the size of our kitchen here,” Ricketts said. “We were still producing the same quality pasta in a much smaller space.”
In addition to re-opening the Pleasant Gap location, Ricketts is also opening a Fasta and Ravioli Co. in Harrisburg. That location will have its “noodle cutting” at 11 a.m. Friday, May 13. The Pleasant Gap location will have its “noodle cutting” later that day at 5 p.m.
According to Ricketts, he’s excited to get things back up and running.
“We have very loyal customers. We have a new pasta machine and we’re ready to go.”
On the day of the grand re-opening, the first 1,000 customers will receive a free pound of pasta — egg or wheat fettucine. Ricketts said no purchase is necessary.
“It’s our way of saying ‘thanks.’”
The Pleasant Gap location is open Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
IF YOU GO
What: Free Pasta Day/Grand Re-opening
Where: Fasta and Ravioli Co., 157 W. College Ave., Pleasant Gap
When: 11 a.m., Friday, May 13
More info: The first 1,000 Fasta customers will receive a free pound of pasta.
