A new restaurant concept is being launched by the team behind Sud Pasta, which announced its closure last week. The popular Manchester chain confirmed all four sites across Greater Manchester would be closing at the end of December, but hinted that they would be returning under another guise in the New Year.
Now, it has been revealed that all four of its sites will home a new pasta concept called Rigatoni's. Aiming to bring 'quality pasta to the masses', owners say they'll be serving up 'hearty' bowls of pasta for less than a tenner.
Speculation about the future of Sud arose last month as owners said online that the concept would soon 'cease to exist', which sent customers into a frenzy. Clarifying the situation, Sud confirmed that customers didn't need to worry as they were working "24/7 behind the scenes" on their "most exciting pasta project to date" which will now launch in 2024.
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Alex de Martiis, co-founder said: “Change has been a regular thing for us recently - that stops with Rigatoni’s. We want to build a sustainable business that allows us to serve the customers in our communities for years to come.
“The next chapter in our journey is all about creating an accessible, uncomplicated menu that makes Rigatoni’s somewhere that people come to time and time again. Whether it’s a quick lunch on a Tuesday, or a Saturday night with mates, pasta shouldn’t just be for occasions.”
As diners might expect, the house-made rigatoni will be the star of the show, and will be dished out through a bronze die which will give the pasta a rough texture that the sauces will cling to ‘asciutta’ style. Diners can choose from sauces including Nduja Meatballs in Amatriciana Sauce (£13.50), FAZOOL! White Beans, Garlic, Fresh Chilli & Parm (£9.50), Brown Crab, Vodka Sauce and Tarragon (£12.50), or simply with Extra Virgin Oil, Salt, Pepper & Parm for £7.50.
Meanwhile, appetizers will encompass the Fried Mozzarella & Pesto Sandwich (£6), Salami & Potato Crocchette (£6) and Chickpea Fritters with Parmesan (£4.50). There will also be a selection of Foccaccia Toasts, with toppings to include Gorgonzola Whip & Hot Honey (£6), Grated Tomato, Garlic & Salt (£5) or Black Olive & Caper Spread (£5).
The new restaurant comes from Michael and Alex de Martiis, the Manchester-born brothers who originally founded Sugo Pasta Kitchen, in Altrincham in 2015. Having gathered a cult following over the last eight years, and establishing sites in Ancoats, Sale and Exhibition food hall on Peter Street in Manchester City Centre.
Explaining the reasons for drawing Sud to a close last week, the founders said: “When we started in 2015 as Sugo Pasta Kitchen, we could sell you an epic plate of pasta for £9-13. We’ve been driven by market conditions, and have tried and mulled over a few iterations of Sud, but we don’t feel they’re the best way we can serve our loyal and valued customers and so we have made the decision to close.
“We’ll be keeping our current team and reopening our new pasta kitchen in all four of our locations, we look forward to sharing our next chapter.”
The launch dates for each restaurant will be announced on Rigatoni’s social channels with bookings open in January.
