Talia and Kayleigh Baccino create seven new jobs and invest £100,000 into Pasta Cosa in Castle Street which offers freshly made Italian dishes to take away. Tony McDonough reports.
People working in Liverpool’s commercial district can now get freshly-made Italian food to take away following a £100,000 investment in a new food business.
Pasta Cosa, set up by sisters Talia and Kayleigh Baccino, has added to Castle Street’s growing reputation for food and drink, creating seven new jobs in the process.
Backed by Merseyside Special Investment Fund (MSIF), the venture offers customers a selection of pastas, salads, paninis, sides, pastries, deserts and drinks.
Customers can choose their own combinations of fresh pasta, sauces and extras to create their own personalised dishes.
There is a small provision for seating inside and outside but the business is primarily a takeaway.
The investment from the sisters includes loans from MSIF through the Start Up Loans Fund and the Regional Growth Fund.
The finance was used towards equipment, branding and architect’s costs. They hope to create a further three jobs next year.
Director Talia Baccino said: “My sister and I previously ran a business together. We got some additional investment and with that came new shareholders.
“The company was a success but we decided we wanted to run something on our own again.
“We’re of Italian heritage and are keen foodies so we came up with the idea of an Italian takeaway.
“When we researched it, we couldn’t find anything similar and thought that it would be a great addition to the thriving restaurant industry here in Liverpool.
“Quality is very important. We employ three Italian chefs who make the sauces freshly.
“We source vegetables and meat locally but import a lot of ingredients from Italy because it’s a higher standard than anything we have been able to find at home.
MSIF investment manager Sue Chambers added: “Pasta Cosa is such a brilliant idea. Pasta is such a popular dish in the UK and yet there is nowhere you can get it on the go.
“All the staff at MSIF are huge fans – there’s something for everyone, even those watching their waistline.”