Jamie Oliver, the well-known chef, cookbook author and food campaigner, has collaborated with Taster, the delivery-first restaurant group, to launch a franchise delivery pasta brand, Pasta Dreams.
Jamie Oliver (left) with Anton Soulier, chief executive and founder of Taster.
With the aim to become the UK’s number one delivered pasta brand, Pasta Dreams has opened its first pop-up store in Soho, London, where a click and collect service is available to customers, in addition to ordering through Uber Eats and other delivery platforms.
Pasta Dreams said that over the coming weeks, further sites will be rolled out across London and other UK cities, as well as launching the concept in France.
The company explains that Pasta Dreams’ menu has been specifically crafted with delivery in mind, with innovative pasta dishes by one of the world’s best-known chefs, ensuring the dishes are flavour-packed.
By showcasing Jamie Oliver’s twists on some of the UK’s favourite Italian-inspired dishes, the menu offers a selection of handmade fresh pasta, filled shapes and bakes, along with mezze maniche, spaghetti alla chitarra, gnocchi, casarecce and ravioli.
All suppliers are required to adhere to Jamie Oliver’s high food-sourcing standards on sustainability and welfare, said the company, which means ingredients are carefully sourced and deliver maximum flavour.
Highlighting Jamie Oliver’s commitment to empower and inspire younger generations into the food industry through his various initiatives over the years, this partnership with Taster will offer the next generation the opportunity to become involved in the industry through its Pasta Dreams franchise model.
Pasta Dreams adds that it will also be offering a platform to guest “Dreamers” (ambitious foodies), a chance to work with the Jamie Oliver development team to create seasonal specials to feature on the menu. The company said that £1 from the sale of every collaboration dish will be donated to Springboard, a charity that works to inspire young people in hospitality. The “Dreamers” competition is scheduled for early 2023.
Restaurateur Oliver, said: “Taking some of my fave Italian dishes and making them ready for delivery has been an epic journey. By partnering with Taster, we’ve created a menu that is vibrant and delicious, plus we’re giving opportunities to passionate cooks and supporting a brilliant cause. I’m really proud to be launching Pasta Dreams. I know you’re gonna love it.”
Pasta Dreams will be joining Oliver’s portfolio of restaurants spanning 21 countries around the world, in addition to his various food and kitchenware brands. Through his organisation, Oliver has set an ambitious goal to halve the level of UK childhood obesity by 2030, and improve everyone’s health and happiness through food.
‘Food just a few taps away’
Anton Soulier, chief executive and founder of Taster, added: “It’s no secret that the way we eat has fundamentally changed, with food just a few taps away. It’s been a total pleasure working so closely with Jamie and his team to dream up iconic pasta dishes for delivery.
“He is the perfect partner for us because we share a belief that everyone should have access to high-quality delicious food, wherever they are. Through Pasta Dreams we want to redefine how people view and experience food designed for delivery – we can’t wait to see how it grows.”
Taster, founded in 2017, says it is the UK’s first restaurant group to offer a ‘delivery-first’ franchise model which partners with restaurateurs and kitchen owners, allowing them to thrive in this new digital era.
anna.templeton@taster.com
07714 583 357
Posted: 12th October, 2022