CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Pastaholics
BBIF's SOAR Loan Fuels Pastaholics’ Journey from a Ghost Kitchen to a Brick-and-Mortar Location
Pastaholics, an innovative Italian cuisine business located in Atlanta, Georgia, offers a unique dining experience with a focus on fresh ingredients. Founded by Shaunya Noble in 2020, Pastaholics initially operated as a ghost kitchen providing delivery services, adapting to the challenges of the pandemic-era food industry.
DEMOGRAPHIC
Black-Owned
LOCATION
Atlanta, Georgia
LOAN PROGRAM
SOAR Loan Fund
THE CHALLENGE
Navigating Financial Barriers in Pursuit of Growth
In 2020, amid the uncertainties of a pandemic-riddled economy, Shaunya Noble dared to turn her culinary passion into a thriving business. Pastaholics, operating as a ghost kitchen, provided the ideal platform for a world hungry for delivery and pick-up-only dining experiences. Despite initial success, Shaunya faced a daunting obstacle on her path to growth - securing the funding needed to transition Pastaholics from a ghost kitchen to a brick-and-mortar establishment.
Major banks, unfortunately, were quick to turn down her funding applications, a common experience for many small startup businesses. It became clear that without a supportive partner who understood her unique needs and shared her vision, Pastaholics' expansion dreams would remain out of reach.
THE SOLUTION
BBIF's SOAR Loan Program: Turning Dreams into Reality
In the midst of uncertainty, Shaunya Noble discovered a ray of hope in BBIF's SOAR Loan Program. This program offered the capital necessary to transform her culinary dreams into a tangible reality. What set BBIF apart was not just their financial support but their understanding of Pastaholics' specific requirements.
BBIF's team went the extra mile, tailoring their support to align perfectly with Shaunya's culinary vision. They recognized the transformative potential within Pastaholics and ensured that the financial assistance provided was not just a transaction but a partnership built on trust and dedication.
If I were to recommend BBIF to my best friend I would tell them that they have nothing to worry about. The process is thorough, they are responsive, and the team is very personable and caring.
Shaunya Noble
CEO Pastaholics
THE IMPACT
BBIF's Partnership Catalyzes Pastaholics' Success and Expansion
The results of this extraordinary partnership were nothing short of remarkable. What was once a distant dream - opening a brick-and-mortar location - became a goal well within reach.
Today, Pastaholics stands not only as a culinary delight but as a symbol of resilience, collaboration, and the transformative possibilities that arise when organizations like BBIF join forces with determined entrepreneurs. Shaunya Noble's journey from a ghost kitchen to now being on track to open a brick-and-mortar location is a living testament to the mission and values of BBIF, showcasing the tangible impact CDFIs have on small businesses, particularly those led by BIPOC entrepreneurs.