We recently connected with Shaunya Noble and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shaunya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

Of all the decisions that went into opening my restaurant, choosing the name Pastaholics was one of the hardest. It took me a long time to commit to it, partly because I was worried about how it would be received. The term “-holic” implies addiction, and while it’s often used in a lighthearted way, I thought that some people might find it controversial. But at the end of the day, I couldn’t ignore how perfectly it fit.

At its core, Pastaholics captures exactly what I wanted the brand to represent—an undeniable, almost obsessive love for pasta. The name isn’t just about eating pasta; it’s about craving it, appreciating it, and celebrating it in all its forms. Every dish on our menu is crafted with that same level of passion (or rather, dedication, since I don’t love the word “passion”).

The name also connects to our menu’s theme. We take inspiration from mixology, not just in the flavors and creativity of our pasta dishes, but in the way we present them. Just like a well-balanced cocktail, every plate is thoughtfully composed—each sauce, topping, and ingredient working together to create something bold and exciting. Our menu names often reflect this mixology influence, blending the world of pasta with the energy and artistry of craft cocktails.

Ultimately, Pastaholics was the right choice because it sparks curiosity, makes people smile, and most importantly, reflects the way we approach food. It’s not just a name; it’s an identity—one that says pasta isn’t just a meal, it’s a way of life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m the owner of Pastaholics, a fresh pasta concept located in the Lee + White Food Hall in Atlanta’s historic West End. My journey into the culinary world wasn’t something I always envisioned for myself, but looking back, the pieces were always there. As a kid, I used to design restaurant menus just for fun—not because I was obsessed with food, but because I loved the creativity behind how a menu told a story. That early fascination with the dining experience never left me, and in high school, I took culinary classes at a local college, which pushed me to consider food as a serious career.

From there, I attended Johnson & Wales University and eventually studied abroad in Italy. That experience exposed me to a level of craftsmanship and dedication to pasta-making that completely reshaped my perspective. But there was never a single “aha” moment that led me to open *Pastaholics*. It was more of a natural step—when the time felt right, I went for it.

At *Pastaholics*, we focus on high-quality, handmade pasta dishes with a modern twist. Everything is made from scratch using carefully sourced ingredients. We also give customers the freedom to create their own meal by choosing from a variety of sauces, proteins, and toppings, making every dish a personalized experience.

What sets Pastaholics apart is the combination of tradition and creativity. While we respect the artistry of classic pasta-making, we’re not afraid to mix things up, drawing inspiration from different flavors and techniques.

Above all, Pastaholics represents resilience. The business has evolved over time, adapting to challenges and growing stronger with each one. I take pride in the fact that no matter what, we keep moving forward, constantly refining what we do and finding new ways to connect with our customers. *Pastaholics* isn’t just about pasta—it’s about the belief that with the right mindset and determination, you can turn an idea into something real, something meaningful.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn as a business owner is the idea that hard work alone guarantees success. There’s a common belief that if you just push through, put in long hours, and give it your all, things will automatically fall into place. But the reality is, effort without strategy can lead to burnout rather than progress. I had to shift my mindset from simply working hard to working smart—focusing on efficiency, delegation, and making calculated decisions rather than just powering through obstacles.

Another lesson I learned is to let go of the idea that absolute perfection is the goal. In business, nothing ever goes exactly as planned. I’ve learned that adaptability and consistency matter more than perfection. It’s about making the best decision with the information you have, adjusting when needed, and continuously improving rather than chasing an unattainable standard.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a reputation in the food industry comes down to two key things: consistency and quality. From day one, I’ve focused on making sure every dish at Pastaholics meets the same high standard—fresh, handmade pasta, carefully sourced ingredients, and flavors that are both comforting and exciting. Customers remember when a meal exceeds their expectations, but more importantly, they come back when they know they can count on that experience every time. No matter how creative or innovative a dish may be, it doesn’t matter if the execution isn’t reliable.

Beyond the food itself, consistency also applies to how we operate as a business. Whether it’s customer service, kitchen efficiency, or overall brand identity, maintaining a strong and steady presence has been crucial in building trust. People notice when a business is committed to quality, even when no one’s watching. That dedication, day in and day out, is what has helped Pastaholics stand out in a competitive market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pastaholism.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastaholics_atl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastaholicsATL