As the owner and operator of Pasta Boss, Kevin Ziebart brings a refreshing take on Italian cuisine with a unique concept that has Salem residents buzzing: a build-your-own pasta bowl experience with unlimited toppings—all for one price. Located in North Salem across the parking lot from Fred Meyer on Broadway St NE, Pasta Boss is more than just another restaurant; it’s the culmination of Kevin’s vision and hard work in creating a place where families and food lovers can come together for a quality, customizable meal.
Kevin’s story begins in North Salem, where he was born and raised. With a long-standing love for feeding people and a talent for entertaining, he always dreamed of opening a restaurant. “I’ve always enjoyed cooking and feeding people,” he explained. However, it wasn’t until he had spent years working in the marketing and promotions department at the Oregon Lottery that the idea for a pasta restaurant began to take shape. On a work road trip, a colleague mentioned that they thought a “mod-pasta” style restaurant would be a hit. Something clicked for Kevin. “I thought it was a really cool idea, and I told him I was going to figure out how to make it work,” he said.
And he did. Kevin spent nearly six years testing pasta recipes, sauces, and techniques at home, figuring out everything from fresh pasta making to proper food storage. By 2020, he was ready to take the leap, but the timing wasn’t easy. “We were about to start, and then COVID hit,” Kevin shared. Like many, he found himself navigating layoffs and uncertainty as the pandemic impacted his marketing career. This unexpected turn gave Kevin the final push to bring Pasta Boss to life. “I figured it was now or never, and I decided to go for it,” he said.
Finding the right location wasn’t simple, either. Kevin initially aimed for a spot in another part of town, but landlords were hesitant about bringing a restaurant into their spaces. After months of searching and paperwork, his realtor introduced him to a prime spot near Fred Meyer in North Salem. It was a bright, welcoming space with big windows—perfect for the inviting atmosphere Kevin wanted. “The landlord really saw the vision and understood the concept, and everything fell into place from there,” he explained.
What makes Pasta Boss truly stand out is its one-of-a-kind model: unlimited toppings for a single price, which is based on the size of the pasta bowl. For customers, this means no extra charges for those favorite add-ons, whether it’s grilled chicken, meatballs, veggies or any other of the 45 toppings to choose from. Kevin explains that this is what sets Pasta Boss apart from other restaurants in the area. “As far as I know, we’re the only pasta restaurant in the nation that does unlimited toppings without charging extra,” he noted. “A lot of people will say other places do it, but when I check, they’re still charging for extras.”
All pasta is made fresh daily. “Fresh pasta cooks really quickly and tastes a thousand times better than boxed pasta,” Kevin said. Each bowl also comes with a slice of their signature garlic toast, making it a satisfying meal from start to finish.
In addition to fresh pasta, the restaurant also boasts a selection of homemade sauces that range from classic Alfredo and marinara to unique options like Alfredo with basil pesto or mac and cheese sauce which adds to the flavor and quality that customers love. While toppings are a fun part of the experience, Kevin says the fresh pasta and homemade sauces are at the heart of what makes Pasta Boss special.
Affordability is also a big part of the Pasta Boss experience. Kevin wants Pasta Boss to be a place where families can enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank. “We hear a lot from customers that they get a lot of food for the price, and that’s important to us,” he explained. “We want a family of four to come in and be able to eat well for under fifty bucks.” For Kevin, providing quality and value isn’t just good business; it’s a way to give back to the community he loves.
Pasta Boss also keeps things interesting with daily specials that have quickly become local favorites. “Toasty Tuesdays” is one such special, where customers get an extra piece of garlic toast with every bowl. “We have people who just love our garlic toast and come back every Tuesday for it,” Kevin shared. Other specials include “buy one, get one half-off” deals on Mondays or dollar drinks on Thursdays which make Pasta Boss a fun and affordable choice throughout the week.
In October 2024, Pasta Boss celebrated its one-year anniversary. As the business continues to grow, Kevin is looking forward to doing more for the Salem community. Although the first year has been focused on getting the business up and running, Kevin has big plans to support local schools and youth programs in the future. He’s particularly passionate about helping children in need and aims to use Pasta Boss as a platform for positive impact.
Kevin is also grateful to have his business partner, Jared Baumgardner (pictured above), involved in the project. Based in Portland, Jared brings a wealth of business expertise and connections that have been instrumental in guiding Pasta Boss’s growth. While Kevin handles day-to-day operations in Salem, Jared focuses on networking and strategic planning, making the duo a strong team for the business’s future success.
With fresh pasta, homemade sauces, customizable options, and an affordable, family-friendly approach, Pasta Boss is bringing something exciting to Salem. Whether you’re a pasta lover who enjoys experimenting with flavors or someone looking for a hearty meal that won’t break the bank, Pasta Boss has a bowl for you. But don’t take our word for it, swing by and create your own bowl for lunch or dinner.
Photo Credits: Pasta Boss
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Aug. 28th, 2024