Pasta Point Leeds, a pasta stand located at the heart of the Leeds Kirkgate Market, has launched with the support of a five-figure Start Up Loan delivered with support from Business Enterprise Fund (BEF).
The funding has enabled founder Andrzej Brudecki (main picture, right) to turn his long-held dream of running a pasta business into reality.
Inspired by family-style home cooking, Pasta Point serves freshly cooked pasta dishes designed to be generous, affordable and high quality.
Since opening, Pasta Point has become a popular destination within Kirkgate Market, known for its welcoming atmosphere, freshly made dishes and Brudecki’s passion for serving food that feels personal. The stand has quickly built a loyal customer base, with visitors travelling from across the region.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The idea for Pasta Point emerged during a challenging period in Brudecki’s life. After losing his job three years ago, he found himself reflecting on his future and began pursuing his long-standing ambition of starting a food business.
He says: “My idea started when I lost my job. When you’ve got so much time, you’re constantly thinking… maybe now, maybe now. Finally, I contacted BEF, and we started the process. I realised it wasn’t that hard. It was possible.
“When I cook, I cook like I cook for my family, and customers love that. They pay me with smiles and good reviews – there’s nothing better for me.”
With support from BEF Investment manager Christian Elvidge (main picture, left), Brudecki successfully applied for a Start Up Loan, giving him the confidence and financial backing to launch Pasta Point without having to rely on personal savings.
PERFECT OPPORTUNITY
Brudecki added: “Everything you see around me is built based on this money. I didn’t use any of my own money, and that was so helpful because it gave me the confidence and time to build everything properly. Without this finance, I would probably never have done it – I was scared to use my savings or to borrow from other banks with higher rates. This was perfect.”
Elvidge adds: “Being here today, I can see how quickly the food is flying out. Andrzej’s idea was strong from the beginning and seeing how well he’s doing now is fantastic.”
