Images: James Maiolo
A pasta bar in Aldgate has jumped on board a few new social media trends in an effort to rejuvenate the restaurant’s dining scene.
It was back in 2021, when Spaghetti Head opened as a haven for pasta lovers, with multiple fresh pasta dishes created each day, including much sought-after vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Owners Ash Sleiman and Amanda Cordina are Stirling locals who at the time of opening spotted a big gap in the market within the hills.
The couple had been weighing up whether to continue the business and commit to another long lease, at a time when financial pressure is being felt across the hospitality industry and beyond.
“We were at that point where we were weighing up whether it was worth it or not,” Ash said. “I think it’s just been financially difficult for everybody in the industry and outside of the industry.”
“Everyone’s been going through a certain level of financial strain for what feels like a very long time now.”
To combat this, the team reached out to South Australian entrepreneur behind The Oodie, Davey Fogarty, who was inviting business owners to email if they were interested in his help.
Ash and his wife sent off an email, then heard nothing for so long that they largely forgot about it. But almost a year later, Davey’s team got back in touch and from there the process began.
“The first thing Davey did when he came in was explain that you need to keep up with certain trends and what people are looking at the most online,” Ash said.
“When he searched for pasta trends, coloured pasta was one of the first things that showed up on his feed.”
Ash was challenged by Davey to create an eye-catching pasta that would get views and therefore more business but it’s safe to say that the blue pasta tasted exactly how it looked.
“I had a try, and I was very happy that we moved on very quickly from that idea,” Ash said.
“The idea of something being bright and visual to capture people’s attention very quickly evolved into the sauces instead of the pasta.”
From there began the coloured pasta sauce specials.
Think brightly coloured Cassarecce Alla Rosta and Spaghetti All Peperone to Campanelle Alla Zucca worth taking a second look at.
“Our menu is really traditional Italian fresh pasta dishes,” Ash said. “We hadn’t really ventured out, done anything crazy, or even looked at what videos online were getting the most attention when it came to pasta.”
“(Davey) educated us on the importance of doing your research and seeing what gets people’s attention online.”
The result has been a big support from the local community and people travelling in and spending time to actually eat in store rather than order takeout and be on their way.
The reality is that even with their amazing food, an online presence is essential.
“You can’t just rely on serving good food and assume people will come,” Ash said.
“I think times have changed over the years, and everything is based online now.”
Ash describes Spaghetti Head as a casual family restaurant where everything is made in-house, including fresh pasta, handmade gnocchi, gluten-free pasta and vegan pasta. A big point of difference is that the gnocchi is entirely gluten-free, and the gluten-free pasta is fresh rather than packet-made.
If you’re looking for something a bit different, but still great quality taste and a way to support local this is your sign to stop in at Spaghetti Head.
Spaghetti Head
When: Wed – Fri, 5pm – late: Saturday, 9am – 2pm: Sunday, 5pm – late
Where: Shop 3, 232 Mount Barker Road, Aldgate
For more info, click here.
