Pastamore may be closing, but the family says it’s not the end

Pastamore may be closing, but the family says it’s not the end

June 16, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Entertainment

Pastamore, a longtime West Island Italian institution in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, is closing its dining room as owner Vince Curro retires after more than 30 years. According to Curro and his son Gianluca, the business will transition to an online operation selling fresh pasta and sauces directly to customers.

Why is the Pastamore dining room closing?

Owner Vince Curro decided to retire to prioritize his health. Curro stated that “if you don’t stop, the system will stop you.”

The decision follows decades of high-pressure operations. During the pandemic, Curro estimated he worked nearly 100 hours a week to maintain the business through takeout, grocery sales, and online ordering.

Curro noted that while food and labor costs have risen, the primary driver for the closure was the relentless demand of the restaurant industry.

Did You Know? In 2017, Curro invested $1.2 million to move the business to a larger stand-alone location in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, a gamble that saw roughly 90 per cent of his customers follow him.

What happens to the Pastamore brand?

The business itself is not closing. Vince and Gianluca Curro plan to launch an online operation to sell the company’s fresh pasta and sauces.

The Curro family retains ownership of the Pastamore brand and holds the trademark across Canada. While another business will take over the physical restaurant location, the brand name remains with the family.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that pivoting from a high-overhead dining room to a direct-to-consumer online model allows a legacy brand to maintain its market presence while eliminating the physical and financial strain of full-service hospitality.

How did the business evolve since 1981?

Mario and Maria Novati, along with partner Nino Ravenda, founded Pastamore in 1981 at Marché de l’Ouest. Vince Curro took over the business in the early 1990s.

How did the business evolve since 1981?

Under Curro’s leadership, the business expanded its menu and established a catering operation. This growth eventually led to the 2017 relocation to a stand-alone facility.

What may happen next for the business?

The company could potentially grow its footprint beyond its current region. Gianluca Curro stated he hopes to expand beyond Montreal, utilizing the family’s national trademark.

The transition to a digital-first model may allow the business to scale its sauce and pasta sales without the constraints of a physical dining room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Pastamore close its dining room?
Owner Vince Curro decided to retire after more than 30 years to prioritize his health.

Will customers still be able to buy Pastamore products?
Yes. The business is launching an online operation to sell fresh pasta and sauces directly to customers.

Who originally founded the business?
Pastamore was founded in 1981 by Mario and Maria Novati and business partner Nino Ravenda.

How do you feel about longtime local institutions shifting from physical storefronts to online-only models?