Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaunya Noble
Hi Shaunya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As a kid, I had this thing for designing restaurant menus just for fun. I loved figuring out how each dish fit into the theme—it was more about the creativity than the food itself. I didn’t grow up obsessed with food or anything, but that early love for the dining experience stuck with me. In high school, I started taking culinary classes at a local college, and that’s when I began seriously thinking about food as a career. After that, I went to Johnson & Wales and even studied abroad in Italy. That experience was incredible—it opened my eyes to a level of passion and artistry in cooking that I hadn’t seen before. Still, I wouldn’t say there was one big “aha” moment. Opening a restaurant just felt like the right move at the time, so I went for it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every restaurant journey comes with its fair share of challenges. Whether it’s securing financing, dealing with construction delays, or managing staffing and inventory, there’s always something to navigate. Some days, it feels like everything is working against you, and staying motivated can be tough. But challenges are just part of the process. They’re not always rewarding, but they’re inevitable, and you push through because the work demands it. At the end of the day, it’s about doing what needs to be done to keep things moving forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My restaurant, Pastaholics, is located in the Lee + White Food Hall in the historic West End. Pastaholics is all about fresh, handmade pasta, featuring classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. We’re committed to quality—sourcing the best ingredients and making everything from scratch in our kitchen. In addition to our focus on delivering the highest quality dishes, we give our customers the freedom to create their own meals, allowing them to choose from various sauces, proteins, and toppings. We believe in offering a dining experience that caters to individual tastes and preferences.
I’m proud of Pastaholics because it represents resilience. Over time, it’s changed and adapted, growing stronger with each challenge. What started as an idea has become a restaurant that reflects my belief in what’s possible and my ability to stay hopeful, even through the ups and downs of owning a business. Every setback has shaped Pastaholics, pushing it to improve and find new ways to connect with customers. That resilience is something I’m truly proud of.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Best: What I love most about this city is its rich culture and progressive vibe. There’s something for everyone here—it’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the local culture or stay as low-key as you want. Whether it’s the diverse food scene, the variety of social circles, or the opportunities for both personal and professional growth, the city offers a little bit of everything. From lifestyle choices to job opportunities, it feels like there’s always room to find your place and make it your own. Having traveled around the world, I can honestly say this city still feels like home, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else for long.
Least: Does it really need to be said? The traffic of course. I’m hopeful it improves over time, but for now, it’s just something we have to navigate. While it can be frustrating, it does offer some unexpected benefits—like the time to listen to music, clear my head, or chat with family. Still, I won’t deny that a smoother commute would be a welcome change. I got places to be!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pastaholism.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastaholics_atl/
