Minnesota, Europe, Oregon, Colorado. An unlikely geographical zig-zag, yet endearingly the foundations of Gregg Braha and Gina Solazzi’s love story. After meeting in college, they spent three months bicycling Europe. Gina’s family lives in Italy and after their tired wheels landed them in Italy, they rekindled relationships with these familial locals. The food, company—the air alone—left a new ping in their souls and Pasta di Solazzi began taking shape in them.
Gregg and Gina met a pasta maker during their stint in Oregon who encouraged them to purchase a pasta machine. The only catch? “You must not open a pasta shop near here.”
Colorado Sunshine
That’s the permission they needed to trade in cloudy skies and constant rain for Colorado’s sunshine. The machine followed their arrival to Colorado Springs as well as their destiny of salt, flour, eggs and a deli. In time, they built relationships with customers and had three beautiful baby girls. The children brought a spark to the deli and added love to the experiences of their guests. Years passed and countless bellies satisfied, all from a corner spot on Uintah.
In all of the ways that 9/11 affected the American people, the aftermath included Pasta di Solazzi, as well. Months prior, they’d transitioned to a larger space off of Centennial in expectation of several established, out-of-state companies relocating there. Following the American tragedy, none of those companies came to Colorado Springs, causing all but one business nearby to close their doors. Greg went back to school and earned his masters in teaching. Gina went to work at a non-profit.
They’ve lived a good life.
Pasta: A Second Chance
Three sweet daughters who grew up in Pasta Di Solazzi—taking capers to school for lunch, helping to package pasta—recently approached their parents with a plan to reopen what they loved so dearly. Gregg and Gina are tickled, eager and humbled by their girls’ memories and desire to share with the public what they’ve only enjoyed at home as grown women. They’ve breathed life back into what once was.
Their loyal customers have returned and Gina is enjoying being back in the kitchen. For $50 a month, they’ll deliver 2 pints of sauce and 2 pounds of pasta. And as they say, “Our pasta is so good it makes people happy!”
Website: https://www.pastadisolazzi.com/
Facebook + Instagram: @PastaDiSolazzi