Aomori's fresh pasta specialty store "Dari" - Former prefectural employee returns to his hometown and finally opens his dream business
It has been a month since the fresh pasta specialty store "Dari" (Furukawa 1, Aomori City) opened.
This restaurant, which serves dishes using fresh pasta, was opened by former Aomori prefectural employee Ryo Kato, who wanted people to know the deliciousness and appeal of fresh pasta.
Kato, who wanted to start his own business due to the COVID-19 pandemic, retired from his job as a prefectural employee, left Aomori, gained experience in dining and kitchens at restaurants in Tokyo and Fukuoka, and returned to his hometown in 2023. When asked why he opened a fresh pasta specialty store, he said, "I served fresh pasta at a store in Fukuoka. I remembered how distinctive the noodles were, so after returning to my hometown, I ordered some and tried it, and I thought it was delicious. I thought people in Aomori would like it too."
While searching for a store property around Aomori Station, he found a former beauty salon through a connection with a high school classmate. "The owner wanted to turn it into a restaurant, and the deal progressed smoothly," said Kato. He opened temporary shops in Aomori City and Ajigasawa Town, and after making adjustments to operations and improving the menu, he opened the restaurant on August 24th. The name of the restaurant comes from the painter Salvador Dali. "I thought Dali's beard looked like pasta noodles," he said.
The store has an area of about 45.2 square meters. There are 6 counter seats and 12 table seats. The menu includes the standard "Dashi Tomato" (760 yen), two other menu items that change every other week, and a secret menu item "Despair Pasta" (1,100 yen). Drinks include draft beer (770 yen) and apple juice (550 yen). Pasta can be ordered for takeout with a container fee of 30 yen.
Looking back on the first month since opening, Kato said, "We've seen an increase in repeat customers and familiar faces. We want to continue to provide fresh pasta that customers will want to eat again and again." He also said, "By increasing the number of dining options, we want to liven up the lives of the people of Aomori so that they can live more comfortably."
Business hours are 11:00-15:00. Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.