Five-unit Seattle chain Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria has acquired a small gnocchi-making business, the restaurant announced this week.
Gnocchi Bar, founded by chef and owner Lisa Nakamura, was a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Seattle several years ago, before closing to become a gnocchi supplier for Tutta Bella as well as area retailers.
“Gnocchi Bar gnocchi is a true Seattle staple and Lisa is one of our city’s true artisans,” Tutta Bella founder and CEO Joe Fugere said in a statement.
Tutta Bella said it plans to expand Gnocchi Bar’s reach in grocery stores as well as through “nontraditional” distribution channels across the Pacific Northwest.
“Over the past couple of years, there’s been a noticeable shift in consumer behavior, with many of our guests eating more and more of their meals inside their own home,” Fugere said. “It’s been more evident during the pandemic and we’re working diligently to adjust and identify ways to reach guests beyond our restaurants.”
Tutta Bella said Gnocchi Bar's products will continue to be made by hand, with chefs going through training sessions led by Nakamura.
Tutta Bella, a wood-fired pizza concept, was founded in Seattle in 2004. In addition to its five restaurants, it has a mobile food truck and two restaurants located inside QFC grocery stores.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.