Fusillo Pasta Unveils Fast-Casual Italian Dining in St. Pete’s EDGE District

Fusillo Italian Pasta will open at 905 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg's EDGE District by late February or early March 2026. This fast-casual spot will serve handmade pasta made fresh each day in a 700-square-foot space.

Dine-in service? Check. Grab-and-go options? You bet. Co-owner Alessandro Casali aims to keep doors open Sunday through Thursday until around 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays get extended hours, running until 1 or 2 a.m. to catch late-night visitors.

"We'll have a main counter where people can order fresh pasta to eat inside or take back to the office or home," Casali said in a conversation reported by St. Pete Rising. "All of our pasta will be handmade every day."

Casali and business partner Giangiacomo Greco grew up together in Italy. Their paths took different turns. Casali worked as a civil engineer on marine bridge projects for Italy's largest motorway company, while Greco served as an officer with the Carabinieri and ran a restaurant in Milan.

Last summer, both men left their jobs to start this venture. Miami came up first but proved too expensive for a startup.

"When we came to St. Pete, we immediately loved the vibe, the people, and how much Central Avenue, especially the EDGE District, is growing," said Casali to St. Pete Rising.

Six pasta dishes will anchor the menu, each with sauces prepared from scratch using traditional recipes. Pomodorini & Burrata comes with fusilli, burrata, datterini tomato sauce, crumbled pistachio, and basil. Carbonara gets made with tonnarelli, guanciale, egg yolks, Roman pecorino, and black pepper.

Cacio & Pepe, Alfredo, Pesto di Pistacchi, and Nerano round out the offerings. Flour imported from Italy forms the base, and cooks will prepare all pasta al dente.

A large glass window will let guests watch the pasta-making process from start to finish. Inside seating accommodates about 10 to 12 guests. Outdoor seating for around eight more awaits city approval.

Drinks? Imported Italian reds, whites, and sparkling wines. A small selection of beers too. Desserts include affogato and Torta della Nonna — a lemony tart filled with Italian pastry cream and topped with toasted pine nuts.

Nash's Hot Chicken occupied this location before sitting vacant for nearly two years. The owners are wrapping up a full interior renovation and securing a beer and wine license.