Celebrating World Pasta Day -- October 25

Fazoli's Recognizes Winning Schools of Pasta Art Contest

LEXINGTON, Ky., Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- October 25 is World Pasta Day, a day dedicated to highlighting the nutritional and culinary advantages of pasta.  While the special day began in Rome in 1995, it's now recognized around the world.  Fazoli's recently helped kids at schools across the country celebrate the day through art as part of its Pasta Art Contest.  And today, Fazoli's announced the winning entries. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121024/DC99419)

The $2,500 Grand Prize winner was the third grade class at Pedersen Elementary in Altoona, Wisconsin.  Students highlighted French Impressionist artwork with ornate pasta frames painted to complement the artwork.  Second Place went to fifth graders at Kennedy Elementary in Janesville, Wisconsin for their Pasta Peace Tree and Flying Creature Carrying Dreams artwork.  In recognition, Fazoli's will provide a catered meal for the school.  Kindergarteners at Global Village Academy in Northglenn, Colorado took Third Place with various pieces they submitted as a class, and all students will receive coupons for free kids meals from Fazoli's.

Fazoli's had more than 80 schools enter the contest from across the country.  Students really used their "noodles" to celebrate World Pasta Day.  The contest began in September and was open to elementary grade students (K-5^th).  Administrators, teachers, PTAs and parents were all encouraged to get their schools involved.   

Cathy Hull , Fazoli's Chief Marketing Officer, thought all the pieces were inspiring.  "As any parent knows, kids love pasta," said Hull.  "And while they like eating pasta, they also enjoy using pasta noodles to express their creativity.  With so many different pasta shapes and colors, it makes the perfect ingredient for designing sculptures and filling blank canvases.  Fazoli's is pleased to have sparked the imagination of students through this contest."

An American family favorite for more than 20 years, Fazoli's is a leading, next generation QSR.  Already America's largest Italian quick service chain, Fazoli's is expanding in select markets throughout the country.  Founded in Lexington, Ky. in 1989, Sun Capital Partners acquired Fazoli's in 2006.

Contact: John McCauley
Brokaw Inc.
440.263.3964   jmccauley@brokaw.com

SOURCE Fazoli's