WALLINGFORD — After finding success selling his handmade pasta at farmers’ markets, a local man is opening a business on Route 5.

Nick Imbriglio, a town resident and owner of Passionately Pasta, sold at the Wallingford Farmers’ Market this past season and has watched his business grow. 

“It’s a real pleasure to know that I have a product that yes I am proud of but it also relies on the people enjoying it as well,” Imbriglio said. “For me I have seen a significant growth in the business.”

The new business, located at 204 N. Colony Road (Route 5),  will offer about two dozen types of pasta, including rigatoni, gnocchi sardi, tortellini and ravioli. Customers can also try gluten free rigatoni. It is expected to open later this month or early next month.

The Johnson and Wales graduate mills his own flour. 

“About six or seven years ago a friend showed me how to make ravioli and tortellini,” he said. “I just fell in love with pasta because it’s kind of like a mental yoga, it’s me going into a peaceful zone. I realized I could do it all day long and provide for people.”

Jon Scagnelli, Wallingford Farmers’ Market supervisor, has witnessed how well Imbriglio has done at the market. 

“Any of my vendors wanting to pursue a brick and mortar store, I think it’s a great opportunity,” Scagnelli said. “Nick has a superior product that people really like. He would sell out at every market so it’s definitely a demand for it.” 

As a Wallingford native, Imbriglio said all if his best memories are in the town, adding he is excited about the new endeavor. 

“I love Wallingford with all my heart,” he said. “My hopes are that I can provide not only something people in my town can enjoy but something that continues to sustain and fulfill my heart. There’s a lot of things I could be doing but I feel like this is what I’m meant to do in my life.”

fwilliams@record-journal.com203-317-2373Twitter: @faith_williams2