18-02-2025
Local Italian restaurant announces permanent closing of Ames location
A popular Ames Italian restaurant is closing, according to an announcement on Facebook Monday afternoon.
Pasta Al Forno, located on East 13th Street, will close on Sunday. The owners indicated that staffing issues led to the decision.
"Due to ongoing staffing shortages, we are unable to maintain the level of service and quality that you have come to expect from us," the social media post said.
Pasta Al Forno is a family-owned restaurant that opened at 2601 E. 13th St. in Ames in the spring of 2023. The restaurant quickly became known for its scratch-made dishes, including delicious homemade rolls served complimentary to every table.
"Reflecting on our journey together, we have cherished every moment spent serving you," the restaurant said in its announcement. "From our first day opening to the countless celebrations, we are grateful for the support you've shown for almost 2 years. Your loyalty has made our restaurant a beloved part of the community."
Customers with gift certificates are encouraged to use them during their final days of operation.
Pasta Al Forno's authentic, made-from-scratch Italian dishes are an ode to family recipes developed over 75 years in the restaurant business.
Owned by chef John Kelmendi, his brother and head chef Visar Kelmendi, as well as their brother-in-law, chef Aron Dreshaj, the establishment is located at the east end of Quality Inn and Suites.
The family immigrated to the U.S. in 1985 from Albania, where the Kelmendi family owned a restaurant near Italy, which they operated for several generations.
'Our family had restaurants always,' John Kelmendi said in a previous interview with the Ames Tribune in 2023. 'We grew up in the restaurant business with our parents and grandparents.'
John Kelmendi practically has marinara sauce in his blood, he said, thanks to a 75-year history of family-owned restaurants. The local businessmen stay true to their heritage, delicately crafting each meal.
'We use the same recipes. We never have changed them. The tomato sauce, fresh marinara sauce, pretty much everything,' Kelmendi said. 'Each plate, each dish is started from scratch.'
More: A new Ames store touts one-of-a-kind vintage and handmade products
Kelmendi's family first settled in New York, then lived in Texas for several years before coming to Iowa.
They've owned Pasta Bella in Mason City since 2014, a business that grew from a tiny space to a large, newly constructed building.
More: This Ames surgery center closed recently, canceled all appointments and scrubbed its website
'We've been doing great in Mason City and have very great supporters there,' he said in 2023. 'We decided to open a second restaurant in Ames because it's a college town and there's a wonderful population here.'
Pasta Al Forno, which translates from Italian to baked pasta, offers a large selection of dishes from northern Italy, though the menu is rounded out with selections from all over the country.
Pasta Al Forno is closed on Mondays but opens at 11 a.m. every other day of the week. They'll stay open until 10 p.m. on Sunday.
Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rfaaborg@
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Pasta Al Forno is closing after two years in Ames
