The building The Pasta Factory calls home was built by University of Missouri graduate, E.W. Stephens, to house his publishing company and newspaper, the Columbia Herald. For 75 years, the E.W. Stephens Publishing Company was one of the largest printing and book manufacturing companies in the Midwest. Leaving its mark in history, the Stephens Company was the first Columbia firm to hire women.

To replace individual wood burning stoves, a coal-fired boiler was added to heat the building. The Boiler Room later became The Pasta Factory's multi-purpose banquet facility for parties, award ceremonies and other event. Regular customer Polly Anna Dunavant was an employee of the publishing company. She recalls inserting printed pages in encyclopedias. Ms. Dunavant also has vivid memories of the building being the home of Lucille's Fabric Store and the Columbia Art League.

The restaurant and bar was originally opened in 1976 at Crossroads West Shopping Center by Mike Kroenke and Dennis Harper. Four years later, it was bought by MU alum R. Otto Maly. In 1986, The Pasta Factory became a tenant of the Stephens building, one of Columbia's oldest historical landmarks.


longtime employees Jennifer & Jason Dubinski became the current restaurant owners. The Pasta Factory still charms its patrons with superb Italian dishes and a unique atmosphere of vintage novelties and mementos. During nice weather, meet your friends right outside in the quaint New Orleans style courtyard. Whether enjoying lunch, dinner or Monday's "All Nighter" happy hour, you'll be delighted with The Pasta Factory's first class dining and impressive service.

In March of 2011, The Pasta Factory closed their downtown location on East Broadway. The owners moved all their belongings three miles to West Broadway and Fairview in the Fairview Marketplace. The new location offers lots of free parking and a cozy, casual atmosphere! Great Happy Hour specials are available in the historic bar and quick, easy carry-out. Their family-friendly atmosphere and great pasta dishes, keep the locals coming back for more.

The Dubinskis are very excited for their customers to experience their new location. They are still providing great food, charm and history on Broadway since 1976!