Pasta Zola is a locally owned business to its core. Founders Mitch and Kris Thayer have lived, worked, and dined in the western suburbs of Minneapolis for decades. They decided to put their experiences to the test by building a business from the ground up, and in the process, they've established a place where visitors can do some building of their own, too.

Pasta Zola lets diners customize their pasta dishes. They choose from six different types of pasta, such as rigatoni and whole-wheat penne, before picking from 10 kinds of sauce, such as creamy alfredo or roasted red pepper. Then, instead of shipping uncooked dishes across the globe through an outsourcing program, Pasta Zola has its chefs prepare creations right on the spot. They'll even add extra goodies, including veggies and meats, upon request.