Women in Business: Linda Croley - Bare Naked Noodles
As the only individual selling artisan pasta made by hand in Alabama, Bare Naked Noodles owner Linda Croley takes her craft very seriously.
“We make it the old school way: hand-rolled and formed using equipment they used many generations ago in Italy. We also use the finest ingredients available, locally sourced when possible,” Croley said.
The handcrafted noodles can be sampled through made-to-order, individual carry out meals at the Greystone location.
A chef sautées carry-out meals after customers choose from a selection of noodles and sauces that can be customized with protein or vegetables. An online menu is updated weekly with a rotating selection of fresh and frozen prepared meals.
“I go out of my way to make sure my food looks as good as it tastes,” Croley said.
The eye for detail is also evidenced through made-to-order pasta, available using core flavors that can be customized in shape and color. The special order pasta can be added to custom gift baskets, as favors at weddings and private events or served at catered events.
When catering weddings or private events, the team at Bare Naked Noodles provides cuisine that reaches far beyond Italian to include Mexican, American, Thai and more. If a request is made for a cuisine type Croley and her team are unfamiliar with, they’ll eagerly welcome an opportunity to research and perfect new recipes.
“The staff and I love coming up with new combinations and flavors to tuck inside filled pastas. We always have tastings throughout the day to try something new or to experiment with a new idea. We research history of dishes. When we look at the origin of a specific dish, we’re able to learn what types of vegetables, sauces and proteins come from the same region and would enhance the flavors,” she said.
The passion for education extends to cooking classes, which are offered for couples or small groups.
“We enjoy spending time with customers to learn what they’re planning to prepare. We offer recommendations on which dishes pair best with our various pasta flavors. No matter what they are thinking of buying, I make sure they know what’s in the product and how to cook it.”
The passion for teaching others also extends to mentoring. As Croley looks to add more locations in the coming years, she has also recalibrated her definition of success for Bare Naked Noodles.
“I’m proud to see how far I’ve already come, but I’ll feel that my business is successful when I can lock the door for the last time, turn the key over to a future partner and be confident that it can fly without me,” she said.
When that time comes, Croley will continue enjoying her talents in the form of her personal favorite meal: handmade ravioli using brightly colored dough and filled with short ribs or duck.
“I know you can buy Italian food anywhere, but not like this. There is nothing better than ravioli made within 30 minutes of eating it,” she said.
► WHERE: 5511 U.S. 280, Suite 109
► CALL: 305-2715 or 423-5293
► WEBSITE: barenakednoodles.com
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