The Pasta House Company, founded in 1974, specializes in Italian cuisine with old country flavor. It is a restaurant chain that operates various company-owned and franchised restaurants in Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky. Its menu includes more than 25 pasta varieties and over 15 specialty chicken, beef and seafood entrees. The company serves different types of appetizers, sandwiches and salads. Its restaurants provide a selection of dinner wines, cocktails and desserts, as well as offer special take-out and party menus. The Pasta House Company offers a children’s menu that features spaghetti, meatballs, toasted ravioli and chicken fingers. Its Mangia Bene menu offers low-fat, low-calorie and low-cholesterol selections. The company s restaurants offer the ambiance of an Italian import grocery store with framed Italian prints. Some of the restaurants also feature exhibition kitchens, which provide opportunities for diners to observe the chefs at work. The Pasta House Company offers gift certificates and conducts various in-house events and contests. It maintains a location in Cape Girardeau, Mo.