Zelli Pasta to Open Shop in Fayetteville

The pasta brand will anchor a new mixed-use development inside a former church building near Gulley Park.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Zelli Pasta to Open Shop in Fayetteville

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Zelli Pasta has signed on as the first commercial tenant for a redevelopment project at the site of the former Township Baptist Church in Fayetteville. The brand plans to open a market and sandwich shop in 1,500 square feet of ground-floor space.

Why it matters

The project aims to integrate the historic building and new housing into the existing neighborhood character. The development is designed to blend residential growth with local commercial access near the popular park.

Zelli Pasta will utilize 1,500 square feet of the church building's 7,600 total square feet of commercial space. The development also includes the construction of eight attached townhomes on the 1.17-acre property.

The players

Zelli Pasta

This is a culinary brand founded by Mitchell Owen and Angelina Bowen in 2022.

CJC Development

This is the real estate firm leading the redevelopment of the former Township Baptist Church site.

Fayetteville City Council

This is the local governing body that manages zoning changes and municipal infrastructure projects.

The details

The development by CJC Development transforms a church site into a mixed-use hub facing Gulley Park. Zelli Pasta founders Mitchell Owen and Angelina Bowen established the company in 2022 and are now bringing their retail operations to this new Fayetteville location.

Zelli Pasta was founded in 2022.
Fayetteville City Council approved property rezoning in October 2024.
Townhomes are expected to be offered for sale in the first quarter of 2027.
Construction is expected to be completed in June 2027.

Market Landscape

This project reflects a broader trend of repurposing institutional properties to densify urban neighborhoods with mixed-use commercial and residential space. The initiative positions the developers to capitalize on the increasing demand for walkable, park-adjacent amenities in Fayetteville.

Residents can expect the addition of new retail and dining options within walking distance of Gulley Park once the project is finished. Homebuyers may also find new housing inventory available in the area beginning in early 2027.

The takeaway

Mixed-use developments often serve as catalysts for neighborhood revitalization by combining local commerce with new housing options. Residents should keep an eye on project timelines to track how these additions influence local traffic and property demand.