NEWS & VIEWS

Cheryl Kempf, our Vice President of Real Estate, joined Villa Restaurant Group (VRG) following the acquisition of Everything Yogurt Brands in 2003. Since then, she has been an integral part of our Business Development Division; where she has worked with her team to support our corporate and franchise restaurants, as well as our real estate partners.

If you ask Cheryl what she likes most about VRG, “each day is never really the same and many times you will find yourself being included in different initiatives”; offering her the ability to present ideas and utilize her industry knowledge and skills. Cheryl believes that she has learned a great deal from those around her and took pa...

During the pandemic, I had the amazing opportunity to intern for Villa Restaurant Group. This experience has positively impacted my understanding of marketing and working as a team in a business environment. Not only that, but it showed me how a company puts people first.

The Guest was consistently at the forefront of all of the company’s decisions, and they were always considered in every actionable step. In order to do that, they knew the importance of their employees. Every interaction from the executive team, all the way down to other interns showed this. The company culture always emphasized open communication and encouraged constructive feedback. This made for a great learning ex...

As we end Women’s History Month, we are shining a spotlight on Roxanne Lapena, Manager at Office Tavern Grill, Ridgewood, NJ. When she came to VRG, Roxanne was not looking for a change, she was recruited because of her culinary school education, and her proven restaurant experience in different venues. Through these experiences, she developed the value of Guest service and the importance of building and cultivating an awesome team! Face Mask on or off, Roxanne believes that her goal as a leader is to spread kindness throughout the world, and to treat people fairly and with respect. She knows Guests come to the restaurant for the experience, and many times (especially over this last pa...

Who: Joann Beckles – Co Manager at Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen, Newark International Airport

How long have you been with Villa? Joann was hired on Valentines Day, 2001!

What is your primary area of responsibility? With previous airport experience, I was hired to take care of the Front of House (FOH), to make sure that our Guests are taken care of. Sure, I know how to prepare all the food, but I know my best skills are in Guest Service. Many people think that at an airport, we don’t have "regular Guests", but we do. Many of our regulars are business travelers that look forward to stopping by Villa on the way out, or when coming home. This is what energizes me to do my best!

What posi...

VRG would like to recognize all our Team Members, as well as all men and women who serve our country! We thank you for your service!
At our Corporate Office, we have two Veterans we’d like to spotlight:

Ryan Juliano, Senior Business Analyst, who has been with VRG since July 2016, served seven (7) years in the Army, based in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Ryan was deployed in Baghdad, Mosul, and Tel Afar as part of the Airborne Infantryman with the 82md Airborne Division. He did three (3) tours in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a radio telephone operator, sniper, and fire team leader; he left the military as a Staff Sergeant. Ryan is proud to come from a military family - his g...

Morristown, NJ-Based Global Multi-Brand Restaurant Operator and Franchisor Begins Operating Part of Its Food Hall in the Newly Redeveloped Terminal B of LaGuardia Airport

MORRISTOWN, NJ (July 2020) Morristown-based Villa Restaurant Group (VRG), a global multi-brand restaurant operator and franchisor, has announced the opening of the Food Hall offering quick-service dining options at LaGuardia Airport Terminal B.

Located post-security at the all new Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall, Villa Restaurant Group has won the rights to a well-earned long-term contract to serve the travelers with a modern food hall that houses fresh, hot local concepts. The Food Hall includes Villa Restaurant G...

This month, we are proud to shine our spotlight on Inocente Rayas!

Inocente is an Assistant Manager, Villa Italian Kitchen - Phoenix Premium Outlets for the past 22 years. He is a dedicated team member committed to his work, responsible, excellent guest service always ready for the new changes of the VRG. Above all, he likes to share his experiences and knowledge with each team members who start within the VRG. For all that and more he deserve to be recognized for long career with VRG.

Thank you for your contribution to VRG, Inocente -- we appreciate your passion in all that you do!

Guests Invited to Experience the Brand’s 4^th North Jersey Location with 40 Rotating Beers on Tap and More!

MORRISTOWN, NJ (January 2, 2019) — The Office Tavern Grill, serving modern twists on traditional American comfort classics, is proud to announce the official opening of its newest location, coming to East Hanover, New Jersey on Monday, January 20. The new location in East Hanover, at 240 Route 10 in the Hanover Commons, will be the fourth incarnation for the brand statewide, and will feature outdoor seating with a fire pit and expansive space inside the restaurant for approximately 160 guests. The Office Tavern Grill is the perfect venue for events year-round, and is able to ...

Who: Miranda Kuhrt - Server at Black Horse Tavern & Pub in Mendham, NJ

How long have you been with Villa: 3 months

How has Villa helped in your development: I have only been with Villa a short time as a Server, but have already learned so much -- and I'm happy to be with a company that is helping me to save up for college.

What keeps you with Villa: I love our Guests, and the incredible staff here at the Black Horse! The people I work with are the most wonderful part of every day.

What sets Villa apart in the industry: The atmosphere of our staff and managers really sets VRG apart from other restaurant groups -- things with Villa are always professional, but feel laid back and familial.

What are ...

Who: Christina Running - Bartender at Steelworks at Wind Creek in Bethlehem, PA

How long have you been with Villa: 5 years

How has Villa helped in your development: With Villa, I have been a Server, Trainer, Bartender, and Keyholder. Overall, the company has given me the resources I needed to succeed and grow.

What keeps you with Villa: I like taking care of the Guests! That, and the consistent opportunity to grow further within the company.

What sets Villa apart in the industry: First and foremost, we are family-oriented. I pride myself on treating every Guest as though they were in my own home. We offer all types of cuisine, and have a fine attention to detail that we give our Guests.

What are ...