The phrase “from our family to yours” represents Villa’s corporate identity. But what does it really mean? To us, it’s much more than a slogan. It expresses the warmth and daily commitment to quality upon which Villa Restaurant Group was founded.
The Villa brands are a family franchise. For over 5 decades, our immediate family has worked side-by-side with our extended “business family” to offer personalized food and service to our valued customers. From the first day, our family’s name and our family’s future have depended upon the quality and consistency of our food and service.
That’s why we are so proud of our success. We’ve come a very long way, and our family still stands behind all of our businesses, products and concepts.
While it’s true that Villa Restaurant Group has expanded to include a large portfolio of brands, you can be assured that we’ll always take pride in being a company managed by one great, big family. What does all this mean to you? It means a more personal touch in food preparation, and a more family-oriented approach to supporting franchisees and helping them ensure the success of their families’ businesses and futures.
Proud of where we started, conscious of what got us to where we are today, mindful of the respect and regard that we owe to our customers and the partners who helped us thrive and grow … we will never lose sight of the values that started it all.
Sincerely,
Ben & Anthony Scotto
What started in 1964 as a tiny pizzeria next to the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City has grown into an international organization with numerous QSR franchise concepts and six full-service concepts. From authentic New York pizza and classic Italian fare, to healthy salads and gourmet entrees, Villa Restaurant Group boasts an array of flavors to please most every customer.
Michele Scotto, founder of Villa Pizza, set out to realize his dream by adhering to the time-honored cooking processes and authentic recipes of the Old World. This principle, coupled with genuine hospitality and a strict devotion to preparing products with the freshest possible ingredients every day would become the driving force behind Villa’s success.
VILLA opens up its first location in NYC on Broadway next door to the famous Ed Sullivan Theater!
1964
Our 1st NJ location opens in Edison!
1969
As the indoor shopping malls started … VILLA opens it’s first mall location in Rockaway, New Jersey … which is still operating to this day!
1977
Pizza Today Magazine lists VILLA as 1st in the Fastest Growing Category!
1980
VILLA opens its 40th location.
1992
Our 1st airport location opens in Orlando International Airport.
1994
In 1996, VILLA opens its first international location in Michele’s homeland - Naples, Italy. Currently we have over 15 locations in Italy.
1996
VILLA acquires Florida based Cozzoli’s Pizzeria.
1999
VILLA purchases Everything Yogurt Brands…and the basis for Green Leaf’s and Bananas starts. In addition, VILLA also buys South Philly Steaks & Fries a cheesesteak concept.
2003
Celebrating our 40th anniversary , VILLA opens our TIMES SQUARE FLAGSHIP LOCATION at the corner of 42nd Street and 8th Avenue in NYC.
2004
VILLA expands into casinos and opens at Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ and Red Rock Casino & Spa in Las Vegas.
2006
The birth of our Full Service division begins with the purchase of Black Horse Tavern/Pub, Mackenzie’s Steakhouse, George & Martha’s, Il Forno, and Café Villa.
2007
VILLA opens at the Prudential Center Sports Arena in Newark, NJ and the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA operating five (5) different brands. Total casino locations is now 14!
2009
VILLA continues to expand the Full Service Division with the purchase of The Office Beer Bar and Grill, adding seven (7) prime locations to our group!
2011
VILLA continues to expand internationally with locations opening in five (5) countries … UAE, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Egypt, and Colombia.
2012
Nestled in Historic Mendham, NJ Piattino opens in the former Mackenzies, starting the expansion of 40North. Piattino prides itself on having great Italian Fare with a modern twist…based off of artisan ingredients from across the world and in our backyard. 40North takes its name from the common linear parallel of Naples, Italy and Morristown, NJ … both are on the 40 degree Latitude!
2013
VILLA opens over 60 stores in 2014…the most to date in one year.
2014
VILLA completes our Arizona Mills Mall food court, operating nine (9) different brands with a complete renovation marketed under the Villa Food Hall name.
2014
40North is renovating The Office Beer Bar & Grill restaurants. The first to open is the Office Tavern Grill in Morristown, NJ, a two level restaurant featuring over 40 Craft Beers.
Summer 2014
Villa Enterprises celebrates its 50th Anniversary!
September 17, 2014
VILLA is awarded food court concession at Orlando International Airport and plans to open six (6) different locations, with Chipotle’s 5th airport location rounding out the terminal food court.
April 2015
Villa Italian Kitchen is inducted into the Pizza Hall of Fame.
May 2015
South Philly Steaks & Fries changes its name and does a full renovation and opens as South Philly Cheesesteaks & Fries at Woodbury Commons in Central Valley, NY and Gloucester Premium Outlets in Southern New Jersey. In addition, VRG announces new concept: Tony + Benny’s.
August 2015
VILLA Enterprises Management officially changes its name to Villa Restaurant Group.
October 2015
VRG expands the Office Tavern Grill Brand opening its second location in Summit, NJ.
December 2015
VRG opens its fourth Food Hall at Orlando International Airport (MCO) Airside 2.
February 2016
VRG opens it second Piattino location in the heart of Summit, NJ.
January 2017