How it all began
Villa Pizza: a New York Original Since 1964
Michele Scotto founded Villa Pizza when he set out to realize his own American Dream. His natural skills for hospitality, savvy entrepreneurism, and a mentality to never accept ‘No’, were the forces behind Villa’s early success, and are still part of VRG’s cultural fabric today.
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 a portfolio of over twenty quick service and full service restaurant brands.
View VRG's timelineTimeline
-
September 17, 1964
-
1977
-
1980
-
1994
In an exciting milestone, Villa Italian Kitchen made a debut at Orlando International Airport, serving up their signature slices to travelers from around the world. The excitement didn't stop there – the same year, they earned a well-deserved spotlight in Pizza Today Magazine, showcasing their dedication to crafting exceptional pizza experiences. Cheers to Villa Italian Kitchen's airport adventure and their slice of fame in the pizza world!
-
1996
-
1999
-
2003
-
2004
-
2007
-
2009
-
2011
-
2013
-
September 17, 2014
-
2015
-
2016
-
2019
Continuing its long history of operations at Newark Liberty International Airport, VRG opened four locations in Terminal B: three quick-service restaurants pre-security and one full-service restaurant, Piattino Neighborhood Bistro, post-security. This Piattino opening marked two firsts for the 40North division: the first airport location and the first franchise location.
-
2020
-
2023
VRG's opening of seven locations at Newark Airport in the brand new Terminal A marked a significant milestone. The project also showcased their first locations with Starbucks and Shake Shack, which were the first of many multi-unit deals, as well as a noteworthy first for their Office and Town brands within an airport.