_{Villa debuts two of their full service brands, and adds a fifth location for their “grab and go” concept at the new Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport. Photo: Town bar + kitchen and The Market}

MORRISTOWN, NJ (January 2023) – Morristown-based Villa Restaurant Group (VRG), a global multi-brand restaurant operator and franchisor, has announced the opening of seven unique dining experiences at Newark Liberty International Airport’s new Terminal A.

The brand-new terminal is a $2.7 billion project representing the largest investment the Port Authority of NY & NJ has made in New Jersey and reinforces the commitment to establish Newark Liberty International Airport as a world-class gateway for the New Jersey and New York regions. The new terminal consists of 33 gates that will be serviced by American Airlines, Air Canada, Delta, JetBlue, and United Airlines, and will have the ability to accommodate over 13 million people each year.

Villa Restaurant Group has heeded the call for a truly “Jersey for Jersey” sense of place sought by the experienced airport operator, Munich Airport NJ LLC, and has now opened seven locally inspired, centrally positioned post-security restaurants in partnership with New Jersey-based ACDBEs, Shekinah Group and Silver Lining Group. Villa is proud to serve passengers and airport employees alike with a mix of proprietary local brands alongside regional and national partner concepts. Villa’s exceptional brand lineup includes their own local concepts The Office Tavern Grill and Town bar + kitchen, both first in an airport setting, as well as The Market for your essential grab and go needs. Building on their successful partnerships at LaGuardia Airport Terminal B and Newark Airport Terminal B, Villa is adding another Zaro’s Family Bakery to its portfolio at Terminal A. Rounding out its lineup, Villa is happy to bring several world class brands to Terminal A through Bluestone Lane, Shake Shack, and Starbucks – all of which are new partnerships.

Villa recently struck multi-unit development deals with Shake Shack and Starbucks, two global powerhouse brands, and is thrilled to debut the new partnership at their local airport, EWR.

“It’s both amazing and humbling to see what we have achieved at the new terminal (A). This project is the culmination of many years of hard work at all levels of VRG as well as with our partners, starting with the Porth Authority. We thank everyone who has been part of this journey and look forward to seeing and serving you at Terminal A for many years to come!” said Biagio Scotto, President of Villa Restaurant Group.

Elisabeth Sailer, VP Commercial Munich Airport NJ: “We are very enthusiastic about the comprehensive partnership with Villa Restaurant Group. With seven new inviting restaurants, we are bringing a wide range of national, international, and local brands to the new Terminal A – which fits perfectly into our overall concept of hospitality and creating a distinctive New Jersey Sense of Place”.

The Newark Liberty openings brings Villa’s airport division to a total of 31 locations, including corporate and JV operations as well as proprietary concepts operated by other concessionaires, across ten major North American airports, with more in development for 2023.

What began with a single pizzeria in New York City 58 years ago, Villa Restaurant Group has since grown to a portfolio of almost twenty unique and proprietary quick-service and full-service brands with locations across the United States. VRG is focused on multi-unit opportunities, airport development, and master-leased food courts which is all possible through the deployment of VRG’s own brands, the creation of new concepts, and strategic partnerships.

Bluestone Lane® Bluestone Lane is an Australian-inspired coffee shop, café & lifestyle brand that offers premium coffee, on the go favorites, and progressive café fare. This is Bluestone Lane’s first airport location, adding to the list of locations throughout the tri-state area and the country. Bluestone Lane Coffee is influenced from the renowned coffee culture hub of Melbourne Australia, where premium coffee is a way of life. https://bluestonelane.com/

The Market® The Market is your on-the-go shop where travelers can purchase sandwiches, drinks, fresh juices, and satisfy the sweet tooth with a variety of candy, cookies, chocolate, and snacks at the “Grab & Go’ shelves. The Market also offers travel-size essentials and last-minute traveling accessories. You can find The Market locations at George Bush International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Wind Creek Casino, and Leesburg Premium Outlets. https://rb.gy/e4een1

The Office Tavern Grill® A reinvention of what is an iconic New Jersey restaurant, The Office Tavern Grill provides its guests with a carefully crafted experience. The cuisine blends classic American comforts with modern twists, paired with rotating beer and prosecco, and served in a familiar yet contemporary setting. https://www.officetaverngrill.com/

Shake Shack® Shake Shack started as a hot dog cart in NYC’s Madison Square Park as a mission to raise funds for a public art project. They grew into a global business that continues to Stand for Something Good, expanding their menu to burgers, shakes, and libations. Twenty years later, they continue to expand and evolve their mission in everything they do from sourcing quality ingredients and local artists, to building their spaces with sustainable materials and maintaining a people-first culture. https://shakeshack.com/#/

Starbucks® Starbuck’s story begins in 1971 along the cobblestone streets of Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market. The name was inspired by the classic tale, “Moby-Dick,” evoking the seafaring tradition of the early coffee traders. Starbucks has grown to welcome millions of customers each week and become a part of the fabric of tens of thousands of neighborhoods all around the world. https://www.starbucks.com/

Town bar + kitchen® TOWN bar + kitchen serves a globally inspired menu that is sophisticated and approachable, paired with a dynamic selection of wines, premium beers, and a specialty cocktail program. Together with our thoughtful service, we hope to create a unique and memorable experience for all guests. https://www.townbarandkitchen.com/

Zaro’s Family Bakery® A fourth-generation bakery, handmade in the Bronx from our family to yours since 1927, Zaro’s has expanded throughout the New York Metropolitan area becoming a household name in one of the busiest commuter hubs in the world. Travelers will have an exquisite selection of quality baked goods such as bagels and pastries, deli sandwiches, and Zaro’s very own house blend coffee. https://www.zaro.com/

About Villa Restaurant Group® Villa Restaurant Groupᴿ (VRG) is a global multi-brand restaurant operator and franchisor. Founded in 1964 by Michele (Mike) Scotto, a Naples, Italy native, VRG began as a small pizzeria next to the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City. Today, VRG is an international organization and has developed over 400 restaurants through its history principally in venue based, high-traffic locations.

VRG’s quick-service restaurant brands, including Villa Italian Kitchen®, Green Leaf’s Beyond Great Salads®, Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt®, South Philly Cheesesteaks & Fries®, Far East Asian Fire®, and other proprietary brands, can be found throughout the United States. VRG also operates full-service restaurants under the 40North Restaurant Group® brand including The Office Tavern Grill ®, The Black Horse Tavern & Pub®, Town bar + kitchen®, NOM Mexican Table + Tequila Bar®, Piattino A Neighborhood Bistro®, and Steelworks Buffet & Grill®.

For more information, please visit www.villarestaurantgroup.com. Or contact Christopher McNamee, Director of Business Development at 973.407.9064 or cmcnamee@villarestaurantgroup.com to work with us.

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