USA. Villa Restaurant Group has opened the first outlets in its extensive, New York-themed Food Hall offer at LaGuardia Airport Terminal B. The multi-brand restaurant operator and franchisor was awarded a long-term contract covering quick service dining outlets at the location, with four of six already open (and a seventh to open in a later phase).
As reported, Vantage Airport Group-led LaGuardia Airport Partners last month opened the Arrivals & Departures Hall at Terminal B, as part of a US$5.1 billion transformation. The 850,000sq ft complex spans four levels, with the top floor home to a commercial district with 21 shops and restaurants featuring New York names alongside global brands.
Villa Restaurant Group’s airside Food Hall features the group’s proprietary quick-service brands Tony + Benny’s Pizza Parlor and Green Leaf’s. It also offers several local partnership concepts, including Dos Toros Taqueria, Junior’s Restaurant and Cheesecake, Hill Country, and Zaro’s Family Bakery.
Villa Restaurant Group was awarded the space after a competitive tender, and said it aims to create “a new and impressive representation of New York culture and pride”. The restaurateur said it had developed “a prime space” to serve passengers travelling on Air Canada, American Airlines, Southwest, and United Airlines flights from the terminal. It collaborated with partner Holt Construction on the project.
Villa Restaurant Group (VRG) Chief Executive Officer Anthony Scotto said: “We are extremely excited and proud to be part of the new Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall at LaGuardia Airport. The new airport surpasses every design and traveller expectation imaginable. Part of this new experience will be VRG’s curated collection of restaurants located at centre court. We look forward to putting many smiles on our guests’ faces for many years to come.”
“VRG is very excited to be a big part of the new Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall. We have built state-of-the-art facilities and are bringing in some iconic New York brands amongst our own,” said President Biagio Scotto. “We look forward to a successful venture bringing our excellent culinary experience and top-notch customer service to the LaGuardia travellers.”
“Our concept for the new Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport was to create a gateway that offers a best-in-class guest experience, and our partnership with Villa Restaurant Group is critical to this vision,” said LaGuardia Gateway Partners Chief Executive Officer Stewart Steeves.
“The inviting food hall options that Villa has to offer will allow guests to sample a variety of cuisines that also provide them with a taste of the spirit and culture of New York City.”
VRG now operates at Newark International, Orlando International, Philadelphia International, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, George Bush Intercontinental Houston, Denver International, and more.
The concepts in detail:
Tony + Benny’s Pizza Parlor: Villa Restaurant Group’s newest proprietary brand is inspired by old-world recipes, said the company, including a range of pizzas, pastas, calzones and fried street eats, with breakfast also on the menu. Tony + Benny’s décor evokes the bold graffiti art that is part of Brooklyn’s culture, the company added.
Green Leaf’s: One of Villa Restaurant Group’s first proprietary brands, Green Leaf’s serves chef-inspired salads, wraps, grain bowls, smoothies and fresh juices.
Dos Toros Taqueria: New York City’s “original mission-style taqueria” offers a selection of burritos, tacos, bowls and salads made from scratch, using fresh ingredients and naturally raised meats.
Junior’s Restaurant and Cheesecake: Originally opened in the heart of Brooklyn in 1950, over 65 years and three generations later, Junior’s continues to be “the epitome of New York comfort food”, VRG said. Junior’s menu includes sliced deli sandwiches, hot Reubens, burgers, fries, breakfasts and a varied cheesecake offering.
Hill Country: Founded by Marc Glosserman, Hill Country specialises in Central Texas-style barbecue – dry-rubbed and smoked with Texas Post Oak.
Zaro’s Family Bakery: A fourth-generation bakery, Zaro’s has expanded throughout the New York Metropolitan area. It offers a diverse selection of baked goods such as bagels and pastries, deli sandwiches, and Zaro’s own house blend coffee.
