Monte Restaurant Development Group, parent company of Squisito, the Northeast’s fastest-growing Italian fast casual restaurant at an affordable price point, has announced the appointment of Todd Kosakowski as managing partner and franchisee. In his role, Kosakowski will also assist in the operations of Squisito Too, the build-your-own concept spinoff, both concepts of which are headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland.
Kosakowski, a successful, self-made entrepreneur based in Bedford, New York, will join forces with the Squisito ownership team, Gennaro and Michele DiMeo, to aid in propelling forward new corporate Squisito locations in order to further the brands’ national footprint. Additionally, Kosakowski will also serve as the main franchisee for the restaurant’s upcoming expansion into the New York market. He joins during a time of exponential growth as a combination of six Squisito Too and Squisito locations, comprised of both franchise and corporately-owned, prepare to open their doors within the coming year 2021.
During his extensive and celebrated career, Kosakowski has served as an area developer for multiple million-dollar hospitality clients including Wahlburgers, owned by famous celebrity siblings Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, where he aided in building four locations and overseeing all legal aspects, leases and funding. As a restaurant developer for the national dessert destination, Sugar Factory, Kosakowski worked with Simon and Westfield Malls along the East Coast to manage operations. Additionally, he was responsible for negotiating the merger of East Coast Saloons and Post Road Entertainment, the latter of which he was an original founding partner. The merger has generated a yearly revenue of $72 million.
“I’m thrilled to now be working with the DiMeos and the Squisito brand as a whole, forming an excellent partnership as we move forward with the restaurant’s rapid expansion plans,” says Kosakowski. “They are in the correct lane for proper restaurant growth and even despite the ongoing challenges of COVID and the pandemic, there is no doubt that this is a great tried-and-true model that we can continue to grow together.”
“Todd possesses such an expanded portfolio of knowledge and experience in the hospitality industry, and we are confident that he can help us elevate the Squisito brand to the next level,” adds Michele DiMeo. “He has a proven track record of growing restaurants across the nation and know that he will bring that same success to our franchise and corporate plan.”
Squisito Pizza and Pasta currently has 10 locations throughout Maryland and Virginia. Meanwhile, Squisito Too debuted its first location in 2019 in Jessup, Maryland with a second slated to open in neighboring Washington D.C. Spring 2021. Two other locations are planned for the eastern Tennessee region by the end of the year.
