Villa Restaurant Group, global multi-brand restaurant operator, franchisor and creator of Villa Italian Kitchen, Green Leaf’s Beyond Great Salads, Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt, South Philly Cheesesteaks & Fries, Far East Asian Fire, Mo’ Burger, and other emerging quick- and full-service restaurants brands, announced that it has hired two new team members to aid in its continued growth—Carriann Sillman, General Counsel and Cher Thompson, Manager, Communications & Digital Marketing Strategy—as well as the promotion of a key player in its marketing department, Lauren Liuzzi, now Brand Manager.

Carriann Sillman has over 10 years of legal experience with a strong focus on franchising, operational and general corporate legal matters, complex contract negotiations, litigation and training. Before joining Villa Restaurant Group, Sillman served as Senior Counsel at Realogy Group LLC since 2012, serving as lead counsel for the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand and overseeing franchise regulatory matters for all six of Realogy Group’s franchise real estate brands domestically. Carriann previously served as an Associate at Harwood Lloyd, LLC in Hackensack, New Jersey where she worked as a litigator and provided franchise guidance to clients. Carriann is a graduate of the Pace University School of Law and has served as adjunct faculty and an Advisory Board member for the Fairleigh Dickinson University Paralegal Studies Program since 2013, which includes creating her own ABA approved Franchise Regulatory Course for Paralegals.

Prior to working at Villa Restaurant Group, Cher Thompson served as Senior Associate, Community Management at Fuel Cycle, where she assisted in creating and developing the brand voice while cultivating its social media presence. In her new role, she will assist in strategic communication and digital marketing efforts for Villa Restaurant Group’s core and emerging brands, as well as managing Villa’s internal communications. As the company continues to expand its presence and evolve in the industry, Cher will be an integral part of the marketing team. Thompson holds an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School.

“We are excited to announce the two newest members of the Villa Restaurant Group corporate team,” says Andrew Steinberg, Chief Operating Officer for Villa Restaurant Group.  “We know that both Carriann and Cher will bring valuable knowledge and experience to their respective departments, which will continue to aid in our company’s growth and success.”

Additionally, Villa Restaurant Group is proud to announce that Lauren Liuzzi has assumed a new role within the Brand Marketing Department as Brand Manager for Villa Restaurant Group’s three pizza brands: Villa Italian Kitchen, Tony + Benny’s Pizza Parlor and Piattino Oven Fired Pizza. Since starting with the company as Villa Italian Kitchen’s Brand Coordinator in 2015, Lauren helped to build brand awareness and quickly progressed to the role of Communications and Digital Marketing Strategy Manager. With over 10 years of experience in marketing, Lauren will bring a high level of knowledge and expertise to her new role, wherein she will oversee the growth and expansion of the Tony + Benny’s and Piattino brands while continuing to manage and support the Villa Italian Kitchen concept and its more than 250 locations nationwide.

“We could not be prouder of Lauren,” adds Andrea Carella, Director of Brand Marketing, Villa Restaurant Group. “Throughout the past three years, Lauren has continued to grow and excel in her various roles, taking on several different responsibilities and handling each challenge in stride. We know she will continue to accomplish great things in her new role as Brand Manager.”