Morristown-based Villa Restaurant Group, a global multi-brand restaurant operator and franchisor, announced plans to bring three new quick-service dining options to Newark Liberty International Airport, all opening throughout 2019. This news follows the awarding of a contract by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Airports, which also includes the debut of one of Villa Restaurant Group’s full-service, 40NORTH Restaurants concepts at the airport in 2019.

Located in the pre-security area of Terminal B, the new quick-service restaurants include Villa Restaurant Group’s proprietary quick-service brand Tony + Benny’s Pizza Parlor, along with partnership concepts including Carlo’s Bakery, founded by Buddy Valastro Jr., chef and TV personality from TLC’s Cake Boss and the now-open Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill. 40NORTH Restaurants’ full-service concept, Piattino: A Neighborhood Bistro, will also be located in Terminal B.

After an extensive Competitive Evaluation Process (CEP), Villa Restaurant Group was selected for its ability to deliver new and innovative restaurant brands that reflect the best-of-the-best from the New Jersey dining scene.  The company presented three concepts that offered a wide variety of food options and price points to meet the needs of the more than seven million passengers that pass through the terminal each year.  The win is yet another milestone for Villa Restaurant Group as it continues to expand on its growing airport presence, which includes locations at LaGuardia International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and more.

“We are proud to have been selected by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and URW Airports to bring fresh, new and innovative dining options to Newark Liberty International Airport, right here in our home state of New Jersey,” says Christopher McNamee, Senior Manager of Business Development, Villa Restaurant Group. “The CEP outlined a strong desire to focus on local brands and cuisine. As industry veterans, we have the experience and system-wide flexibility to scale our own concepts accordingly and to work with partner brands to deliver the quality and variety that can exceed the passengers’ and the developer’s needs. These new openings will give us a great opportunity to expand the footprint and exposure of some of our fastest growing concepts, further our relationship with a great strategic partner and to debut the first-ever airport location of a world class brand right here in our own backyard.”

What began with a single pizzeria in New York City more than 50 years ago, Villa Restaurant Group has since grown to encompass nearly 350 total restaurant locations across 15 quick and full-service brands in 41 US States and 6 total countries.  Over the past several years, Villa Restaurant Group has focused on multi-unit opportunities, airport development and master-leased food courts, expansion of management services, the creation of new restaurant concepts and strategic partnerships to help fuel its impressive growth.

Tony + Benny’s Pizza Parlor

Located in the pre-security area of Terminal B, this fun, new, quick-service concept will offer travelers delicious menu items inspired by old-word recipes, including classic, Sicilian, grandma and margarita pizzas, pastas, calzones and fried street eats, all made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. Featuring décor inspired by the bold graffiti art that is an iconic part of Brooklyn’s culture, Tony + Benny’s will also serve hot breakfast items for travelers on-the-go.

Piattino: A Neighborhood Bistro

Located in Terminal B, Piattino: A Neighborhood Bistro is one of North Jersey’s most celebrated restaurants, serving up modern twists to traditional Italian fare.  Known for its delicious, hand-stretched Neapolitan style pizzas and sandizzas (its own version of a Panini) baked fresh at 800 degrees in its imported Italian stone-fired oven, Piattino has a reputation for using premium ingredients ranging from truffled wild mushrooms to 24-month-aged prosciutto di Parma.  For more information, visit Piattino: A Neighborhood Bistro.

Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill – Open Now

Located in the pre-security area of Terminal B, Salsarita’s is a fresh take on Mexican classics, offering guests completely customizable and made-to-order order meals in a bright, colorful and comfortable environment. From our wildly addictive tortilla chips made fresh all day, every day, to our house-made salsas (they’re so good, salsa is in our name), hand-mashed guacamole or slow-marinated and flame grilled choice steak and chicken, it’s why from Buffalo, NY to Auburn University to Tyler, TX, Salsarita’s is almost always the locals’ choice for “Best Mexican Food.”

Carlo’s Bakery

In partnership with Buddy Valastro Jr., founder, chef and TV personality of TLC’s Cake Boss, Carlo’s Bakery specializes in baking up the sweetest treats, wedding cakes and custom cakes for any occasion. Carlo’s Bakery will be located in the pre-security area of Terminal B. 

“We at Carlo’s Bakery are very excited to have teamed up with Villa Restaurant Group to open this new location in Terminal B at Newark Airport,” says Buddy Valastro Jr., Founder, Carlo’s Bakery, “Villa’s extensive experience with restaurant operations ensures this location will be in amazing hands.”