Melt Shop announced that Villa Restaurant Group (VRG) has assumed ownership of its restaurant at Woodbury Common, a Simon Mall in Central Valley, New York. VRG is a multi-brand restaurant operator and franchisor with a global portfolio of proprietary and franchise brands, including Villa Italian Kitchen, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Green Leaf’s & Bananas, The Office Tavern Grill, Piattino: A Neighborhood Bistro and more. The company has nearly 350 locations worldwide. Melt Shop Woodbury Common marks Villa Restaurant Group’s first Melt Shop location.
“Adding Villa Restaurant Group signifies the strength of our business model and franchise opportunity, which we’ve worked tirelessly to perfect, ensuring our systems, processes, product and experience are best-in-class,” says Spencer Rubin, Founder and CEO of Melt Shop. “Villa’s portfolio of brands is impressive and we’re excited that our Woodbury Common restaurant is in such experienced, capable hands. We look forward to tapping Villa’s restaurant expertise as we continue our domestic expansion.”
VRG’s acquisition follows the opening of Melt Shop’s newest corporate-owned location in Union Square in January. On the heels of a successful 2018 that included positive comp sales and a robust development pipeline, Melt Shop is slated for an impressive 2019 with five new restaurants already planned to open throughout the Northeast.
“Throughout our company’s 55-year history, we’ve witnessed countless franchisors claim that they have the best business opportunity, but many fall short. Melt Shop caught our attention because of the unique brand story and consistent growth, as well as its commitment to innovation and to its guests,” says Biagio Scotto, president of Villa Restaurant Group. “We’re excited to continue diversifying our portfolio and look forward to joining the Melted Sandwich Movement.”
Melt Shop is looking to continue its expansion in New York and beyond and is seeking well-capitalized multi-unit franchisees in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions, as well as in Florida, who are entrepreneurial, have a strong knowledge of their markets, and are excited to be a part of a culinary experience unmatched in the melted sandwich space. Since launching into franchising in September 2017, Melt Shop has added 20 restaurants to the pipeline and remains well ahead of its goal to open 100 locations by 2023.
