Villa Italian Kitchen plans to open 40 quick-service restaurants in regional shopping malls operated by Chicago-based General Growth Properties Inc.
“We’ve been aggressively expanding the footprint of our Villa Italian Kitchen brand over the past several years, and this new partnership is the ideal opportunity for us to continue introducing our brand in new markets,” Villa Enterprises CEO Anthony Scotto said.
The company got its start 50 years ago in New York City and has grown to 250 restaurants.
Villa Italian Kitchen already has five locations in the Chicago area. Villa Enterprises also owns the South Philly Steaks & Fries chain, which has a restaurant in Rosemont.
