New dining options at Newark’s Terminal A include NJ-based brands (slideshow)

NJBIZ STAFF//February 23, 2023//

New dining options at Newark’s Terminal A include NJ-based brands (slideshow)

NJBIZ STAFF//February 23, 2023//

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Travelers passing through Newark Liberty International Airport’s sparkling new $2.7 billion Terminal A have several more options for grabbing a bite to eat.

Morristown-based Villa Restaurant Group, a global multi-brand restaurant operator and franchisor, in partnership with New-Jersey based Airport Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBE) Shekinah Group and Silver Lining Group, recently opened seven post-security concepts to serve passengers and airport employees alike.

The eateries, which are a mix of proprietary local brands alongside regional and national partners, include the airport debut of popular North Jersey restaurants The Office Tavern Grill and Town bar + kitchen, as well as The Market, an on-the-go shop.

Building on successful partnerships at LaGuardia Airport Terminal B and Newark Airport Terminal B, Villa is adding another Zaro’s Family Bakery to its portfolio at Terminal A. Rounding out its lineup, the operator brought several world class brands to Terminal A through Bluestone Lane, Shake Shack and Starbucks—all of which are new partnerships.

Building on successful partnerships at LaGuardia Airport Terminal B and Newark Airport Terminal B, Villa Restaurant Group is adding another Zaro's Family Bakery to its portfolio at Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Building on successful partnerships at LaGuardia Airport Terminal B and Newark Airport Terminal B, is adding another Zaro’s Family Bakery to its portfolio at Terminal A at . – VILLA RESTAURANT GROUP

In a statement, Biagio Scotto, president of Villa Restaurant Group, said, “It’s both amazing and humbling to see what we have achieved at the new terminal. This project is the culmination of many years of hard work at all levels of VRG as well as with our partners, starting with the Port Authority. We thank everyone who has been part of this journey and look forward to seeing and serving you at Terminal A for many years to come!”

Elisabeth Sailer, vice president of Commercial Munich Airport NJ, which is responsible for operation, maintenance and concession management services on behalf of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said, “We are very enthusiastic about the comprehensive partnership with Villa Restaurant Group. With seven new inviting restaurants, we are bringing a wide range of national, international, and local brands to the new Terminal A – which fits perfectly into our overall concept of hospitality and creating a distinctive New Jersey Sense of Place.”

The new terminal, which officially opened in January, consists of 33 gates that will be serviced by American Airlines, Air Canada, Delta, JetBlue and United Airlines, and can accommodate more than 13 million people each year. The 1 million-square-foot space also offers state-of-the-art passenger amenities, digital technology, artwork from nearly 30 local artists, dining and retail options provided by 60 regional, national and global brands.

After starting out 58 years ago with a single pizzeria in New York City, Villa Restaurant Group has since grown to a portfolio of almost 20 unique and proprietary quick-service and full-service brands with locations across the United States, such as Green Leaf’s Beyond Great Salads, Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt, South Philly Cheesesteaks & Fries and Far East Asian Fire.

Villa also operates full-service restaurants under the 40North Restaurant Group brand, including The Office Tavern Grill, The Black Horse Tavern & Pub, Town bar + kitchen, NOM Mexican Table + Tequila Bar, Piattino A Neighborhood Bistro and Steelworks Buffet & Grill.

The Newark Liberty openings bring Villa’s airport division to a total of 31 locations, including corporate and joint venture operations as well as proprietary concepts operated by other concessionaires, across 10 major North American airports, with more in development for 2023.