Villa Italian Kitchen is a renowned quick-service restaurant franchise specializing in authentic Italian cuisine. Founded in 1964 by Michele Scotto, a Naples native, the first pizzeria opened next to the Ed Sullivan Theater on Broadway in New York City.

Today, the brand is headquartered in Morristown, New Jersey, and operates under the Villa Restaurant Group umbrella. The franchise began expanding in 1999.

Villa Italian Kitchen offers a menu featuring Neapolitan and pan pizzas made with fresh dough, 100% whole milk mozzarella, and homemade sauces. Other offerings include handmade strombolis, pastas, and Italian entrées.

What sets Villa Italian Kitchen apart is its commitment to traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients. The brand emphasizes a "Made Fresh Daily" approach, ensuring that produce is freshly prepped and sauces and pizza dough are made by hand on location.

Training

Villa Italian Kitchen offers a multi-phase training program to prepare franchisees and their managers for successful restaurant operations. Here is a breakdown of the training provided:

1. Initial Training Program: This training must be completed by the franchisee (or its principal owner) and the full-time Restaurant Manager. It typically begins about five weeks before the restaurant opens and lasts approximately three to five weeks. The program includes instruction on restaurant operations but does not cover human resources or administrative issues.
2. Ongoing Employee Training: The franchisee is required to establish and implement a training program for all restaurant employees. This must align with the standards and procedures prescribed by Villa Italian Kitchen and ensures that all staff are adequately trained to maintain brand quality.
3. Supplemental and Continuing Training: Franchisees, managers, and any replacements must attend additional training sessions, sales meetings, or conventions as directed by the franchisor. These may incur fees and all associated costs (travel, lodging, etc.) are the responsibility of the franchisee.

Territory Protection

Villa Italian Kitchen does not provide exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. Franchisees are granted the right to operate one restaurant at a specific approved location, but they do not receive territorial or exclusive rights.

The franchisor explicitly states that franchisees may face competition from other Villa Italian Kitchen franchises, company-owned outlets, or other brands controlled by the franchisor. Even within the designated development area, Villa Italian Kitchen retains broad rights.

The franchisor may establish franchises or operate company stores at non-traditional venues such as airports, stadiums, colleges, and military bases—without providing compensation to the franchisee.