Villa Restaurant Group names first COOVilla Restaurant Group names first COO

Villa Restaurant Group has named Andrew Steinberg as its first chief operating officer, the company said Wednesday.

Steinberg has been with the Morristown, N.J.-based multiconcept operator for two decades, most recently as executive vice president of corporate business. 

As COO, Steinberg will oversee business development, operations, corporate development, purchasing, research and development, communications and digital marketing, talent and culture development and brand marketing, the company said.

“Since his start here 20 years ago, he has been an integral part of our company taking on several different roles and titles throughout his career with us,” said Anthony Scotto, CEO of Villa Restaurant Group. “Without the hard work and dedication of Andrew and all our valued team members at Villa Restaurant Group in the corporate office and in the field, the company would not be the success it is today.”

In his 20 years at Villa Restaurant Group, Steinberg has managed the Green Leaf’s & Bananas and Emerging Brands groups, and played a part in key openings, including Newark Liberty Airport, Sands Casino and Arizona Mills locations. 

Before joining Villa Restaurant Group, Steinberg worked at Bennigan’s, where at age 22 he became the chain’s youngest general manager at the time.

Villa Restaurant Group operates and franchises nearly 400 restaurants in malls, airports, casinos and other high-traffic locations, including the brands Villa Italian Kitchen, Green Leaf’s Beyond Great Salads, Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt, South Philly Cheesesteaks & Fries, Far East and others.

The group also operates full-service restaurants under the 40North Group brand, including The Black Horse Tavern & Pub, The Office, Steelworks Buffet & Grill, Piattino and George & Martha’s.

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