News

Urban Outfitters moves into food service with Pizzeria Vetri acquisition

Consumer demand for casual dining a big reason for retailer's move into pizza market.

November 17, 2015

Lifestyle retailer Urban Outfitters is going into the pizzeria business by acquiring all of The Vetri Family restaurants, which includes Pizzeria Vetri.

The retailer views the business expansion as a viable opportunity to boost its own operations as expand the Pizzeria Vetri concept, according to an announcement.

Pizzeria Vetri and the Vetri Family restaurant group was created and co-headed by James Beard, award-winning Chief Marc Vetri and business partner Jeff Benjamin.

"Having known Marc [Vetri] for almost a decade and partnered with him through his charitable foundation, we are honored to have him, Jeff and the Vetri family join the URBN team," said Richard A. Hayne, CEO of Urban Outfitters. "Spending on casual dining is expanding rapidly, and thus, we believe there is tremendous opportunity to expand the Pizzeria Vetri concept," Hayne said.  

Food and Wine Magazine recently named Pizzeria Vetri as one of the best pizza restaurants in America.

"It’s a perfect match," stated Vetri in the announcement. "URBN and the Vetri Family share the same singular goal, we pride ourselves on bringing the best possible experience to our customers and community. Through this partnership, and the experience URBN has in scaling growth opportunities, the Vetri Family will now be able to focus on what we do best — run restaurants that make people happy."