Perhaps one of the ultimate comfort foods out there is Italian pasta and pizza. The carbohydrates-heavy menu items provide a satisfyingly pleasant feast for the taste buds, incorporating tasty marinara sauces, warm soothing bread and perhaps a glass of Chianti. Italian restaurants manage to conjure up a sense of delight, often invoking the best stereotypes that Italy has to offer with such whimsical touches as checkered tablecloths, framed photos of famous celebrities of Italian descent (e.g., Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Al Pacino), and beloved Italian-esque songs in the background, such as “O Sole Mio,” “That’s Amore,” and “Nel Blu Di Pinto Di Blu” (aka “Volare”). Today’s customers yearn to escape for a bit into a world that resembles the beauty of Italy, and to taste the joy of the country itself. Italian restaurant tenants frequently take up large retail spaces for their dining areas, often including separate spaces for a full bar, private large group parties, and even live entertainment.
(Preferred square footage)
Bertucci’s – 3,000-6,000 s.f.
Biaggi’s – 9,000-10,000s.f.
Buca Di Beppo – 4,500-8,000 s.f.
Elizabeth’s Pizza Italian Restaurant – 5,000-9,000 s.f.
Fazoli’s – 3,300-3,900 s.f.
Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse – 3,000-5,000 s.f.
Jon and Vinny’s – 2,300-5,500 s.f.
Macaroni Grill – 6,000-7,500 s.f.
Mici Italian – 1,200-2,500 s.f.
Mirko Pasta – 2,900-3,100 s.f.
Olive Garden – 7,500-8,500 s.f.
Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen – 1,000 s.f.
