Urban Outfitters Inc. is adding Italian restaurants to its group of lifestyle brands.  The specialty retail company that operates over 550 fashion stores in the United States, Canada and Europe under the Anthropologie, Bhldn, Free People, Terrain and Urban Outfitters banners has entered into an agreement to acquire substantially all The Vetri Family group of restaurants including the Pizzeria Vetri chain. The Vetri Family group of restaurants was created and co-headed by Chef Marc Vetri and his business partner Jeff Benjamin.  Trained in Bergamo, Italy, by some of the region’s most noted chefs, Marc Vetri brings a bold, contemporary sensibility to classic Italian cooking. The Vetri Family group of restaurants include Amis Trattoria, Osteria, Alla Spina, Vetri and Lo Spiedo, all in Philadelphia, along with two Pizzeria Vetri restaurants in Philadelphia and one in Austin, Texas. “Having known Marc 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 Inc. “Spending on casual dining is expanding rapidly, and thus, we believe there is tremendous opportunity to expand the Pizzeria Vetri concept,” he added.

The Verti Family, 1113 Admiral Peary, Quarters N, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19112 (215/600-2631 www.vetrifamily.com)
Urban Outfitters Inc., 5000 South Broad St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19112-1495 (800/282-2200 www.urbanoutfitters.com)