Ardana Owners Sell Newtown Location To South Jersey Restaurant Group

NEWTOWN, PA - The Christou family, which has owned and operated Ardana Food and Drink in Newtown for the past three and a half years, announced on Wednesday that it is selling its space at the Village at Newtown to the New Jersey-based LaScala Restaurant Group.

“After three and a half incredible years, we have made the bittersweet decision to pass the torch at our Newtown location,” the family posted. “We’re pleased to share that we have finalized an agreement to sell the restaurant space to LaScala Restaurant Group of Marlton, N.J., with the transition taking place this fall.

“This decision was not made lightly,” said the Christou family. “Since opening our doors, it has been our privilege to serve the Newtown community. We’ve had the honor of being part of so many celebrations, family dinners, and everyday moments shared around our tables. We are sincerely grateful to every guest who chose to dine with us, supported our team, and helped to make this restaurant what it is today.”

According to the Christou family, the LaScala Restaurant Group has offered positions to Ardana’s current team members.

“We are hopeful that all the familiar faces who have made you feel at home in our restaurant will continue doing what they do best, providing the warm hospitality and exceptional service you have come to know and love," the family said.

“We’re confident that LaScala Restaurant Group will build upon the foundation we’ve established here, and we know this community will continue to be well cared for.”

Warrington Locations Remain Open

While Ardana Food and Drink will close in Newtown, the family will continue to operate Ardana Food and Drink and KC Prime Steakhouse in Warrington.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for welcoming us into your community and supporting our family for the past three and a half years,” the family said. “It has truly been an honor to serve you, and we will always be grateful for the memories we’ve shared.”

The news is already hitting Ardana patrons hard in Newtown.

"So sad to hear this news," wrote one customer. "Ardana in Newtown was one of my fave local restaurants. Thank you for your wonderful food and service, and for being the venue for one of my birthday celebrations. You will be missed."

Another customer wrote,"Thankful that we enjoyed wonderful meals in Newtown, but we will continue to enjoy everything in Warrington now."

What's Next For The Space?

The LaScala Restaurant Group has not yet announced which of its six restaurant brands would be coming to Newtown.

The award-winning group operates six different concepts in Southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey — LaScala's Fire, LaScala's Beach House, LaScala's Birra, Lorenzo Pizza & Steaks, The Chicken or the Egg, and LaScala's Pronto.

Read More About The LaScala Restaurant Group And Its Six Brands By Clicking Here.

The business was founded in 1991 by Rob LaScala whose culinary vision was inspired by his grandparents, Francesco and Tommasina Rocchino, who left Calabria, Italy, for Philadelphia in 1920.

The couple worked incredibly hard, raised a large family, loved their South Philadelphia neighborhood deeply, and never hesitated to lend a hand to fellow immigrants, especially during the war.

Over time, they built two successful businesses — Rocchino & Sons, a corner deli and grocery store legendary for Francesco's fresh pastas and sandwiches — and a construction company through which Tommasina built many of the neighborhood’s row houses with great attention to detail and quality.

“My grandparents and their beautiful daughter Rosemary LaScala, my mother, are my inspiration every day. I honor their passion, their integrity, and their drive in all I do," said Rob LaScala.