LaScala Bringing Its "Fire" Restaurant Concept To Newtown

NEWTOWN, PA — The LaScala Restaurant Group is bringing its "Fire" concept to the Village at Newtown this fall.

On Wednesday, the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors gave the restaurant group conditional use approval to open at the shopping center when Ardana Food and Drink closes in early October.

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The South Jersey restaurant group, not affiliated with Newtown's LaStalla Restaurant, acquired the space in August from Ardana, which will be closing its doors on October 10.

LaScala's Fire is scheduled to open a week later on October 17, serving a classic Italian-American menu "reimagined."

Its menu includes traditional Italian favorites - pizza, pasta and a favorites list of chicken, eggplant, and veal dishes - and something unique for an Italian restaurant: an extensive sushi bar, including rolls and poke bowls.

The award-winning LaScala Restaurant Group operates six restaurant concepts in Philadelphia and New Jersey, including LaScala's Fire, LaScala's Beach House, LaScala's Birra, Lorenzo Pizza & Steaks, The Chicken or the Egg and LaScala's Pronto.

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 and built a life in South Philadelphia.

Francesco and Tommasina Rocchino 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 & grocery store legendary for grandmom's fresh pastas and sandwiches — and a construction company through which Francesco 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.

While Fire is preparing to open in Newtown, the Christou family, which has owned and operated Ardana Food and Drink in Newtown for the past three and a half years, is preparing to say goodbye.

The family announced in August that it would be selling its space 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 announced. "We're pleased to share that we have finalized an agreement to sell the restaurant space to LaScala Restaurant Group, 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.

"We're confident that LaScala Restaurant Group will build upon the foundation we've established here, and we know this community will continued to be well cared for."

While Ardana Food and Drink in Newtown will be closing, the family will continue to operate its two Warrington restaurants, Ardana Food and Drink and KC Prime Steakhouse.

"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for welcoming us into your community and supporti