All’Antico Vinaio plans 15–20 openings with Only The Food

All’Antico Vinaio is launching a structured franchise expansion plan in Italy with Only The Food. Announced on 29 October 2026, the agreement provides for around 15–20 new outlets over three years. The first opening is scheduled for 11 November at Curno Shopping Centre, in the province of Bergamo. It will mark the operational launch of the partnership between the Florentine schiacciata sandwich brand and the restaurant network operator.

From company-operated outlets to partner-led expansion

For the brand founded by Tommaso Mazzanti, the agreement marks a shift in its domestic growth strategy. Until now, All’Antico Vinaio has built its Italian presence mainly through company-operated outlets, apart from some airport locations developed with Avolta.

Developing its company-operated network has helped the brand refine the format’s replicability, product quality and customer experience. The new programme builds on that work, introducing a partnership dedicated to expansion across Italy.

Franchising is not entirely new to the brand’s international business. Outside Italy, All’Antico Vinaio has already established partnerships with several operators. What is new is its first coordinated expansion initiative in Italy using this model, with a partner selected to support the network’s growth.

Mazzanti, the founder and chief executive, explained that finding a partner who shared the brand’s values and vision was essential to taking this step. The choice of partner is therefore presented as a central part of the project, alongside the number of planned openings.

Curno will be the first test

The programme’s first opening is scheduled for 12 noon on Wednesday 11 November 2026 at Curno Shopping Centre. The outlet will be the first practical step under the agreement, launching the partnership in the Italian market.

The choice of location fits with Only The Food’s experience in retail locations, particularly shopping centres. The launch therefore brings All’Antico Vinaio’s format into one of the settings in which its new partner has developed specialist expertise.

The overall target remains around 15–20 openings over three years. This figure should be understood as a development plan, not a count of outlets already opened. Curno is the first announced opening under the programme; the three-year target sets out the intended scale of the partnership.

For those assessing Italy’s franchise market, this offers a concrete example of a brand moving from a predominantly company-operated network towards growth supported by a specialist operator. The first outlet will mark the operational start of this new phase.

Only The Food expands its multi-brand portfolio

Founded in 2015, Only The Food develops and operates franchised outlets using a multi-brand model. Alessandro Cappelleri’s company already has brands such as Poke House, La Piadineria, miscusi and, more recently, Smashie in its portfolio.

All’Antico Vinaio adds another brand to a business that works across several restaurant formats. The agreement goes beyond identifying new sites: the reasons given for choosing the partner include its expertise in development, day-to-day operations and staff training.

According to the brand’s announcement, the expansion must maintain a focus on its operating standards. Only The Food’s role is to support that process by contributing its experience in managing outlet networks and retail locations.

Growth will depend on execution

The distinctive feature of the announcement is the combination of a numerical target and an operating partner already active in franchising. On one side are the planned 15–20 openings; on the other is a partnership dedicated to turning that programme into new outlets while maintaining a focus on their day-to-day operation.

For those following the network’s development, the key milestones will be the Curno launch and progress against the three-year plan. The brand’s experience of running its own outlets and its partner’s multi-brand expertise are the two stated foundations of this new phase.

Practical takeaway: when assessing the project, distinguish between the first opening, which already has a scheduled date, and the overall target. Consider new openings, operating standards and training together: these are the elements underpinning the announced agreement.