Marc Vetri Quits Urban Outfitters

Two years ago, Marc Vetri and Jeff Benjamin sold their restaurant group, including Amis, Osteria, Alla Spina, Pizzeria Vetri, and LoSpiedo (now Bar Amis), to Philly-based Urban Outfitters. This past summer, Benjamin left the company. And now it’s Vetri’s turn to say goodbye. The James Beard Award-winning chef announced Sunday in an Instagram post that he stepped down from his executive position with URBN, which, in addition to the Urban Outfitters chain, owns Free People, Anthropologie, and Terrain.

In the post announcing his departure, Vetri had this to say:

After two years with URBN I feel we have given them all the tools they need to succeed and grow this company to its fullest potential. It’s a bittersweet day for me but I feel that it’s time to step down and leave them the room they need to grow. I have nothing but admiration and respect for everyone who I met in my journey over the last two years.

Going forward, look for the chef at Vetri Cucina, his landmark Italian restaurant on Spruce Street turning 20 next year. It was not included in the 2015 sale. He’s also in the process of opening a second Vetri Cucina, this one in Las Vegas.

Vetri and Benjamin are still involved in the charitable organization Vetri Community Partnership. Benjamin recently signed on as head of operations at the upcoming Fitler Club, a private lifestyle club where Kevin Sbraga will be culinary director.

Here is Vetri’s full announcement:

• Here’s How Marc Vetri’s Vegas Restaurant Came About
• Bobby Flay, Michael Symon and Marc Vetri Head to the Palms
• Marc Vetri Is Bringing in World-Famous Chefs to Celebrate Vetri Cucina’s 20th Year
• Marc Vetri Is Testing Out a New Pie at Pizzeria Vetri Tonight
• The Philly Restaurants That Give Back to the Community
• Chef Marc Vetri Just Sold Out to Urban Outfitters
• Marc Vetri Defends Selling His Restaurant Group to Urban Outfitters
• Kevin Sbraga Has a New Job