Zavino’s Owner Is Opening a 200-Seat Restaurant on a College Campus

Dining options for students and staff at Villanova University are going to improve drastically later this year. Greg Dodge of Zavino and Tredici, working with the university, is opening The Refectory at Villanova’s Commons, a group of new dorms that are part of a nearly $300 million project. The restaurant is shooting for a late summer opening. A new performing arts center is slated to go up next door to the restaurant in 2020.

Unlike the original Zavino, a snug spot on 13th Street serving pizza, pasta, and wine, and the Mediterranean Tredici just across the street, The Refectory will be big, with seats for 200, and have an American menu. The plans include a horseshoe bar, marbled tabletops, banquettes, and a room for private parties.

Dodge also has a Zavino in University City, along with Bryn Mawr and Washington, D.C, locations of Tredici.

A cafe next to The Refectory, run by Parliament Espresso & Coffee Bar, will offer grab-and-go options like sandwiches and pastries.

Both eateries, at Lancaster and Ithan Avenues, will be open to the public.

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