Villari's Will Be Featured On New Food Network Show
Cinnaminson's Paul Villari Jr., owner of the Palmyra restaurant, recently died, but saw his restaurant get a makeover.
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“A father … a business partner … a friend” are the words Paul Villari III uses to describe his dad, restaurateur Paul Villari Jr., of Cinnaminson, who died last month after a battle with lung cancer.
The younger Villari took the reins of the longtime family business, Villari’s Bistro, Bar and Grill, formerly Villari’s Milmarian, and recently worked with producers of the Food Network to re-establish what his family has cultivated into a Route 73 institution for more than 60 years.
And, the younger Villari said he was glad his dad was around to see it all happen.
Villari’s will be featured on the Jan. 19 inaugural episode of “Restaurant: Impossible.” The series stars Robert Irvine of “Dinner: Impossible,” using his creativity and resourcefulness along with a lot of muscle in his fight to rescue restaurants and give hope to the owners and their employees.
“We ended up choosing Villari’s for the family story, strong owner personality, and the fact that we thought there were tangible issues to address within the show,” said co-executive producer Matt Berkowitz.
In an interview with Irvine, he said his first impression of the Palmyra restaurant and bar was that of “disjointed colors, old family pictures and the carpet stinking.”
The cast and crew had two days and only $10,000 to rehab the building, rework the menu, retrain the staff and market the new-and-improved eatery.
“There was a lot of work,” Irvine said. “We wanted to incorporate the family history because it was a big deal.”
The restaurant’s history begins in the 1920s when Paul Villari Sr. and his wife Natalie opened Villari’s Bakery on Market Street in Palmyra. They, along with their seven children who lived in Palmyra, delivered bread to neighbors in Riverton, Palmyra and Cinnaminson.
In 1948, the Villaris opened the Milmarian restaurant, fondly known as the “Mil,” which was named for their daughters Mildred, Mary and Ann. Sons Placido, Paul Jr., Joseph and John ran the restaurant. After their parents’ deaths, the brothers took over the restaurant and later Paul Jr. and Paul III bought the brothers’ interest in the business.
Family still plays a big part at Villari’s as Paul III’s brothers help run the place, which, Irvine said was in dire need of updating despite resistance from the family.
“It was a classical Italian look,” Villari III said. “I didn’t think it needed attention.”
“I took the bullet a lot to make it enjoyable for the audience,” Paul Villari III said, adding, “Irvine fired me.”
A trained chef, Villari III was asked to step down and hire someone who could add some creativity to the traditional Italian menu. The selection process will be featured in the show.
While Villari III hired his replacement, walls and chairs were being painted, carpets were being cleaned, family photos were being enhanced and decorators, producers and business owners were getting on each others’ nerves trying to complete the two-day renovation in time for a grand re-opening on May 16, 2010.
Decorators Michelle and Fadi of New York City created a red wall adorned with large, white plates opposite a gallery of enlarged vintage photos enhanced with shades of green and red. A banquet room was completely repainted and banners of red fabric are illuminated with backlighting.
“It’s upscale. It’s lighter, airy, more modern,” said Ron Andretta of Palmyra.
He and his wife Janet have been dining at Villari’s for years.
“But it’s the food that counts,” he said.
Producer Marc Summers announced Villari’s grand re-opening on WMMR radio and Villari III said, “The phones exploded.”
A total of 360 reservations were taken for the May 16 dinner. Afterward, patrons walked away with full bellies and some with paint on their pants.
Some of the newly painted chairs were not completely dry, Villari III said.
“It was totally Hollywood,” he said. “It’s going to make for a funny TV program.”
The renovations and Food Network show made his dad smile, Villari III added.
“He was such a sweet, sweet man,” Irvine said of Paul Villari Jr. “He was an awesome guy. I dealt with him every day.”
He and his wife, Helen, “totally lose it,” when the renovations were finally revealed, Irvine added.
“I want it to be perfect,” said Irvine who presented the idea for the show to Food Network. “This is someone’s livelihood. This is a restaurant in distress. There are emotions of frustrations and anger. Egos are bruised, but then they realize I’m here to help them.”
Villari’s TV debut on Jan. 19 will not come with great fanfare at Villari’s.
Paul Villari III said he just wants to be at home with his mom and daughter to watch.
“It will be good to see dad again,” he said.
susan keating
10:27 am on Saturday, January 8, 2011
Yes, I will watch. I am marking it on my calendar right after I finish writing this!
The "Mil" was part of my high school growing up years living in Cinnaminson, NJ. It was a place to go with friends after dances and such. In later years, mini reunions were held there the night before a big high school reunion. It will be fun to see this show and watch the transformation.
Noreen Tumas Higgs
12:59 pm on Saturday, January 8, 2011
I will be watching on January 19th. My daughter and her Fiance called and made reservations immediatley and were one of the first in line on May 16th after hearing it announced on WMMR. How exciting it was for them to watch Paul Villari, Jr. and his wife see the renovations to the restaurant for the first time. Growing up in Cinnaminson and living in this area all my life, the "Mil" was always a place to go with friends and family. Happy it was choosen for "Restaurant: Impossible".
Ginger Hayes
6:54 pm on Saturday, January 8, 2011
My parents were regulars at the restaurant in the late 70's-80's. We went as a family almost weekly and it was a definate stop everytime I was home from college. Great family memories. So glad to see the tradition continue.
suzanne
7:57 pm on Saturday, January 8, 2011
I love the Mil....my parents started going there when it opened. We moved to Cinnaminson from Pennsauken in 1962 and have been going there as a family ever since. My parents have recently passed on and we still enjoy going as a family once in awhile. We love the food and I always seem to get my 'regular' the Mediterranean Salad. Thanks Villari's for all the years of happiness at your retaurant and mostly now for the wonderful memories of our family going to the Mil.
Donna Dalonzo
11:16 pm on Wednesday, January 19, 2011
I'm so happy I saw the show tonight. My mother, Marina was a regular there with her friends
years ago...back in the days when some of the Phillies' players would frequent there.
Sorry to hear about Mr. Paul Sr.. I'm glad he was able to see the changes. It looks great. It was enjoyable to watch, since I've moved from Jersey 4 yrs. ago; I get a kick out of seeing places I'm familiar with.
Sean Ali
11:41 pm on Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Saw you on Food Network tonight. God bless Paul Jr. Robert Irvine is a pain in the ass - but we all need our butts kicked once in a while to make things happen! Paul III, thanks for letting Robert do his thing. I know it must have been one of the hardest things in your life! We will come over from Center City Philadelphia to eat with you. Things looks great - thanks for losing the Greek Diner menu!! You have too much competition in Philly to sit on your ass.
See you soon!
Sean, Maggie and Bobby
lori a verrecchia
12:34 am on Thursday, January 20, 2011
THE SHOW WAS GREAT WE LIVE AROUND THE CORNER, WE LOVE ROBERT CANT WAIT TO SEE THE NEW MENU AN TRY SOME NEW FOOD ,SEE YOU ON FRIDAY COOK SOMETHING GOOD<3
Heather Gross
2:14 am on Thursday, January 20, 2011
As a young girl my family went to Villari's for all our special occasions, Birthdays, Graduations and so on. As an adult I remember the restaurant fondly, but I went to more upscale places. I am so happy that the restaurant got a makeover and hopefully a chance to stay around. A friend wants to take me out for my Birthday this Friday and I am going to suggest we try Villari's. I hope to start a new tradition. Congrats on the show.
charlene westcott
9:20 am on Thursday, January 20, 2011
Villari's is a jewel. My husband is from Cinnaminson and we get together with high school friends of his every couple of month's at Villari's still! We were there on the 15th and the food was great, the Mussel's are outstanding. By the way check out Cinnaminson H S Reunion for info on the class of 70, 71 reunion coming up on March 19th at the Riverton country Club. Tickets are available!
Jan
12:44 pm on Thursday, January 20, 2011
I watched the show last night. Is that "before" picture which is shown above, accurate? I thought there weren't any wood floors. I don't remember seeing that in the show - it looks quite nice. The semi-painted chairs need to go.... The chairs shown in the above "before" picture look far better. I don't think the renov looks great, but it is an improvement over the outdated look before. The menu sounds like there were good changes made there. Good luck.
Liz
4:35 pm on Friday, January 21, 2011
That photo looks nothing like what was filmed, an error?
me
10:14 am on Friday, January 21, 2011
i dont like the renovated look, that wall with the plates on it has to go! waste of time and money, and the look of the chairs is terrible. put more warm colors into the restaurant. this was a poor reonvation, even the rug colors are terrible, could have been done with much warmer colors too. i agree the old rug had to go, so why not choose similar colors in the reno. i wouldnt feel comfortable sitting in the renovated dining area. it is too cold and sterile and cheap looking. what a shame
Liz
4:31 pm on Friday, January 21, 2011
It does not look cheap at all. It has a very fresh modern look and the food also looked fantastic, it took ALOT of guts for the family to let some one come in and make changes. Alot of people watched that show and trust that many will come to check it out!
Liz
4:27 pm on Friday, January 21, 2011
The place looks great and very upscale you guys were all great on the show. We love Robert I. and watched it all the way from the West Coast. We plan to bring a group to eat there soon we hope. We are sorry for the loss of your father and wish your family happy blessings and a great 2011~
jmt
7:23 pm on Sunday, January 23, 2011
Wishing you much success in 2011; I am sorry for the loss of your father but glad to know he saw the continued success after the "makeover".
Is the chef hired on the show still with the restaurant?
Maybe Food Network should go back a year later and see how things are going, and report back!
I think you need to get rid of the chairs, though. :)
Magali Solera
3:21 pm on Monday, January 24, 2011
We watched the show and we hope the best for Paul, the place looks great, We were sorry to hear about your Dad. We will come to visit soon
Pat and Anthony
Jeff
2:40 pm on Sunday, March 27, 2011
Just saw the rerun of this show and overall it was a nice job by the Food Network but one thing bothers me...
Why didn't they use local renovators? NYC renovators?!?!? Come on, that's a slap in the face to us locals!
Walt
1:22 pm on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
On Sept 20th, My families and friends had lunch at Villari, decoration is nice, dinner is good, servers are polite and we get to meet Paul Villari III. Real cool guy...will go there again...Thanks for everything Paul.