Popular Wayland Restaurant Bought By Newton Hospitality Group

WAYLAND, MA — The vaunted The Villa restaurant in Wayland will soon be under new ownership, but the incoming Newton-based managers aren't planning many changes.

Alex Tamargo from Good NU Hospitality Group appeared before the Board of Selectmen this week to request a liquor license transfer. He said the new owners, Jessica and David Rosenberg, plan to keep the more than 80-year-old restaurant's name, but may make upgrades in the future.

Tamargo said the new owners plan to keep all the employees and the recipes, but may close for a few days during the upcoming ownership transition. In the future, Good NU may upgrade the bar and dining room, he said.

"But we'll continue operations as is, no change right away," Tamargo told the Board of Selectmen.

The Villa has been owned by Richard Schnetke since the 1970s.

Good NU Hospitality Group owns five other restaurants across Massachusetts, including the 100-year-old Biltmore in Newton, Local 149 in South Boston, Article 24 in Brighton, Bandita in Brighton, Biltmore and Main in Reading and the Town Bar and Grill on Martha's Vineyard.

The Board of Selectmen approved the liquor license transfer on Monday, clearing the way for the new owners to close on the property.