Editing Vetri Cucina (section)

== History ==

=== Marc Vetri's Background ===

'''Marc Vetri''' trained extensively before opening his restaurant:

'''Training:'''
* '''Bergamo, Italy''': Apprenticed with Italian masters
* Learned traditional pasta-making techniques
* Studied regional Italian cooking
* Developed philosophy of simplicity and quality

Vetri's time in Italy shaped his uncompromising approach.

=== Opening (1998) ===

Vetri opened in '''1998''' in a small brownstone on Spruce Street:

'''Original concept:'''
* '''Intimate space''': Around 35 seats
* '''Handmade everything''': Pasta made fresh daily
* '''Italian soul''': Authentic but not imitative
* '''Personal service''': Vetri himself often cooking

The restaurant was an immediate critical success.

=== Critical Acclaim ===

Vetri quickly earned national recognition:

'''Awards and recognition:'''
* '''James Beard Award''': Best Chef Mid-Atlantic (2005)
* '''Food & Wine''': Named Vetri among best new chefs
* '''Esquire''': Restaurant of the Year nomination
* '''Consistent praise''': Decades of top reviews

Philadelphia had a nationally celebrated fine dining restaurant.

=== The Vetri Family ===

Marc Vetri expanded with '''Vetri Family restaurants''':

'''Sister concepts:'''
* '''Osteria''': Casual Italian
* '''Amis Trattoria''': Neighborhood Italian
* '''Lo Spiedo''': Rotisserie-focused
* '''Pizzeria Vetri''': Pizza

The group brought Vetri's approach to different price points.

=== Sale to Urban Outfitters (2015) ===

In '''2015''', Vetri sold his restaurant group to '''Urban Outfitters''' (URBN):

'''The transition:'''
* Vetri remained involved initially
* Corporate ownership changed operations
* Some locations closed or evolved
* Vetri Cucina flagship preserved

Marc Vetri eventually departed to focus on philanthropy and new projects.