North Italia to Open First Bay Area Location
Italian restaurant chain North Italia is set to open its first location in the San Francisco Bay Area on March 25th. The restaurant, known for its scratch-made pasta, will be located in Walnut Creek. The expansion marks the national chain's entry into the competitive suburban Bay Area dining market.
North Italia is owned by The Cheesecake Factory, which acquired its parent company, Phoenix-based Fox Restaurant Concepts, in 2019 for $308 million. The acquisition also included other restaurant brands like Flower Child, Culinary Dropout, and Blanco Cocina + Cantina. The Italian concept was founded in Scottsdale, Arizona, in 2002 by restaurateur Sam Fox. As of early 2026, the chain has grown to more than 50 locations across 17 states and Washington, D.C. The company has stated a goal of reaching 200 locations in the U.S. North Italia's locations perform well financially, with average annual sales of approximately $7.7 million per restaurant. The average check is around $34.60 for lunch and $44.40 for dinner. The brand emphasizes a "modern interpretation of Italian cooking" with a neighborhood feel, focusing on scratch-made pastas and locally-inspired dishes. This strategy of using seasonal ingredients and offering unique menu items tailored to local markets is a key part of its identity.
