How Scott Harris Hospitality built a diverse empire based on simplicity and quality 

Headed up by its namesake, Scott Harris Hospitality operates several successful restaurants throughout the prestigious Chicago culinary scene, which have earned Scott awards including Chicago Restaurateur of the Year, Top 25 Restaurants in Chicago, and even a James Beard nomination. From a single casual and authentic Italian restaurant, the group has grown into a wildly successful operation with locations across the US. The secret: a careful balance between quality and affordability.  

Originally known as Francesca’s Restaurant Group, the business rebranded to Scott Harris Hospitality in 2021 to reflect its evolution and bring its brands under a single umbrella. In a press release from the time of the rebranding, Scott said: “From the start of my career, I’ve believed that good food and a standout customer experience are the most important things any restaurant can provide. This rebrand has been a long time coming, and we are looking forward to being the go-to group of restaurants for customers who appreciate and share the passion that me and my team have – for life, for family, and for food.”  

As a chef with a wealth of experience in Italian cuisine, Scott Harris’ restaurants focus on bringing the tastes of Italy to guests around Chicago, with the first restaurant, Mia Francesca, opening in Wrigleyville in 1992. Following the group’s rebranding, it also confirmed remodels for all existing Mia Francesca’s restaurants to update both the restaurants’ interiors and the menu.  

Taste of tradition 

As the company’s first brand, Francesca’s is an authentic trattoria promising more than just great food. Passionate about bringing people together, Scott has quickly grown the brand’s family of restaurants to 13 sites while maintaining its hearty spirit and rustic charm. Speaking about the opening of Mia Francesca’s in Lincolnwood in August 2024, Scott states: “This restaurant is all about returning to our roots and offering the classic Italian dishes that our guests love. It’s not just about the food, but also the sense of community and tradition we embody. We’re excited to introduce this experience to new areas and continue the legacy that has been such a meaningful part of our journey.”   

Over the company’s 33 years in business, its portfolio of restaurants has evolved to include Vasili’s, Francesca’s, Mio Modo, Fiore Pizzeria and Bakery, Vinny’s Clam Bar, Davanti Enoteca, and DISOTTO. Each brand operates under the values of simplicity, hospitality, and quality.   

Vasili’s is a mediterranean restaurant with a carefully curated menu of family-inspired dishes and a name that pays homage to Scott’s father-in-law, Vasili. Initially pitched as a woodfired pizza restaurant, the idea soon evolved into an appreciation for Greek cuisine, with Scott fusing Greek and Mediterranean influences to offer guests a totally unique dining experience.   

Building on the success of Mia Francesca’s, Scott opened Mio Mode in St Charles, a new restaurant concept offering lighter Italian food that reflects both traditional favorites and modern twists on classic dishes. Mio Mode aims to serve a wide array of guests, promising to serve ‘a new generation of diners by offering more protein alternatives, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices’.   

Designed to feel like stepping into an Italian wine cellar in the countryside, Dissoto welcomes guests with the aroma of pomodoro sauce and fresh pasta. Similarly, Davanti Enoteca is a collection of two lively, rustic Italian wine bars serving delectable imports and shareable contemporary small plates inspired by Italy’s small farm and fishing towns. Fiore, on the other hand, offers woodfired pizzas, fresh pasta, and decadent pastries, with everything made fresh every day with hand-picked ingredients.   

Diverse dining options 

The company’s latest venture, Vinny’s Clam Bar, is a fun concept that offers ‘East Coast Italian’ cuisine, embracing the flavors of New York and New Jersey with an emphasis on seafood and red sauces throughout the menu. With expertise from executive chef, Peter Deruvo, and Scott himself, Vinny’s Clam Bar has already become known for its signature dishes like woodfired oysters, clams, and mussels, which are cooked using traditional methods on a small open hearth.   

Throughout its expansion strategy, the company emphasizes community engagement, integrating with local people to add more to the local area. The group has recently established multiple venues in Naperville, for instance, exemplifying its ability to adapt to different culinary spaces and bring diverse dining options to new markets.   

It’s clear that Scott is truly passionate about not only serving great food, but also ensuring guests have a memorable dining experience. Scott even shares some of his most loved recipes online, including guacamole and htipiti, a spread made from whipped feta and roasted red peppers that is served as an appetizer or stuffed inside filo dough.   

By cultivating diverse yet cohesive brands across its portfolio, Scott Harris Hospitality is sure to continue its successful trajectory, honoring its Italian culinary roots while embracing innovation to appeal to a wide range of diners. Scott’s personal passion and philosophy of simple, honest food served with warm and genuine hospitality will remain at the company’s core as it executes a strategic growth plan to target new markets.   

www.shhospitality.co