Autogrill launches Amore Italian fast casual food concept

ITALY. Leading travel F&B services provider Autogrill has introduced Amore, a new fast casual food concept, to Italy’s motorway service network.

With a ‘Do Eat Better’ tagline, Amore marks Autogrill’s first motorway venture to offer table service. The first store has opened at the A1 Montepulciano Est service area in Southern Tuscany, with a second Amore set to open in Badia Al Pino in the Arezzo province shortly.

Autogrill CEO Europe-Italy Andrea Cipolloni said: “Autogrill, which has always watched sector trends and pays strong attention to the needs of its customers, continues its path of development and innovation, devising a new concept designed to best meet the needs of travellers.

“With Amore’s launch, and the introduction of the table service formula, we intend to respond to the new demands of customers who are increasingly attentive to their own wellbeing and the authenticity of the product and the rest experience.”

Amore is characterised by a strong Italian style. According to Autogrill, each element of the concept aims to enhance the peculiar aspects of the cuisine and design of the Northern, Central and Southern regions. Its mission is to encourage travellers to discover the feelings and flavours associated with the places, culture, traditions and gastronomic knowledge of Italy.

Design features emphasise Italy’s varied offering for travellers. One area takes inspiration from Milan, to highlight fashion and design, while another recalls the history, art and tradition of Tuscan and Roman trattorias. The atmosphere and colours of Italy’s southern region are also highlighted.

The Amore menu offers traditional dishes with international touches, the work of well-known Italian chefs who have been collaborating with Autogrill for some time. Andrea Ribaldone is regarded as the ‘master of pasta’ and Renato Bosco specialises in pizza. Simone Salvini is known for his green and vegan dishes and Luca Montersino and Sal De Riso for pastries and desserts.

Cold starters include Prosciutto de Parma with Parmigiano Reggiano and Capresina with Burrata.  First courses include Risotto alla Milanese and Egg Pasta while second courses include a vegan Wow burger and Pan-seared Yellow Fin Tuna.

Salads and pizzas are also offered and the dessert line-up includes Tiramisu Amore and Rum Baba.

As reported, Autogrill has responded to a Bloomberg report that the company is in talks with Dufry to create a new global leader in travel retail/food & beverage.

Quoting confidential sources, Bloomberg reported that under one potential structure, Dufry would purchase Autogrill and pay in stock. The deal, it said, would unite companies with a current combined market value of US$6.6 billion. However, Autogrill will almost certainly be viewing a range of alternatives for a divestment that could attract multiple trade and private suitors.

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