Italy on a plate

L’Osteria was founded in Nuremberg in 1999 with one mission: to bring the warmth and flavour of an Italian trattoria to a wider audience. With signature 45-centimetre pizzas, fresh pasta made in-house, and a lively, open-kitchen atmosphere, the brand quickly grew into one of Europe’s best-known casual dining chains. Every restaurant is designed to reflect a blend of Italian hospitality and contemporary lifestyle, with long communal tables, curated music, and family-friendly service.

Today, the brand operates in nine countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the UK, France, and now Poland. Its central production facility, Pastificio No. 12 in Nuremberg, supplies each location with fresh pasta and sauces, ensuring consistency across the chain. In 2023, L’Osteria served over 13 million guests and recorded revenues of €439 million.

Joint ventures and franchises built for scale

L’Osteria’s expansion model combines corporate-owned outlets with joint ventures and franchising. The company offers full operational support to partners, including location selection, architectural guidance, staff training, central supply logistics, and brand marketing. Franchisees work within a proven, scalable system while maintaining flexibility to adapt to local markets.

In Poland, L’Osteria operates as a joint venture with Atena Capital. The first restaurant opened in 2023 in Warsaw’s Praga Koneser complex. The second followed in Piaseczno, with more in development. Each site is chosen in partnership with local experts and the German headquarters to align with the brand’s premium-casual positioning.

The goal is to open up to ten restaurants in Poland in the coming years. In parallel, the brand is testing delivery services to capture urban customers seeking convenience without compromising on quality.

Investment and financial commitment

Entering the L’Osteria franchise system typically requires an initial investment ranging from approximately €300,000 to €1.2 million. This includes the franchise fee—commonly between €30,000 and €300,000—along with leasehold improvements, kitchen equipment, inventory, and restaurant launch costs. Following standard practices in the casual dining sector, ongoing fees usually consist of royalties estimated at 5–8 % of gross turnover, as well as contributions to regional marketing funds. These costs grant access to an established, internationally recognized restaurant brand with strong operational support and supply systems.

Growth plans across Europe — and Poland at the centre

With more than 170 restaurants already open, L’Osteria aims to reach 300 across Europe by 2026. This includes further growth in core German-speaking countries, continued development in the UK and France, and new entries in high-potential markets such as Poland, Czechia, and the Nordics.

The company positions itself not just as a food business, but as a lifestyle brand. Its restaurants are often located in mixed-use developments, shopping centres, or refurbished industrial spaces — creating a social hub for both families and professionals. Poland, with its growing urban middle class and dynamic hospitality scene, is seen as a strategic market with room for long-term growth.