ITALY. Autogrill, part of Avolta, has marked 100 years of Italy’s A8 Autostrada dei Laghi at its historic Villoresi Ovest store.
The event paid homage to the world’s first motorway, seen as a symbol of the progress of mobility in Italy as well as being home to a founding cornerstone of the Autogrill business.
Organised by Autostrade per l’Italia and Automobile Club d’Italia, the centenary event was attended by officials from major institutions and authorities.
Central to the celebrations, Autogrill’s Villoresi Ovest is symbolic of the motorway and a well-known landmark for local economic development.
Built in 1958 to designs by architect Angelo Bianchetti on the Autostrada dei Laghi and regarded as an icon of Made in Italy modernism, Villoresi Ovest was completely renovated in 2020 and renamed Autogrill 1958.
Speakers at the event included Avolta CEO F&B Italy Massimiliano Santoro; Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini; Lombardy Region President Attilio Fontana; Autostrade per l’Italia CEO Roberto Tomasi; Automobile Club of Milan President Geronimo La Russa; Automobile Club Italy Secretary Enzo Leanza; and Municipality of Lainate Mayor Alberto Landonio.
A procession of historic cars representing the different decades from 1924 to 2024 concluded the ceremony, parading along a dedicated route from Villoresi Ovest.
Avolta CEO Xavier Rossinyol said: “Autogrill has played a powerful role in history of redefining motorway experiences, in Italy and around the world. Avolta is proud of this legacy, and our commitment to making travellers happier and passion for providing the best coffee and tastiest fresh meals for people on the move has only picked up momentum.
“Today we remember our early trailblazers and celebrate their vision and triumphs, and salute the Italian heart of our global company. Together, let’s continue on our path to redefining the travel experience on motorways for the future generations to come.”
Santoro commented: “We are honoured and proud to have been chosen to host the celebrations of the centenary of a strategic infrastructure for the country, the A8 motorway, to whose history and evolution Autogrill is deeply linked thanks to the presence of Villoresi Ovest.
“This is a sales point that since its birth has favoured travel and encouraged tourist and commercial flows. The Autostrada dei Laghi has been crucial for the development of mobility in our country and represents a symbol of progress and innovation, just like Autogrill’s Villoresi Ovest store, which has always been a point of reference for customers, making travellers happier for a century.
“Through Villoresi Ovest we have also activated important collaborations with local entities active in the area such as the one with Cometa, engaged in the reception, education and training of children and young people in difficult situations.” 
Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.
Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com for your complimentary subscription.
