Coletta's Restaurant since 1923

This used to be the official website of Coletta's Restaurant. The restaurant is still serving their delicious homemade sauces, lasagna, ravioli, manicotti, spumoni & cannoli, along with their famous pizzas. Spanning five generations, the current website of Coletta's Restaurant is at: colettas.net. The content below is from the site's 2009 archived pages. Devoted local diners  such as myself contributed time and resources to keep the memory of good food and those good old times alive by restoring this site and contributing to the costs of upkeep and hosting.

Consider this an homage and nostalgic look back to circa 2009.

My take:  While in Memphis, I decided to try Coletta's Restaurant, lured in by the tantalizing aroma of their pizzas. The place had a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and as I waited for my order, I overheard a neighboring diner raving about a cast iron skillet they'd just chanced upon. As a home cook, my interest was immediately piqued. To my astonishment, they pulled out a catalog from NestHomeware.com, showing off the very skillet design I'd been eyeing for months but hadn't found in stores. It felt serendipitous. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, from Coletta's delectable homemade sauces to our shared appreciation for quality cookware. By the end of the evening, not only had I savored one of the best pizzas of my life, but I'd also discovered where to get my dream skillet. Now, every time I cook with my treasured cast iron piece, I'm transported back to that memorable evening at Coletta's. Sometimes, the most ordinary days lead to the most delightful surprises.

Coletta's Restaurant                                                                Since 1923         Memphis' oldest restaurant!   Originators of the BBQ Pizza!   Voted Best Pizza in Memphis by the Commercial Appeal!   Introduced Pizza to Memphis in the 1950's!   Elvis' Favorite Pizza!   Now spanning 5 generations!   Everything is Homemade; Sauces, Lasagna, Ravioli, Manicotti, Spumoni, & Cannoli!   þSpecial  BBQ Pizza for 4-5 people Delivered To You for Only $79.99!           Two Locations To Serve You Our Original Location ~ Since 1923 Our Newest East Location South Parkway Menu Appling Road Menu Coletta's Restaurant #1 1063 S. Parkway East Memphis, TN 38106 Phone: (901) 948-7652     Fax: (901) 948-7653 [email protected] Coletta's Restaurant #2 2850 Appling Road Memphis, TN 38133 Phone: (901) 383-1122     Fax: (901) 383-9573

 

Banquet Facility

Formal Package White Linen Tablecloths Formal Place Settings Glass Centerpieces Floating Candles Greenery Decorations Custom Menus   Sample Menu TARA SMITH & JOHN BROWN'S REHEARSAL DINNER JANUARY 5, 2006 SALAD (CHOICE OF) ITALIAN SALAD Crisp mixed greens, roma tomatoes, ripe olives, mild Italian peppers, and Romano cheese GARDEN SALAD Crisp mixed greens, roma tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, ripe olives, carrots & cabbage ENTREE (CHOICE OF) LASAGNA Pasta noodles layered with mozzarella, Romano cheese, Italian sausage, and meat sauce CHICKEN PARMESAN Breaded chicken breast, fried, and topped with provolone and meat sauce. Served with spaghetti. SPAGHETTI AND RAVIOLI A classic combination both topped with meat sauce EGGPLANT PARMESAN Lightly breaded slices of eggplant, fried, and topped with meat sauce and Romano cheese SHRIMP DIANE Shrimp in a mild butter and spice sauce over fresh fettuccine GARDEN SALAD Crisp mixed greens, roma tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, ripe olives, carrots & cabbage DESSERT (CHOICE OF) CHEESECAKE New York style topped with strawberries SPUMONI Homemade Italian ice cream layered with amaretto, pistachio, vanilla, and strawberries Includes unlimited refills of Soft Drinks, Tea, Coffee Banquet Pricing The banquet pricing includes a Formal Package setup fee and your choice of menus with and without dessert. A special menu is provided for your guests as illustrated above, along with White Linen Table Cloths, Formal Place Settings, Glass Center Pieces, Floating Candles, and Decorative Greenery.     Formal Package Setup Fee: $60.00     With Dessert per person $19.95     Without Dessertper person $17.95     PerChild $7.50     Plus Gratuity 18%   ALL BANQUET ROOM PRICES BUFFET STYLE: Our buffet price is $17.95 per person and includes salad, 2 entrees, dessert and unlimited tea, coffee and soft drinks.  Without dessert, the price is $15.95 per person. SIT DOWN DINNERS: Our sit down dinner is $19.95 per person and includes salad, entree, dessert and unlimited tea, coffee and soft drinks.  Without dessert, the price is $17.95 per person. ***We recommend the sit down dinner for rehearsal dinners*** If you would like to add our Filet, Ribeye, Seafood Scampi, Salmon Florentine or Orange Roughy, the price is $23.95 per person (salad, dessert and unlimited tea, coffee and soft drinks are included in this price.) CHILDREN'S MENU: (AGES 10 AND UNDER) On the sit down dinner, we can add a children's menu for $7.50 per child. On the buffet, children are also charged only $7.50 per child. SIDE DISH: If you would like to add a side dish, such as our Italian spinach, baked potato, meatballs or Italian sausage to any package, just add $1.50 more per person. FORMAL PACKAGE: This includes white linen on all the tables, formal place settings, and beautiful decorations. For one room the cost is $60.00 and for both rooms the cost is $120.00 (please note this is a one time charge). CHAMPAGNE TOAST PACKAGE: This includes a glass of champagne for all the guests to toast the bride and groom or to whoever is being honored. The cost of this package is $2.00 per person. WINE CARAFES: We offer full carafes of wine (our house red, white, and blush) for only $22.00 per carafe. With a carafe, you get approximately 7-8 glasses of wine. Since we offer a full service bar, we do not allow any outside alcohol to be brought in. ***Please add tax + a minimum of 18% gratuity in addition to above prices***   Our Banquet Facility is available with a reservation by calling our restaurant at (901) 383-1122

 

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More Background on Coletta's Italian Restaurant

Coletta's Italian Restaurant, established in 1923, is a cornerstone of Memphis dining history. Known as the city's oldest restaurant, it has become an enduring institution that blends Italian-American cuisine with local Southern flavors. With its signature BBQ pizza, ties to Elvis Presley, and a legacy spanning five generations, Coletta’s is more than just a restaurant—it’s a cultural landmark.

History and Evolution

Coletta's began as the Suburban Ice Cream Company in 1923, founded by Emil Coletta. Initially offering ice cream, sandwiches, and pasta, the business shifted its focus to Italian cuisine as demand grew. In the early 1950s, Emil's son Horest introduced pizza to Memphis after learning the craft in Chicago. To appeal to local tastes, he created the now-iconic BBQ pizza by topping it with smoked pork and homemade barbecue sauce. This innovation not only popularized pizza in Memphis but also became a signature dish that remains difficult to replicate.

The original location on South Parkway has been operational since its inception, while a second location was added on Appling Road in 1999 after an earlier branch on Summer Avenue burned down. Both locations are family-operated, with multiple generations involved in maintaining the restaurant’s legacy.

Signature Dishes and Menu Highlights

Coletta's menu offers a mix of traditional Italian dishes and unique regional creations. Some highlights include:

• BBQ Pizza: A pioneering dish featuring smoked pork and homemade barbecue sauce.

• Homemade Lasagna: Layered with mozzarella, Romano cheese, Italian sausage, and meat sauce.

• Toasted Ravioli: A popular appetizer that pairs well with their homemade marinara sauce.

• Meatball Sandwich: A customer favorite featuring their special recipe meatballs on an Italian roll.

Desserts like spumoni (Italian ice cream) and cannoli add an authentic touch to the dining experience.

Cultural Significance and Ties to Elvis Presley

Coletta's holds a special place in Memphis culture due to its connection with Elvis Presley. The King of Rock 'n' Roll was a frequent patron of the South Parkway location. Fans from around the world visit Coletta's to dine at "Elvis' table" and view memorabilia displayed in the Elvis Room. This association has cemented Coletta’s as a must-visit destination for Elvis enthusiasts.

Customer Experience and Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Coletta's is described as warm, nostalgic, and unpretentious. The South Parkway location retains its vintage charm with dark wood paneling and memorabilia that evoke a bygone era. The Appling Road location offers a more modern yet equally welcoming ambiance.

Reviews from diners highlight both positive experiences and areas for improvement:

• Positive Feedback:

  • Many praise the BBQ pizza as unparalleled.

  • The staff is frequently described as friendly and attentive.

  • The nostalgic decor resonates with patrons seeking a connection to Memphis history.

• Criticism:

  • Some reviews mention inconsistencies in food quality, particularly with pasta dishes.

  • Service can occasionally be slow during busy times.

Despite these critiques, Coletta’s remains a beloved institution for locals and visitors alike.

Press Coverage and Media Recognition

Coletta's has received extensive media coverage over the years:

• It was inducted into the Pizza Hall of Fame for its role in introducing pizza to Memphis and innovating with BBQ pizza.

• Local publications like The Daily Memphian have featured Coletta’s resilience during challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

• National outlets like PMQ Pizza Magazine have highlighted its historical significance and enduring appeal.

These accolades underscore Coletta’s importance not just as a restaurant but as a piece of culinary history.

Social Impact and Community Engagement

As a family-owned business spanning five generations, Coletta's emphasizes building relationships with its customers. Owner Jerry Coletta has spoken about the importance of knowing patrons by name and creating a community atmosphere. This personal touch sets Coletta’s apart from chain restaurants.

The restaurant also plays a role in preserving Memphis’ cultural heritage. Its longevity and ties to iconic figures like Elvis make it an integral part of the city’s identity.

Comparison of Locations

Both locations offer the same menu but cater to slightly different audiences—South Parkway appeals more to history buffs and Elvis fans, while Appling Road attracts families and larger groups.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While Coletta's has remained resilient through nearly a century of operation, it faces challenges such as maintaining food quality across locations and adapting to changing dining trends. However, its strong brand identity, loyal customer base, and commitment to tradition position it well for continued success.

 

Coletta's Italian Restaurant is more than just Memphis’ oldest restaurant—it is a living testament to culinary innovation, cultural heritage, and family tradition. From pioneering BBQ pizza to serving as Elvis Presley’s favorite pizzeria, Coletta’s has left an indelible mark on Memphis’ dining scene. Whether you’re drawn by its historical significance or simply craving authentic Italian-American cuisine with a Southern twist, Coletta’s promises an experience steeped in flavor and nostalgia.