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.
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Two Locations To Serve You
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Coletta's Restaurant
þSpecial BBQ Pizza for 4-5 people Delivered To You for Only $79.99!
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Banquet Facility
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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:
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BBQ Pizza: A pioneering dish featuring smoked pork and homemade barbecue sauce.
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Homemade Lasagna: Layered with mozzarella, Romano cheese, Italian sausage, and meat sauce.
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Toasted Ravioli: A popular appetizer that pairs well with their homemade marinara sauce.
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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:
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Positive Feedback:
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Many praise the BBQ pizza as unparalleled.
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The staff is frequently described as friendly and attentive.
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The nostalgic decor resonates with patrons seeking a connection to Memphis history.
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Criticism:
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Some reviews mention inconsistencies in food quality, particularly with pasta dishes.
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Service can occasionally be slow during busy times.
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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:
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It was inducted into the Pizza Hall of Fame for its role in introducing pizza to Memphis and innovating with BBQ pizza.
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Local publications like The Daily Memphian have featured Coletta’s resilience during challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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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
| Feature | South Parkway Location | Appling Road Location |
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| Established | 1923 | 1999 |
| Ambiance | Vintage decor; Elvis memorabilia | Modern yet cozy |
| Special Features | Elvis Room; historical significance | Family-friendly setting; banquet facilities |
| Management | Jerry & Diane Coletta | Lisa, Stephen, & Kristina Coletta |
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.