3.3K
Coletta’s on South Parkway opened in 1923 as “Suburban Ice Cream Company,” where Emil Coletta served up pasta, sandwiches and his own homemade ice cream. As time passed and the eatery became more established, Emil put his family name on the door and went full Italian with the menu.
In the 1950s they added pizza to their offerings, topping it with some Memphis-style barbecue for a local flair, and encouraged everyone to try it. A local named Elvis Presley did just that, and immediately dubbed it one of his favorite foods.
Today, the fifth generation of Colettas runs the restaurant.
– Kristie Coggins, The 100 Companies