Memphis' Oldest Restaurant, Coletta's, Serves Elvis Presley's Favorite Barbecue Pizza

The family-owned Italian eatery has been a local institution for over a century and is known for its connection to the King of Rock and Roll.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:31pm

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Coletta's Italian Restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of the oldest establishments in the city, dating back to 1923. The family-owned eatery was a favorite of Elvis Presley, who particularly enjoyed their signature barbecue pizza. Coletta's is credited with inventing the barbecue pizza and has been recognized by the pizza industry for its innovation. The restaurant has maintained its old-school charm over the decades and continues to serve a variety of Italian dishes, including the popular Round the World pizza.

Why it matters

Coletta's longevity and connection to Elvis Presley make it a unique and iconic part of Memphis' culinary and cultural history. As one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the city, Coletta's has weathered changes and adapted to new trends, proving that mission-driven, family-owned businesses can thrive even as the landscape around them evolves.

The details

Coletta's was established in 1923 by Emil Coletta and is still run by his family today. The restaurant is known for its old-school charm, with wood-paneled walls and red and white checkered tablecloths. Coletta's is credited with inventing the barbecue pizza, which was a favorite of Elvis Presley. The restaurant has also expanded its menu over the years to include other Italian dishes, such as spaghetti with barbecue sauce and the popular Round the World pizza, which features shrimp, pepperoni, and sausage.

  • Coletta's Italian Restaurant was established in 1923.
  • In the 1950s, Horest Coletta, Emil's son, expanded the restaurant to include pizza by popular demand from Navy personnel.
  • Coletta's barbecue pizza was a favorite of Elvis Presley in the 1950s.

The players

Coletta's Italian Restaurant

A century-old, family-run Italian restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee, that is credited with inventing the barbecue pizza and was a favorite of Elvis Presley.

Emil Coletta

The founder of Coletta's Italian Restaurant, who established the business in 1923.

Horest Coletta

The son of Emil Coletta, who expanded the restaurant to include pizza in the 1950s.

Jerry Coletta

The grandson of Emil Coletta, who spoke to Memphis Magazine in 2024 about the restaurant's history and innovations.

Elvis Presley

The iconic singer and Memphis native who was a regular customer at Coletta's and particularly enjoyed their barbecue pizza.

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What’s next

Coletta's plans to host a special Elvis-themed event at its original South Parkway East location on August 16, 2026, the anniversary of the King's passing.

The takeaway

Coletta's enduring success and connection to Elvis Presley demonstrate the power of family-owned, mission-driven businesses to become beloved community institutions, even as the world around them changes. The restaurant's ability to adapt and innovate, while staying true to its roots, is a testament to the resilience of small, independent businesses.