Villa Castrioti: La Storia

Villa Castrioti’s journey began in the mid-1980s when Adam and Julie Papriniku, an Albanian couple from New York City, moved to Memphis, TN. Inspired by their heritage and passion for authentic Italian cuisine, they opened a humble pizza stand, Castrioti, serving NY-style pizza by the slice at Hickory Ridge Mall and later expanding to downtown Memphis.

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Their dream of creating a full-service Italian restaurant came to life in 1989, when they opened the first Villa Castrioti in Cordova’s Trinity Commons Plaza. Over the years, their restaurant became more than just a place to dine—it became a beloved gathering spot where guests felt like family.

 

By 2018, Adam and Julie were ready to pass on their legacy, ensuring that Villa Castrioti’s traditions would continue for generations to come. They entrusted their vision to General Manager Aron Pullen, who had long shared their commitment to quality, service, and community. Aron soon partnered with longtime guest and friend Brian Leith, and together, they officially took ownership in February 2020—just weeks before the world changed.

 

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges. Forced to close the dining room and lacking an online presence for delivery or pickup, Aron quickly pivoted, collaborating with a loyal guest to bring VillaCastrioti.com to life. With this new digital platform, they introduced new services with 3rd party apps, & "Villa-Valet", offering curbside pickup and delivery to keep guests connected to the flavors they loved.

 

As the restaurant recovered and looked toward the future, Aron and Brian welcomed Joseph Clarke in 2021 as General Manager of the Cordova location. His expertise in multi-unit operations and natural leadership complemented the team, strengthening the guest experience and fueling Villa Castrioti’s growth. In December 2022, the brand expanded, opening its second location in Lakeland with Joe not only as GM but also as a partner. The Lakeland location quickly gained a devoted following, just like its Cordova counterpart.

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With the expansion came new leadership. Breanna Russo was promoted to General Manager of Lakeland in 2023. Together, Aron, Brian, and Joe formed the Villa Castrioti Executive Team, refining operations, upholding the highest standards of service, and shaping what is now known as the Villa Culture and Family—a place where guests don’t just dine, they belong.

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With aspirations of becoming the best Italian restaurant in the Mid-South, Villa Castrioti set its sights on new horizons. In the summer of 2024, Villa Castrioti expanded beyond Memphis, opening its third location—"Nashvilla"—on Commerce Drive in downtown Nashville. With Joe at the helm as General Manager, the restaurant took its first step into a new region, bringing its signature flavors, heartfelt hospitality, and time-honored traditions to an even wider audience.

 

Today, Villa Castrioti stands as a symbol of home, warmth, and authentic Italian flavors, serving cherished family recipes with expert care and heartfelt service. For over 30 years, we have welcomed guests like family, crafting unforgettable meals and memories, and we look forward to doing so for generations to come.