Family, Flavors, & Hospitality
Our Story, Your Villa
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.
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, while Jeff Hodge took on the role of General Manager of Cordova later that summer. 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 Brandy Davis 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.
Privacy Policy
DATA USE & COMMUNICATION
PROTECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION: At Villa Castrioti, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. At no time do we share, copy or distribute your personal and contact information. The information you provide us, including your contact details, will not be sold, shared, or disclosed to third parties without your explicit consent, except as required by law. ​ USE OF CONTACT INFORMATION: Your contact information, such as email and phone number, will be used solely for the purposes of managing your reservations, addressing inquiries, and enhancing your dining experience with us. We will not use your contact details for marketing or promotional purposes unless you have expressly opted in to receive such communications. ​ MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS: For those who opt-in to receive marketing emails, we promise to limit our communications to no more than 1-2 emails per month. These emails may include information about special events, new menu items, or exclusive offers. ​ We respect your choice and control over your inbox. You will have the option to unsubscribe or modify your communication preferences at any time through the links provided in our emails or by contacting us directly. ​ CONTACT US Should you have any questions about our use of your personal information, or if you wish to change your communication preferences, please do not hesitate to Contact us at: CORDOVA Phone: 901-753-3894 Email: jeff@villacastrioti.com Address: 714 N. Germantown PKWY., Cordova, TN 38018 LAKELAND ​Phone: 901-466-8288 Email: breanna@villacastrioti.com Address: 9861 Lake District Dr. N, #101, Lakeland, TN 38002 NASHVILLE ​Phone: 615-349-8949 Email: brandy@villacastrioti.com Address: 330 Commerce St., Nashville, TN 37201
RESERVATION POLICY
1. INTRODUCTION Welcome to Villa Castrioti, where we strive to provide an exceptional dining experience. Our reservation policy is designed to ensure a seamless and enjoyable visit for all our guests. 2. MAKING A RESERVATION: Reservations can be made online, by phone, or in person. We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred date and time. Your reservation ensures seating on your preferred date and time. Please inform us of any special occasions, or requests at the time of reservation so we may help accommodate accordingly. We reserve the right to cancel, reject, or revise a reservation at any time. In these rare cases, we make every attempt to work with the guest to coordinate the changes successfully. 3. SEATING PREFERENCES: Seating preference is NOT guaranteed. While we endeavor to accommodate seating preferences (bar table or booth ONLY, patio, or dining area), we cannot guarantee specific tables or seating, due to the dynamic nature of restaurant bookings (this includes seats at the bar). We appreciate your understanding and flexibility. If your preferred seating is not available, we will do our best to provide a comfortable alternative. 4. ARRIVAL AND WAITING POLICY: We kindly request that you arrive on time for your reservation. Late arrivals may result in a delay or forfeiture of your table. In the event you are running behind, please contact the restaurant to let them know. In the event of a "no show", where no contact was made prior, (phone, text, or email sent in advance), the table is held for a 15 minute grace period from the start time of the reservation. The table will be forfeited after the grace period. 5. CANCELLATION AND NO-SHOW POLICY: Please provide at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations. No-shows or late cancellations may forfeit future booking opportunities. 6. Large Groups and Special Events: For parties of more than six people, please contact us directly to discuss arrangements. We are happy to accommodate special events and will work with you to meet your needs. 7. DIETARY NEEDS AND ALLERGIES: Inform us of any dietary restrictions or allergies when making your reservation. Our chefs will make every effort to accommodate special dietary requirements. 8. POLICY CHANGES: Our reservation policy may be updated periodically. Any changes will be communicated through our website and eNewsletters. 9. FEEDBACK AND DISPUTES: We value your feedback. Please feel free to contact us with any concerns or suggestions. In case of any disputes, we aim to resolve matters amicably and efficiently, prioritizing your satisfaction. 10. CONTACT INFORMATION: For reservations, cancellations, or inquiries, please contact us at: CORDOVA Phone: 901-753-3894 Email: jeff@villacastrioti.com Address: 714 N. Germantown PKWY., Cordova, TN 38018 LAKELAND ​Phone: 901-466-8288 Email: breanna@villacastrioti.com Address: 9861 Lake District Dr. N, #101, Lakeland, TN 38002 NASHVILLE ​Phone: 615-349-8949 Email: brandy@villacastrioti.com Address: 330 Commerce St., Nashville, TN 37201 We look forward to providing an unforgettable dining experience, and welcoming you to Villa Castrioti, where our Villa, becomes your Villa!
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