The popular Harbor Town restaurant Cocozza American Italian, known for its red sauce, is expanding with a second location in East Memphis. Owners Patrick and Deni Reilly announced the new location at 919 S. Yates, set to open in winter 2025 after construction this summer.
Cocozza originally started as a popup during the pandemic outside the Reillys’ other restaurant, The Majestic Grille, and quickly became a hit. The first brick-and-mortar location opened in December 2022 and was well-received by customers. The new East Memphis location will offer a larger bar, dining room, and a covered patio, with a nostalgic ’70s aesthetic inspired by red-sauce joints in New Jersey.
The menu at the new location will feature favorites from the original Harbor Town spot, such as meatballs, rigatoni, and cheesy garlic bread, with the addition of some new dishes. The cocktail menu will pay homage to the building’s former history as a 7-Eleven, offering drinks inspired by the location’s past as a hangout spot for local kids.
Despite challenges facing small business restaurant owners, Deni Reilly is confident in Cocozza’s success, citing its comforting and approachable Italian cuisine as a draw for customers. The Reillys are excited to bring their neighborhood restaurant concept to East Memphis and look forward to opening their new location in the winter.
Source
Photo credit www.commercialappeal.com
