Brooklyn Italian Favorite Pelato Restaurant Opens in Franklin, TN

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (March 6, 2026) – Nashville-based Avenue T Hospitality Group has opened the doors to its third location of flagship restaurant brand, Pelato in Franklin, Tennessee, at 1914 Galleria Blvd. With current locations in Nashville and Charleston, the expansion marks the latest chapter for the Scotto family, the legendary restaurateurs behind Nashville’s LUOGO and formerly New York institution Fresco by Scotto, who have built Pelato into one of the Southeast’s most popular new restaurant concepts. Pelato is now open for dinner seven days a week, reservations are available via OpenTable, with brunch service beginning March 14th.

“We’re thrilled to bring Pelato to Franklin and share the food and traditions that have been part of our family for generations. Pelato is rooted in our Brooklyn Italian heritage and the hospitality that is so much a part of everything we do.” said Theresa Scotto, co-founder of Avenue T Hospitality Group. Adds her son and co-founder, Anthony Scotto III, “We believe that great meals bring people together, and it means so much to be able to continue sharing our family story through food here in Tennessee.”

Founded by Theresa and Anthony Scotto Jr. and their son Anthony Scotto III, Pelato is a modern yet nostalgic take on the family’s Brooklyn Italian heritage, and a heartfelt tribute to the dishes that have defined generations of the Scotto family since their ancestors emigrated from Italy to New York in 1905. From Grandmother Theresa’s Potato Croquettes and San Gennaro Zeppoles served in a paper bag (she still visits the kitchen twice a month to ensure they are being made correctly), to house-made pastas, sauces, breads, and desserts, every dish reflects the Scottos’ dedication to family, tradition and hospitality. 

Following the success of the flagship Pelato location in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood which opened in 2023, and the launch of its bustling Charleston outpost in 2025, the Franklin restaurant brings the same signature warmth, commitment to scratch-made Brooklyn Italian fare, high quality ingredients, and approachable neighborhood hospitality that have made Pelato a favorite among locals, celebrities, and travelers alike.

The new 9,000-square-foot Franklin space was designed by MZA Architecture, the Nashville-based design firm behind the Scotto’s Nashville-based restaurant, Luogo. The restaurant features a large open bar, exposed ceilings and ductwork, wood trim accents, and Pelato’s signature green, red, and white palette. Seating accommodates 280 guests across the main dining room, three private dining spaces, bar seating, and a 2,000-square-foot fully enclosed patio which features drop-down walls, heaters, and fans for a comfortable dining experience.

Guests will find the same menu of shareable small plates that’s made Pelato a Nashville staple, including signature dishes such as Brooklyn-style Fried Calamari, Radiatore Vodka, Burnt Broccolini, Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, Panelle, Chicken Parmigiana, and Pelato’s beloved Sunday Sauce spread. All pastas are made in-house daily and include gluten-free pasta options that rival the traditional variety. Desserts include classics such as house-made Gelato, Tiramisu, Rainbow Cookies, San Gennaro Zeppoles and a rich Dark Chocolate Budino. The Pelato Franklin location also offers an inventive beverage program with playful cocktails like its Limoncello Margarita, along with riffs on classics such as the New York Sour, Espresso Old Fashioned, and frozen drinks such as the Espresso Frozen Martini.

The Scottos bring generations of experience, hospitality, culinary excellence and passion for Italian food to this new approachable, modern brand. After relocating to Nashville from New York, the family planted new roots in the Southeast, and via the launch of their Avenue T Hospitality Group, Pelato has swiftly become one of the region’s most buzzed-about restaurants, combining authentic Italian cuisine with a distinctly Brooklyn spirit.