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Nashville-based Avenue T Hospitality Group is bringing its flagship restaurant brand, Pelato, to Franklin, Tennessee, opening their third location at 1914 Galleria Boulevard in winter 2026. 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’s Fresco by Scotto, who have built Pelato into one of the Southeast’s most popular new restaurant concepts.
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 will bring 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.
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MZA Architecture
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MZA Architecture
The new 9,000-square-foot total Franklin space is being fully transformed by MZA Architecture, the Nashville-based design firm behind the Scotto’s Nashville-based Luogo restaurant. The restaurant will feature a large open bar, exposed ceilings and ductwork, wood trim accents, and Pelato’s signature green, red, and white palette. Seating will accommodate 280 guests across the main dining room, private dining space, 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 enjoy 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 will include classics such as house-made Gelato, Tiramisu, Rainbow Cookies, San Gennaro Zeppoles and a rich Dark Chocolate Budino. The Pelato Franklin location will also offer 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.
Initially Pelato will open for dinner seven days a week, with brunch service added shortly after opening. Reservations will be available via OpenTable and the restaurant will also offer private events, catering and delivery.
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.
For more information about Avenue T Hospitality and Pelato, visit pelatorestaurant.com and avenuethospitality.com, or follow @pelatofranklin on Instagram for updates.