In the heart of Memphis' Evergreen Historic District, ECCO on Overton Park is more than just an Italian restaurant—it's a family legacy built on resilience, hospitality and heart. Since opening in 2014, ECCO has embodied the warmth of a home kitchen, serving handmade Italian cuisine with a deep-rooted sense of community. Today, under the stewardship of John Paul Gagliano and his brother Mario at the helm in the kitchen, that legacy is expanding—not just in square footage, but in spirit.
The Gagliano family's journey into the Memphis food scene began long before ECCO, when matriarch Sabine Bachmann opened Fratelli's downtown in 2002. "I was in the fourth or fifth grade," John Paul recalls. "Sometimes we'd skip school to help my mom in the restaurant. Watching her open a business and raise three boys taught me grit."
That grit became the foundation for ECCO, a name that comes from an Italian phrase meaning "the place to be," a favorite saying of their mother Sabine's. And it has proven true. Over the past decade, ECCO has become a cornerstone of the neighborhood, where familiar faces fill the dining room, and many regulars are on a first-name basis with the staff.
With the restaurant's popularity growing and a surge in private event bookings, ECCO is embracing a new chapter. LP3 Builders helped revamp the space adjacent to ECCO to create ample room to host private events while allowing the restaurant's routine operations to continue. "It started with one rehearsal dinner, and it hasn't stopped since," John Paul says. "But even as we host more events, we keep the focus on food and hospitality—it's not just a venue, it's still a restaurant."
This philosophy extends beyond the food and into the kitchen culture. The Gagliano brothers are reshaping what it means to work in hospitality. "I don't like the mentality that restaurant work isn't a serious job," John Paul says. "We want to make this a career, not just a job." To support that goal, ECCO and its sister restaurants now provide health insurance, IRA contributions and—perhaps most notably—a fully funded trip to Italy for exceptional team members.
"Twice a year, we choose someone who's gone above and beyond," John Paul explains. "They get to spend a week in Italy. It's a way to reward their hard work and give them an experience that ties back to why we do this." The first recipient was Mary Connor, ECCO's beverage director, who returned from Italy inspired and more connected than ever to the restaurant's roots.
John Paul himself first visited Spoleto, Italy, in 2023, which helped him to understand his mother's vision more deeply. "I used to think Italy meant pasta, pizza and architecture," he says. "But the culture is different. It's about simplicity, care and quality—that's what we try to bring back with us."
That ethos extends across their restaurant group which includes Libro in Laurelwood (opened in 2017) and Tonica, a Spanish-influenced concept launched in 2022. The three restaurants share not only staff—many work at multiple locations—but also a loyal customer base. "I'd say 60% of our customers are regulars at all three restaurants," says John Paul. "It's like one big family."
Running a family business means collaboration at every level—from his younger brother Mario managing the kitchens at ECCO and Tonica, to incorporating staff input into major decisions, John Paul emphasizes shared ownership of ideas. "I might be the owner, but I don't know everything," he says. "I want to hear opinions, bounce ideas around. Once you stop learning, you stop growing."
While John Paul oversees the big picture, Mario provides essential balance in the kitchen, bringing consistency, calm and sharp culinary focus to day-to-day operations. After studying culinary arts in Italy, Mario returned to Memphis with a revitalized appreciation for the technical and creative aspects of cooking. His attention to detail ensures that each dish reflects the quality and heart the family is known for -- down to the microgreens sitting perfectly on every dish.
Their attention to detail helped the Gaglianos navigate the challenges of the pandemic, which shuttered many beloved Memphis eateries. "So many places have closed since 2020," John Paul says. "It made me really think about their path and what we could learn from it. Growth is good—but only if you're ready for it."
For ECCO, growth is coming naturally, driven by purpose, not pressure. The restaurant is hiring to keep up with demand, especially for larger parties and outdoor seating. However, the team remains focused on preserving what makes ECCO special: heartfelt service, high-quality food and drinks, and a sense of home.
Ultimately, John Paul sees his role less as a restaurateur and more as a motivator. "I might not say I love the restaurant business—it's tough—but I love giving people opportunity," he says. "Watching things grow, watching people grow, gets me up every day."
While Midtown may change, one thing remains the same: ECCO is, and will always be, "the place to be."
"Italian culture is different. It's about simplicity, care and quality—that's what we try to bring back with us from a visit. We want to continue to build a community-focused culture through our restaurants." - John Paul Gagliano
"I'd say 60% of our customers are regulars at all three restaurants. It's like one big family." - John Paul Gagliano