dining out
Love & Lasagna: Lucchesi’s Ravioli & Pasta Company
Text by E. Brooke Watson | Photos by Jay Adkins Photography
If food is the only language as universal as music, you might say Lucchesi’s Ravioli and Pasta Company has been singing a love song to the Memphis community for over a quarter of a century. However, to fully comprehend the heartfelt tradition behind this local Italian staple, it’s worth noting that the beginnings of the Lucchesi’s story were being penned as far back as the 1800s, and it’s a saga that owner Michael Robilio and partners Mike Gabrielleschi and Wes Kraker feel privileged to continue. “The father and son team that started this, the Lucchesis, began here 25 years ago and said that these were original recipes from their family,” says Robilio. Going on to express how blessed he feels to advance that work, he adds, “Truly, we really just love being able to serve Memphis [in this way].” For those who have sampled any of Lucchesi’s timetested signature recipes, including their top-selling ravioli, tender pasta, casseroles, pizzas or the mouth-watering Italian spinach, it’s easy to see why. The Lucchesi family perfected their recipes from generation to generation, and when they decided to share 82 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2017
their cuisine with the public in 1990 it was an immediate hit. After only one year, the business was so successful they needed to double the space in their East Memphis home. When Robilio, previously in the grocery business, learned that Lucchesi’s was in the market for a new owner in 1999, it felt like a natural fit. “I was a customer, and I thought they had a really cool concept here, and being Italian myself…pasta has always interested me,” Robilio says with a laugh. Anyone who’s witnessed his work ethic, however, will tell you that Robilio’s longtime interest is more of a lifelong passion. Utilizing his grocery background, he swiftly added a deli to Lucchesi’s offerings, an addition which set it apart from other local markets and further endeared Lucchesi’s to the Memphis community. The true stars of the show are the crowd-favorite menu items that continue to grow in popularity as the years go by. As for what makes these authentic dishes so distinctive, memorable and delicious to his customers? Robilio says it’s no secret. The owner shares, “It’s all homemade. It takes us just as long to make it as it takes somebody else. We get no shortcuts!”