Portfolio > Nashvillians of Note

Frank Jr. (1914-2007) and Eva (1917-2013) Varallo
Frank and Eva Varallo owned and operated Varallo’s restaurant, famous for its delicious chili. Tennessee’s oldest restaurant, Varallo’s was opened by Frank Varallo Sr., before Frank Jr. took over in 1929 and Eva joined him in 1937. The husband-and-wife team worked side-by-side for six decades, serving customers with welcoming smiles and warm hearts until their retirement in 1998. Their diverse patrons included politicians, community leaders and country music stars. Throughout its long history, Varallo’s has resided in several downtown locations, the latest of which is at 239 Fourth Ave. N. The restaurant is now owned and operated by Frank and Eva’s grandson, Todd Varallo, and still serves the same family recipe that the restaurant first served in 1907.