What's that going in next door to Ecco restaurant in Midtown Memphis?

One of Midtown's well-known eateries is expanding.

Ecco, located at 1585 Overton Park Ave., will take over the adjacent space at 1581 Overton Park Ave. The space was previously home to Diane's Art, Gift and Home.

Ecco co-owner John Paul Gagliano said the 2,000-square-foot space will be an extension of Ecco and used for private events. He said the restaurant group has been receiving significantly more interest for wedding rehearsals or private events, so when he learned Diane's was closing it made sense to expand.

Gagliano along with his mother, Sabine Bachmann, and brothers Mario and Armando Gagliano operate Ecco, the nearby Tonica and Libro in East Memphis. Gagliano said the Ecco kitchen is already undergoing a renovation and the timing of the space next door fits with the restaurant group's plans for scaling up. He said the new space will include a bar area and lounge akin to a "speakeasy vibe," but will be primarily used for service unless it is reversed for private events such as rehearsals or wine dinners.

"Lot of work to get done before October," Gagliano said. He added that renovations for the kitchen and buildout of the new space is between $100,000 to $125,000. The plan is to open the new dining space by fall.

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Gagliano said between the three restaurants there is a staff of around 60. He expects to hire between five to seven additional employees with the new venue. Additionally, he credited his employees and customer base for being a large reason why Ecco is able to expand its operations.

Gagliano said in 2020, he revisited how the restaurant group was approaching staffing issues and decided to restructure its approach, lobbying to create an IRA package for employees and providing higher base pay and benefits. In an industry that traditionally is viewed as a stop-gap profession, Gagliano said he and his co-owners are trying to ensure a future for their staff and better pathways forward in their respective careers.

Neil Strebig is a journalist with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at neil.strebig@commercialappeal.com, 901-426-0679 or via X:@neilStrebig.