Vanelli's Bistro: A Tupelo Tradition

Vanelli's Bistro, located in historic downtown Tupelo, is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary landmark with a rich family history. Founded by Demetrios "Papa Vanelli" Kapenekas in 1975, the restaurant began as a humble eatery on South Gloster Street, offering pizzas, pasta, and Greek salads based on family recipes. The name "Vanelli's" was chosen by Demetrios who thought that people wouldn't buy pizza from a Greek named Kapenekas.In 1991, Papa Vanelli and his sons, Bill and John, expanded the restaurant to a larger location on North Gloster Street, where it thrived for over two decades. A devastating tornado in 2014 destroyed this location, but the family's passion for food and community led to the opening of Vanelli's Bistro in 2016 in downtown Tupelo. In August 2023, the Kapenekas family sold the bistro to Peter Bizon, who had previously worked at Vanelli's as executive chef and food/beverage director. Bizon continues the Vanelli's legacy with his family, retaining the restaurant's beloved menu items.Vanelli's Bistro offers a diverse menu featuring Greek and Italian specialties. Popular dishes include the classic Greek salad, a variety of pizzas, lasagna, and chicken tetrazzini. The bistro is known for its buffet, which includes items like brisket and French onion soup. With its friendly atmosphere and long-standing reputation, Vanelli's Bistro remains a beloved dining destination in Tupelo.