Kolenovic, who, like other local Italian restaurant owners, is of Albanian heritage, founded the restaurant’s first location in Amarillo over a decade ago, and the chain has gone on to serve customers in Amarillo, Prosper, Garland and Frisco. Today, the Frisco restaurant is the only one still owned by Kolenovic’s family, co-owner Vllasaliu said.
Though Kolenovic has since retired, Eddie’s Napolis is still a family affair, now run by Vllasaliu and his brothers. And it does not stop with management. Vllasaliu said he takes pride in knowing his customers personally and in making the restaurant feel like home.
“It’s that feeling of welcoming,” Vllasaliu said. “As soon as you walk in, you feel like you’re a member of the family.”
Eddie’s Napolis serves a full menu of pizza, seafood, homemade pasta, calzones, sandwiches, salads and more, all with a distinct Eddie’s twist, Vllasaliu said.
Vllasaliu encourages customers to try some standouts on the menu, including the watermelon feta, a one-of-a-kind appetizer that tops a block of refreshing watermelon with feta cheese and olive oil. Other must-haves include the Chilean sea bass, chicken cordon bleu, and lamb shank or pork shank, he said.
Be it through free meals to first responders during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic or sponsoring local school groups, Vllasaliu said he makes an effort to give back to the people who have given him, his family and his staff so much.
“I’m still here because of the community that’s around us,” Vllasaliu said. “I want people to know that I am grateful and appreciative of being part of this community.”
Eddie’s Napolis Ristorante Italiano
8822 Teel Parkway, Frisco
214-494-4455
www.napolisfrisco.com
Hours: Tue.-Thu. noon-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. noon-10 p.m., Sun. noon-9 p.m., Mon. closed
