About Us

Luigi's Italian Chophouse and Bar is more than just a restaurant — it's a Fayetteville institution. Family-owned and proudly serving the community for over 70 years, Luigi's blends classic Italian flavors, hand-cut steaks, fine wines, and heartfelt hospitality into an unforgettable dining experience.

Our Story

Luigi's was founded by Peter Parrous, a Greek immigrant who came to the U.S. in 1938, served honorably in World War II, and discovered his love of cooking while serving overseas. In the early 1950s, Peter opened the original Luigi's in downtown Fayetteville, built around his mother's meat sauce recipe — a recipe we still use today.

Although the original closed in the early '60s during downtown Fayetteville's renovation, Peter's entrepreneurial spirit never stopped. He opened a string of successful restaurants in the area, ultimately reopening Luigi's at our current location in 1982. Tragically, Peter and his wife Ethel lost their lives in a senseless act of violence in 1993, when an Army Master Sergeant went on a shooting rampage and killed the Parrous' and two other customers. Eight others were injured, including one of the Parrous' daughters, Connie. Incredibly, their children — Nicholas, Linda, Connie and son-in-law Tony (husband of Connie) chose to honor their legacy by reopening Luigi's later that year. Their commitment to excellence and community helped Luigi's not just survive — but thrive.

Over the following 27 years, Tony, Nick, and Linda led Luigi's through a thoughtful transformation — one that preserved its heritage while embracing innovation:

• ●  1999: A major renovation modernized the space and added a full-service bar, signaling Luigi's evolution from a neighborhood eatery to an upscale dining destination.
• ●  2000-2002: The team introduced weekly wine tastings — a Fayetteville first — followed by the now-beloved “Wine of the Week” program and the installation of a 2,500-bottle, climate-controlled wine cellar.
• ●  2003: Nick led Luigi's to receive its first Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, a national recognition that the restaurant has earned every year since.
• ●  2009-2010: They expanded again, adding two private dining rooms (named after former employees) and a beautiful outdoor patio for al fresco dining, accommodating private events and making Luigi's a go-to destination for celebrations.
• ●  2000-2020: Nick, Linda, and Tony built one of the region's most respected wine programs, carefully curating a list of over 300 wines and maintaining over 30 by-the-glass offerings — always served at the perfect temperature.

A New Generation: Continuing the Legacy

After four decades of dedication to Luigi's, Tony Kotsopoulos retired in 2020, leaving behind an incredible legacy of leadership, growth, and resilience. His contributions — from helping relaunch the restaurant after the 1993 tragedy to guiding it through renovations, menu transformations, and award-winning wine programs — helped define Luigi's as a cornerstone of fine dining in Fayetteville.

With Tony's retirement came a new chapter: the beginning of the third generation of family leadership. His daughter, Lia Ernst, and her husband, Nate, stepped into roles as partners and operators in the business. With their arrival, the spirit of innovation and family tradition continued — now infused with new energy, ideas, and a modern touch.

The Legacy Lives On

With Nick Parrous and Linda Higgins continuing to guide the business alongside Lia and Nate Ernst, Luigi's remains a shining example of what it means to be family-owned, community-focused, and passionately dedicated to excellence.

Today, three generations in, Luigi's Italian Chophouse and Bar stands not only as a tribute to the vision of Peter and Ethel Parrous but also as a dynamic, evolving restaurant that looks confidently toward the future — with family still at its heart.

What Makes Luigi's Special

We believe a great meal is more than food — it's about connection, comfort, and care. Our menu has evolved over time from a humble spaghetti house into a full-service chophouse, offering:

• ●  🍝 Authentic Italian pasta and sauces
• ●  🥩 Hand-cut Black Angus steaks and chops
• ●  🐟 Fresh fish delivered daily
• ●  🍷 One of the region's most robust wine programs, with over 300 selections and a 2,500-bottle climate-controlled cellar with a passion for pairing world-class wines with exceptional food.
• ●  🍽️ Private dining spaces and an outdoor patio for intimate dinners, celebrations, and special events

Our Commitment

We are deeply rooted in our community and committed to giving back. From charitable fundraisers to sponsorships for local schools and organizations, Luigi's is honored to serve not just as a restaurant, but as a partner to the people of Fayetteville.

Built on Heart and Community

Behind every new dish, each design upgrade, and every bottle of wine poured, there has always been heart. The Luigi's team has stayed true to their roots: family, hospitality, and quality.

They honored not only Peter and Ethel's legacy but also those of long-time employees, naming private event rooms after cherished staff members like “The Jones Room,” named after Miriam Jones, and “The Collison Room,” named after Lee Collison. Mrs. Jones and Lee's leadership inspired a loyal team and created a culture where guests felt like family — whether it was their first visit or their fiftieth.

Looking Forward

Now known as Luigi's Italian Chophouse and Bar, the restaurant reflects decades of resilience, innovation, and a deep bond between business and community. What began as a spaghetti house in the 1950s has grown into a destination for fine Italian cuisine, expertly grilled chops, and world-class wines — without ever losing the warmth and character that made it special in the first place.

Tony, Nick, Linda, and Nate have not only carried on Pete and Ethel's vision — they've expanded it, elevated it, and kept it alive for a new generation of guests and families.

At Luigi's, we carry forward the traditions of family, hospitality, and culinary excellence that our founders began more than half a century ago. Whether you're joining us for a casual meal at the bar, a romantic dinner, or special celebration — we're here to make you feel right at home.

Visit Us

📍 528 N. McPherson Church Rd.
Fayetteville, NC 28303

📞 (910) 864-1810

🌐 www.luigisnc.com