Locals Fought to Keep This Beloved Pizzeria Open After Owner Passed Away in Southaven, MS

Name

Italia Pizza Cafe

Address

1306 Goodman Road East, Suite 101, Southaven, MS 38671

Hours

Mon-Thu: 10:30 AM–9:00 PM | Fri-Sat: 10:30 AM–10:00 PM | Sun: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM

For over two decades, a family-owned pizzeria in Southaven has been crafting authentic Italian favorites using the same recipes that made locals fall in love from day one. 🍕

Italia Pizza Cafe opened in 2004 and has passed through loving hands—from original owner Thomaso to the legendary Lonnie Tant, and now Jose and his wife, who reopened in June 2020 to continue serving the best Southaven pizza and Italian classics with recipes unchanged for over 20 years.

How Italia Pizza Cafe won Southaven’s hearts

Italia Pizza Cafe first opened in 2004 when original owner Thomaso brought authentic Italian cuisine to Southaven, establishing recipes and traditions that would endure for decades.

When Lonnie Tant took over, he continued the excellence with best-in-class food and legendary customer service—always a great salesman and person who made time for every customer. 💙

Unfortunately, when Lonnie got sick and passed away, the community worried about losing this beloved restaurant.

Current owner Jose had worked for Lonnie at one point and never forgot about Italia—when Lonnie passed, Jose knew they had to continue providing the best pizza and Italian favorites in Southaven.

In June 2020, Jose and his wife reopened Italia Pizza Cafe, preserving those 20-year-old recipes and continuing to serve old customers while welcoming new ones—the response has been amazing.

This Mississippi restaurant became famous for the “Big Mama” 28-inch pizza—the largest in DeSoto County that feeds crowds and makes jaws drop.

The sports bar atmosphere with a large selection of beers and televisions creates a perfect spot to catch games while enjoying authentic Italian food.

Food Highlights

• Deluxe Pizza: A customer favorite featuring generous amounts of toppings and delicious crust.

• The Big Mama 28-Inch Pizza: The crown jewel—a 28-inch monster pizza that’s the largest in DeSoto County.

• Meatball Pizza: Described as “on point” by the owner himself, this hearty pie features their homemade meatballs.

• BBQ Chicken Pizza: A sweet and tangy creation featuring tender chicken, BBQ sauce, red onions, and mozzarella that balances smoky flavors with cheese.

• White Pizza: A garlic lover’s dream with no red sauce—just olive oil, garlic, and cheese creating a rich, savory pie.

• Breakfast Pizza: Only available on Sundays, this morning specialty brings eggs, cheese, and breakfast meats to pizza form for brunch lovers.

• Super Pizza: The ultimate loaded pie featuring pepperoni, Italian sausage, beef, ham, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, and black olives.

Atmosphere

The corner building at 1306 Goodman Road East in the shopping center next to Kohl’s welcomes guests with a sports bar/family eatery vibe.

An open kitchen allows you to watch your pizza being cooked right out in the open, connecting diners to the cooking process and showcasing the fresh preparation.

The bar area with a large beer selection and multiple televisions creates the perfect environment to chill, watch sports, and enjoy great Italian cuisine. 🏈

Basic Italian menu, family-friendly atmosphere, and reliable quality make this a place that gets a lot of regulars who know they’ll always have a good experience.

Bottom Line

Experience over 20 years of unchanged recipes that have kept Southaven coming back through multiple generations of loving owners.

Fresh, made-to-order food means you’re not getting fast food—you’re getting quality that’s worth the wait.

Home of the Big Mama 28-inch pizza, the largest in DeSoto County, plus huge single-serve slices available all day.

Address:

1306 Goodman Road East, Suite 101, Southaven, MS 38671

📞 (662) 470-5191

🕔 Mon-Thu: 10:30 AM–9:00 PM | Fri-Sat: 10:30 AM–10:00 PM | Sun: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM