A corner brick in historic Jackson Square’s signature walkway is inscribed: “A.P. Cappiello, Restaurateur, Realtor, and Developer- Business in Oak Ridge-1981”.
Born in New York, the youngest of 15 children of Italian immigrants, Cappiello came to Oak Ridge during World War II in 1942. With hard work, entrepreneurial talent and a “sixth sense” about acquiring land that most considered worthless, but which he envisioned as commercial and residential developments. A.P. Cappiello opened Oak Ridge’s first privately owned restaurant on Tennessee Ave. and later purchased Oak Ridge property from the government. People thought he was crazy when he purchased an empty tract on Illinois Avenue. The tract has become one of the busiest places in town with more than a dozen businesses.
Today, Cappiello Real Estate and Development is still a family owned business and is dedicated to Oak Ridge and surrounding areas. A.P. Cappiello Jr. (Tony) grew up very close to his father and learned a lot about the businesses from him. Tony graduated from Vanderbilt University and University of Tennessee College of Law. He practiced law in Houston before returning to Oak Ridge to take over the family business. With hard work and his father’s visionary skills, Cappiello Real Estate looks for future growth well into the next century.