After visiting Dollywood, Patrick and I drove across Tennessee to our next stop, Memphis. We hit the hay and woke up bright and early for breakfast at The Arcade, which has the honor of being Memphis’ oldest restaurant.

The Arcade, although not initially known by that name, was established in 1919 by Greek immigrant Speros Zepatas. The original restaurant was a humble one story wood building, with food cooked on a potbelly stove. Amid the roaring 20s, Zepatas thought it was time for an upgrade, and in 1925, after tearing down the wooden building, built the restaurant that still stands today, adding storefronts on either side to lease out, and dubbing it The Arcade.

In 1955 son Harry had taken over, giving the Arcade a facelift, and turning it into an iconic 50s cafe with all the latest bells and whistles. Around this time a young Elvis Presley had arrived on the scene, and was known to visit. It’s said he would sit in the same booth each time, his back to the door, facing a mirror to keep an eye on the throngs of fans that might come through the door. The booth was also next to the side door, for him to make a quick getaway.

By the late 1960s, businesses in downtown Memphis moved to the suburbs, but the Arcade survived. Near the end of the 20th century, the downtown area started to revitalize, and with it the Arcade became a must visit for Elvis fans. It has also been used in a variety of films and series, include Great Balls of Fire, The Firm, 21 Grams, Elizabethtown, Walk the Line, and Sun Records. It is also listed on the Register of Historic Places.

Today the Arcade is run by fourth generation members of the Zepatas family, with Elvis tours stopping in, including while we were there. Elvis’ regular booth has been named after him, with various pieces of Elvis memorabilia in the booth and window.

Grab a bite in Elvis’ booth at the Arcade at 540 S. Main St. in Memphis. You can check out their menu and reserve a table on their website.

What’s Nearby?

The National Civil Rights Museum

Sources
Cordell, Lyndsay. “The Arcade Restaurant is Known as Memphis’ Oldest Cafe.” Wide Open Country, 27 December 2017.
“History of the Arcade Restaurant.” The Arcade.