User:Tnmaddie/The Arcade Restaurant

Founded in 1919 by Speros Zepatos, the Arcade Restaurant also known as “Memphis’ oldest restaurant” is a historic, well-known diner located in downtown Memphis, Tennessee. Throughout the years the Arcade has gained recognition through many celebrity visitors, including Elvis Presley as well as its old- time diner style that adds to the experience. The Arcade is not  only a staple in the Memphis community, but has become a popular attraction for tourists.

History
In 1919, Greek immigrant Speros Zepatos founded the diner, but it wasn’t until later that the diner became what it is today. In 1925, Speros completely remodeled the once small, wooden structure of the restaurant into a building based on a Greek revival style. In 1955, Speros son, Harry Zepatos began renovations to the interior of the store that gave it the vintage diner feeling that it is famous for today. During the mid 50s to the mid 1960s, the restaurant prospered as downtown Memphis became more busy and populated, so much so that at the intersection that the Arcade sits, police had to conduct traffic 24 hours a day. However, during the late 1960s and 1970s this area, now known as the South Main Arts District, became seemingly deserted with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination, businesses declining, and the railroad’s downturn causing residents to move to suburban areas. Despite the downturn, the Arcade Restaurant managed to stay in business all those years, further gaining attention from Elvis Presley, who frequented the restaurant and was known for being a fan of the fried peanut butter banana sandwich, made with Texas toast, peanut butter, and bananas and fried until golden brown. Elvis was such a well-known, popular customer that the restaurant marked the booth he would eat in with a plaque, allowing people to sit in the same booth that the “King of Rock ‘n Roll” once dined in.

Accomplishments
The Arcade has withstood many changes in the Memphis community, earning its place on the national register of historic places, as Memphis’ oldest restaurant. The diner has also received recognition for its delicious fried peanut butter banana sandwich, which is featured in Food Network’s list of best sandwiches in America. The Memphis Film Commission also honored the Arcade’s rich history with a second historical marker called “Modern Movie Making in Memphis” as it has been the setting of numerous scenes in movies such as Mystery Train, Great Balls of Fire, The Client, The Firm, Walk the Line, and others.