The True Story of the Arcade Restaurant in Memphis Tennessee
A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Memphis
Tucked away in downtown Memphis, Tennessee, the Arcade Restaurant is far more than a place to grab breakfast — it’s a living piece of rock ’n’ roll history.
Opened in 1919 by Greek immigrant Speros Zepatos, the Arcade began as a small, one-story wooden café serving home-cooked meals on a potbelly stove.
By 1925, it was rebuilt into the charming brick building that still stands today, proudly holding the title of Memphis’s oldest operating restaurant.
With its retro neon lights, red booths, and checkered floors, the Arcade captures the golden era of American diners — where history, flavor, and nostalgia blend perfectly.
The Elvis Presley Connection: The King’s Favorite Booth
Among the thousands who’ve dined here, no guest is more famous than Elvis Presley.
In the 1950s, a young Elvis became a regular at the Arcade, always requesting the back corner booth — chosen for its privacy and quick access to the side door.
That booth still exists today, preserved exactly as it was when the King last sat there.
For Elvis, the Arcade wasn’t just a diner; it was a comfort spot — a quiet retreat from his rising fame.
🍌 Elvis’s Favorite Order
Elvis’s go-to meal? A fried peanut butter and banana sandwich — now an iconic item on the Arcade’s menu.
Fans from around the world visit just to experience a bite of that legendary flavor, making it one of the diner’s most photographed dishes.
Southern Comfort That Never Goes Out of Style
The Arcade’s menu reads like a love letter to Southern cooking — hearty breakfasts, fluffy sweet potato pancakes, hand-spun milkshakes, and the Travel Channel–featured “Eggs Redneck.”
Each dish is prepared with the same care that has kept the restaurant’s doors open for over a century.
From locals stopping by for morning coffee to tourists chasing Elvis nostalgia, every meal served feels like a taste of home.
From Silver Screen to Historic Landmark
The Arcade’s charm hasn’t gone unnoticed by Hollywood. Its classic design and old-school atmosphere have made it a popular filming location for major movies like:
🎬 The Firm
🎬 Walk the Line
🎬21 Grams
🎬 Great Balls of Fire
🎬Elizabethtown
It even appeared in the television series Sun Records, further linking it to Memphis’s legendary music scene.
Because of its cultural and historical significance, the Arcade was added to the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring that its story — and Elvis’s connection — will be preserved for generations to come.
Over 100 Years of Family Tradition and Southern Soul
One remarkable fact about the Arcade’s history: since its founding in 1919, it has reportedly closed for only a handful of days — a testament to the dedication of the Zepatos family and their commitment to serving the community.
More than just a restaurant, the Arcade is a living museum — a place where food, music, and memory intertwine.
Today, it remains family-owned and operated, proof that while cities change and decades pass, good food and Southern hospitality never go out of style.
Planning Your Visit to Arcade Memphis
If you ever find yourself in Memphis, a trip to the Arcade is a must.
📍 Location: 540 South Main Street, Memphis, TN
🕒 Hours: Open daily for breakfast and lunch
🍴 Must-Try: Elvis’s fried peanut butter & banana sandwich, sweet potato pancakes, and the Eggs Redneck
Whether you’re a music lover, a history buff, or just in search of a classic Southern meal, the Arcade offers an experience that connects past and present – one delicious bite at a time.
Final Thoughts: Where History Meets Heart
The Arcade Restaurant isn’t just where Elvis Presley ate — it’s where Memphis’s spirit still lives.
From its humble beginnings to its movie cameos and legendary sandwiches, the Arcade stands as a symbol of everything timeless about the South: warmth, resilience, and rhythm.
More than 100 years later, the neon still glows, the jukebox still hums, and the legacy of Elvis and the city he loved — continues to shine.
