Tucked in the heart of downtown Memphis, Tennessee, the Arcade Restaurant has stood as more than just a dining spot for over a century. It’s a place steeped in the city’s rich history, where music, culture, and community converge. As you approach the iconic brick building, with its glowing neon sign, it feels like stepping into a memory—a snapshot of Memphis itself, enduring through decades of change.
The Arcade has been there through wars, social shifts, and cultural revolutions, becoming a timeless fixture where locals gather, share meals, and create memories. The restaurant’s story began in 1919, when Greek immigrant Speros Zepatas opened a small café, offering a simple but comforting menu. Over the years, the Arcade grew in stature, from a modest café to Memphis’s oldest operating restaurant.
The establishment was more than a place to eat—it was a gathering space where community was built one meal at a time. Its name, inspired by the architectural style of the time, symbolized movement and connection, reflecting the restaurant’s role in the ever-evolving city. Beyond its history, the Arcade’s connection to Elvis Presley turned it into a cultural landmark. In the 1950s, Elvis frequented the restaurant, choosing a booth in the back for privacy.
That booth remains untouched today, a quiet tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s formative years. His favorite meal, a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich, remains a popular menu item, offering visitors a taste of history. Today, the Arcade remains a place where locals and tourists alike experience the authenticity of Memphis. James Hetfield, known for his time with Metallica, was one of the many who found comfort in its nostalgic charm during his visits. The Arcade continues to embody the spirit of resilience, serving comfort food and providing a connection to the past, reminding us all that some places, like memories, never fade.
