Nestled in downtown Memphis, Arcade Restaurant, now known as Arcade Memphis, is more than a diner. It is a historic landmark embodying the city’s rock ‘n’ roll soul and Southern culture.
Founded in 1919 by Greek immigrant Speros Zepatas, it began as a modest wooden café. Rebuilt in brick by 1925 with distinctive curved architecture, it proudly holds the title of Memphis’s oldest continuously operating café.
Its legacy is deeply tied to Elvis Presley, who frequented it in the 1950s. His favored back booth remains preserved, and his preferred fried peanut butter and banana sandwich is now a celebrated menu item.
The menu is a tribute to classic Southern comfort food, featuring dishes like sweet potato pancakes and the renowned “Eggs Redneck.” The atmosphere, marked by neon signs, checkered floors, and red booths, evokes a timeless diner nostalgia.
Beyond Elvis, the Arcade’s cultural significance is showcased through its appearances in numerous films and TV series. This contributed to its listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Operating for over a century, it has become a living museum of Memphis history. Remarkably, a 1997 report noted it had closed for only four days in its entire existence, highlighting its enduring presence.
Still family-owned, Arcade Memphis stands as a testament to lasting tradition. It proves that the combination of heartfelt hospitality, classic food, and musical heritage never goes out of style.