Tucked away in the heart of downtown Memphis, Tennessee, the Arcade Restaurant — now lovingly known as Arcade Memphis — is far more than a diner. It’s a living monument to rock ‘n’ roll history, a time capsule of Southern culture, and the beating heart of a city that helped shape modern music.
A Legacy That Started in 1919
The Arcade first opened its doors in 1919, founded by Greek immigrant Speros Zepatas, who dreamed of building a welcoming place for locals to gather and share a meal. Originally, it was a modest, one-story wooden building where home-cooked dishes were made on a potbelly stove.
By 1925, Zepatas rebuilt the café into the brick structure that still stands today, adding storefronts on either side and renaming it The Arcade — inspired by the curved architecture popular at the time. Over a century later, the restaurant proudly holds the title of Memphis’ oldest operating café.
The Elvis Connection
Of all its patrons over the years, none left a mark quite like Elvis Presley. In the 1950s, a young Elvis often slipped into his favorite back corner booth, chosen for its privacy and its quick access to the side exit. That booth remains untouched to this day — a shrine for fans from around the world eager to dine where the King once did.
His favorite order? A fried peanut butter and banana sandwich, now a signature item on the menu and a must-try for every visitor.Southern Comfort and Timeless Taste
The Arcade’s menu is a love letter to classic Southern cooking — hearty breakfasts, sweet potato pancakes, milkshakes, and a Travel Channel–featured dish called Eggs Redneck. Every plate feels like a nod to simpler times, to recipes passed down and perfected over generations.
