MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The long-time owner of Memphis’ oldest café has died.
The family confirmed on the restaurant’s Facebook page that Harry Zepatos, owner of The Arcade Restaurant died Wednesday morning.
Zepatos was a third-generation owner of the restaurant located on Main Street in Memphis. It opened in 1919.
His family says a visitation will be held Saturday morning at Memorial Park Funeral Home.
Every day, Harry would greet the neighborhood and those visiting the city of Memphis with a big smile. He once said, “It’s like having a party at your home. You know you have to clean up, get ready, and prep, and then you enjoy yourself when it comes.” Harry often said, “he never met a stranger.” There was not one place he could go without someone stopping to say hello.
“I know he treated each one of us girls like one of his own. He was a super personal family guy. It was great to work for him and that’s why so many of us are still here for so long,” said Tera Hardage who worked at the Arcade since 2013.
The Arcade Restaurant, Memphis’ Oldest Cafe Facebook
Harry will be remembered by his family for his big and loving smile and his devotion to his wife and children.
“In the early days he was always here kind of ‘roaming the halls,’ but he created a pride in the Arcade and a pride in Memphis and South Main that I think is really important,” said Dave Cummings, an Arcade customer.
According to the Commercial Appeal, Harry Zepatos died from Alzheimers.
The Arcade will be closed this Saturday for his funeral at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery. Visitation will start at 10 a.m. with funeral to follow at 11 a.m.
