NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A new era is underway for one of Nashville's oldest restaurants.
The Elliston Place Soda shop reopened Tuesday after being closed for a year and a half, and undergoing massive renovations.
The new restaurant, which sits next door to its previous location, blends its beloved classic look with a modern feel. The original location opened in 1939 and has been a favorite of generations of Nashvillians.
The new restaurant is twice the size of the old location, and it has more booths, tables and fountain stools. New upgrades also include a stage for live music, a full-service bar, outdoor seating, free parking, and a walk-up window for to-go orders.
The menu still features all the classic meat and three options, and of course, lots of milkshakes and pies. The retro red and white tile decor was also incorporated, and there are mini jukeboxes at every booth.
Nashville real estate developer Tony Giarratana bought the restaurant last year after rising rent forced the old owners to shut down the original shop. He said his goal was to preserve it. The renovation took about a year and half with the goal to replicate the original look that customers have enjoyed for decades.
"We have been working towards this for so long, it is surreal to have it open," said Giarratana. "It has been received very well by the community, so I think we're on the right track."
"It’s a balance trying to take something that is that old and has that kind of soul and legacy and rebuild it, but this building lends itself to it. This building is older than original soda shop, so it came with its own soul and story," added Manager Jim Myers.
The restaurant is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sundays.
