It’s a sad truism that even beloved restaurants have lifespans. Elliston Place Soda Shop held the distinction of being the longest-running restaurant in its original spot in Nashville, and it dodged the ax more than once during its 80 years of operation. What it needed was a refresh to survive, and developer Tony Giarratana stepped up to buy the business and move it to a new building. He probably spent more money rehabbing the building than had been invested in the Soda Shop during its entire lifetime, but it was money well spent! He hired industry pros to manage the new Soda Shop along with many employees who made the move next door. The updated space retains the charm of the old shop, but with updates like a small stage, a longer soda counter and an expanded menu of Southern comfort food. Happily, the milkshakes are as good as ever and the meringue on Miss Linda’s pies is still impossibly tall. Hopefully, this will earn the institution another eight decades!
Best Restaurant Reboot
