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" Elvis Presley keeps on taking care of business by bringing Graceland to Beale Street. "
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By Heather Gates
The scene at Elvis Presley's Memphis preview party was right from the pages of a Graceland story: Throngs of curious onlookers were lined up outside the new entertainment restaurant - bearing heat, humidity and an impending thunderstorm - waiting for the moment when they could step into a little slice of surely what was close to Elvis' version of heaven. This crowd, however, opted to leave the cameras and gym shoes at home for the evening. Instead, the women decided upon little black dresses, and the men mostly wore casual business attire. And yes, there were the prerequisite tour buses, parked across the street, which always are an essential part of any Elvis event. Ever the consummate host, Elvis might not have been so happy that his guests had to wait in line at least an hour to get into the 330-seat club. The preview party was open to ticket holders who had different arrival times in hour increments. The plan was to allow all guests sufficient time and space in which to preview the entertainment restaurant, and sample food and beverages. The plan quickly turned into a logjam, however, as hundreds of guests waited outside the restaurant until well-past their designated arrival time. Elvis Presley's Memphis, located at 126 Beale in the former Lansky Brothers clothing store, is touted as the first restaurant and entertainment facility to be licensed under the entertainer's name. Ironically, the King of Rock 'n' Roll's venue is catty-corner from the legendary King of the Blues' place, B.B. King's Blues Club. "This is the kind of place where he would have entertained his friends between road tours and filming movies," Priscilla Presley said at a press conference last month to announce the restaurant opening. "The designers and architects working on the facility have clearly captured the essence and style of Elvis." David Beckwith, owner of a Los Angeles firm handling the club's public relations, spoke more enthusiastically and off-the-cuff about Elvis Presley's Memphis. "I know it's going to be such a cool place," he said. "I don't think anyone knows how cool it'll be, myself included." Most importantly, he added, it won't be "Elvis under glass." The facility houses three bars and five separate dining rooms, including the TCB Lounge and Dining Room, the Bel Air Billiard Room, the Eagle's Nest, the Graceland Wine Cellar and an outdoor patio. Personal and professional artifacts from Presley's estate, such as sheet music, favorite record albums of Presley's, guitars, and stage and personal wardrobes, including clothing bought by a young, unknown Presley at the former Lansky store, will be on display. In addition, clips of Presley's musical and motion picture performances will be interspersed between live performances, including a Sunday Gospel Brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Throughout, the interior resembles Elvis's beloved Graceland. Upholstered button-tufted walls, Vegas showroom-style booths and blue-velvet curtains immediately transport patrons back into the '70s decade of pea-green appliances, shag carpets and the King's Moody Blue album. The vestibule's tile floor is spotted with Presley's "Taking Care of Business" lightning bolt logo. The stairwell atrium provides access to the cellar and offers a glimpse of the brick-lined Graceland Wine Cellar below, where guests can sample a glass of Graceland's own vintage as well as other wines. The basement is rumored to have served as a jail in its other life. A VIP party, hosted by Priscilla Presley and her daughter, Lisa Marie, was held the night before the restaurant opened to the public July 25. Elvis Presley's Memphis is open from 11 a.m.-midnight, Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m.-3 a.m., Friday and Saturday.
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