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EP's Delta Kitchen Closes Doors

In one part of downtown, Sunday, leaders were celebrating the rebirth of two iconic buildings that burned down October 6, 2006. But on Beale street, chairs were still on tables and the doors locked for good at EP's Delta Kitchen.

"Actually, one Friday morning, I was told Sunday will be the last day of our business and we need to get out of here," said Satoshi Matsui.

Matsui runs the "Love Me Tender Gift Shop." It's in the same building as EP's. The sign on his door lets customers know Sunday is his last day. The news had him all shook up.

"All I have to do now, this inventory I have to do something," Matsui.

EP's is the latest establishment added to the list of downtown business closings. Foreclosure put an end to Pat O'Brien's. Swig Martini bar served its last Cosmo in April. The Daily Grill at the Westin concept didn't go over well with Memphians and struggling businesses are turning Peabody Place into a luxury suite hotel.

"Its never good when businesses close because it sends a bad message," said Majestic Grille Owner, Patrick Reilly.

You can tell by the crowd outside of the Majestic Grille the economic crunch hasn't hit this business. Reilly says the closings aren't necessarily a reflection of downtown.

"It's really hard to know what's impacting businesses, if it's the economy or high gas. It's a little tough out there right now and some businesses are not going to make it," said Reilly.

As Matsui gets ready to leave his building, he still has hope because he still has Elvis. "As long as I'm in Memphis, I'm going to Graceland every single morning. I'm a big Elvis fan. Elvis is the only reason I moved from Tokyo to Memphis."

Elvis Presley Enterprises was not associated with the restaurant other than subleasing the space.


Source: Elvis World Japan / Updated: Oct 9, 2008