It seems that Nashville’s sudden interest in one of Midtown’s historical food landmarks is happening a little too late. The reaction to news that the 71-year-old neon-splashed Elliston Place soda shop will close Saturday, drew shocking responses. According to the Tennessean, the closing shouldn’t come as that big of a surprise considering locals have not necessarily supported the local icon.
The Elliston Place Soda Shop is scheduled to close this Saturday because the owners cannot afford a raise in rent. The past few years have been tough thanks to a bad economy and a slower-than-usual winter. In 2009, the shop attempted to open their second location in Green Hills which quickly went south and closed soon after the opening. The Elliston Place landlord said he cannot continue to give them rent rates that are below market especially after reducing the shop’s rent for parts of 2009 and 2010.
Their lease was up in April, and the property owner returned to the original rent level of 2009. As a result, the soda shop owners are closing the Elliston Place location and looking for a new, cheaper location. The bottom line is they will need more than the occasional customer looking for the novelty and nostalgia of jukeboxes and canister-made milkshakes (source) (picture 1) (picture 2).
