A 1962 view of the 7 million dollar retail hub. The Phase 1 structure was bisected by the "Miracle Mall" shopping concourse, which featured a fountain pool and four live swans. There were twenty-eight stores and services.
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One of these was Morrison's Cafeteria, a branch of the Mobile, Alabama-based chain of smorgasbord-type restaurants. Store number 38, which encompassed 12,000 square feet, featured three themed seating areas; the Railroad Room, Steamboat Room and Farm Room. There was seating for over 400 diners.
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Another original EASTGATE tenant was G.C. Murphy. Store number 509 was the first Murphy's unit in Tennessee. It encompassed 2 levels and 45,500 square feet. The Murphy's luncheonette had seating for forty-eight.
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