“Happy birthday Pastor Enoch Fuzz!” As September 28th is upon us in just a few days, Pastor Enoch Fuzz looks forward to his birthday celebration in a new place. Ironically, his birthday party is always held outside. However, this year, his celebration will take place in the newly renovated Elliston Place Soda Shop, at 2111 Elliston Place.
Elliston Place Soda Shop closed for restoration in late 2019 after being purchased by Tony Giarratana, known for developing many downtown Nashville skyscrapers. He purchased the 80-year-old soda shop and has worked diligently to restore it to a brand new soda shop that is twice as large and a lot shinier! The new soda shop is in the same location, yet, has a “boozy” shake bar, a music stage, a walk-up window and free parking. As it was slated to open in the summer of 2020, setbacks from the Coronavirus pandemic delayed opening until this fall. While the Rev. Enoch Fuzz is still combating stage 4 lung cancer, he will be the honored guest in the new place on September 26th from 10am-4pm, in celebration of his 65th birthday.
Since his illness, Pastor Fuzz received many requests from people in the community who wanted to do fundraisers as an act of kindness for him. “I’m very humbled by their by these offers and because my church family knows how important they are to me, I asked them to facilitate my expression of gratitude in any way they decide,” said Pastor Fuzz. After giving a list of those who inquired, including OneNashville members and others who want to serve in some capacity, long-time church member, Rita McDonald and Beth Courtney, DVL Seigenthaler Finn Partners are coordinating his big birthday celebration.
Because we are still in the midst of a pandemic, all guest will be attending with the safety mandate of a mask and social distancing. Randy Rayburn, well-known restauranteur is leading this ceremonial event as Elliston Place Soda Shop will not yet be open to the public. All measures of safety will be recognized, including a recommended minimum number of guests inside at any given time. And, everyone will be required to wear masks. To assist in the distancing, birthday well-wishers will have the opportunity to come through between the hours of 10am and 4pm, giving ample time for safe birthday greetings.
“Fuzz and I have been friends since I came to Nashville on a project to do Metro Center and north Nashville condos downtown in 1984. We are happy to do this fundraising event to help defray some of the costs of his medical bills,” said Giarratana.
The Elliston Place Soda Shop has preserved its 1930’s era original style, retaining timeless elements like the vivid red tile, stainless steel soda fountain and retro furniture and of course, Ms. Linda’s famous pies!
Experiencing the soda shop, Pastor Fuzz and his guest can look forward to the local tradition that has been carried on for generations. Elliston Place Soda Shop will not be open to the public until it is decided through management and guided regulations concerning the Coronavirus pandemic.
While we continue to pray for Fuzz’s healing, and many more birthdays to come, readers can check on Rev. Enoch Fuzz through his Facebook profile and follow Pastor Enoch Fuzz’s journey, Cancer: My Journey in Time.
