Regas Restaurant, knoxville, tennessee, restaurants, fine, dining

Since 1919, Regas has built a wide following, from politicians to police officers, reporters to railroad workers, entertainers to executives. Gus Regas, who retired as vice chairman this year, remembers a policeman who walked the beat coming in regularly for coffee, dessert and a head of lettuce. "And he'd eat the pie and lettuce at the same time," Regas marveled. His cousin, Bill, chairman emeritus of Regas, whose father, Frank, used to debate politics across the horseshoe counter with Mayor Cas Walker, tells a favorite story about another guest. Sen. Howard Baker Jr. arrived on a busy night and the hostess didn't recognize him. "He came in and just gave his name Howard Baker," recounted Bill Regas. "She said, 'Sir, it will be a 45-minute wait.' He was very gracious. He didn't push his weight or anything. He said, 'Well, I think I better go on and I'll try you another time.' " Other famous patrons have ranged from the late Liberace to Vice President Al Gore Jr. and Tipper. Bill Regas says Tipper works the room like a pro, greeting and mingling with fellow Tennesseans. Because their restaurant has such a high profile in town, the Regases know a diversity of individuals. "We've been fortunate to meet a lot of people who come through these doors," said Gus Regas. "We've made a lot of friends."