The matriarch of one of Crossville’s oldest family owned eateries has died.  Memeka Drainas and her husband Bill began operating Gondola Restaurant in 1974 in the Woodmere Mall. The restaurant is currently operated by their son John.  For generations, Crossvillians have enjoyed dining at Gondola and for the majority of those years patrons would be greeted by the smiling face of Memeka. While Bill ran the food preparation operation Memeka made certain diners were welcomed with a visit to their tables to ensure your dining experience at Gondola was always pleasant. She was always there to greet you right up to just a few years ago when her health began failing.  Gondola is presently the longest continuously operating restaurants in Crossville and one of the oldest businesses still in operation by the family who started it 52 years ago. Funeral Services for Memeka Drainas will be Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Hood Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12pm -2pm with service to follow. Gondola’s will be closed until Tuesday. Memeka was 79.