The Arcadia Theatre opened April 24, 1915 as a first run movie theatre with the movie "The High Road" and prices of 15c for matinee and 25c for evening shows. The April 25, 1915 Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the theatre had an air-conditioning system and that the overall design was part of a shift towards more elaborate exhibition spaces such as picture palaces. From its opening, the Arcadia showed movies that catered to an upscale Chestnut Street audience. The Arcadia Theatre closed in 1978 and was converted into a Roy Rogers fast food restaurant. Sad as it was to lose the theatre, it was the most interesting fast food place in town. It retained the slope of the theatre, with a ramp to the former stage where the food was sold. The seating was in tiers in the former audience area.

By the 1990's, the restaurant had closed, and after years of being boarded up, the main floor became a women's clothing store. Today you will find the upper portion of the former auditorium, now a second floor, still retains the ornate decor including the upper portion of the proscenium arch and a ceiling dome. Currently, the second floor space is available for special event rental through Love Productions. You will find much of the original charm and detail.