Described in The Motel in America as a "lumber merchant," E. L. McLallen began his term as an Alamo Plaza owner when he purchased the Memphis Plaza--not long after Torrance had started it. Impressed with what Torrance had created, McLallen soon began his own branch. Since his home was Nashville, the first of his non-conforming properties opened in the Music City. Apparently the spot of his location was a hub of roadside commerce as scores of other businesses catering to motorists sprang up nearby--including a Howard Johnson's Restaurant which was adjacent to the Plaza! Later a Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge was built at the site.

In addition to the Nashville motel, locations in Louisville, Knoxville, and Indianapolis were added to E. L. McLallen's hodgepodge collection of Alamo Plazas. Except that Torrnace recognized them as members of his chain, and features like Simmons furniture and Beautyrest mattresses were advertised, motorists would have been hard pressed to know by looking that each of the properties was a link in the Alamo Plaza chain.