Late-night fun, wood-fired food could make new restaurant a gateway to South Knoxville
The team behind Loco Burro at West Town Mall is planning to open a lively restaurant that could serve as a culinary and social gateway to South Knoxville, where apartments seem to pop up one after another ? including more than 200 units just above the dining room.
Mimosas is the brainchild of Kennedy Concepts, also the creator of The Kennedy restaurant replacing Blackhorse Pub & Brewery on Gay Street.
President Chad Kennedy told Knox News his namesake restaurant could open downtown in April, but it might be a year before Mimosas opens its doors at the apartment complex being built at the former Baptist Hospital site near the intersection of Chapman Highway and East Blount Avenue.
Despite what the name might suggest, Mimosas wouldn't just be a brunch spot. Kennedy has a full menu planned for the restaurant, open seven days a week just one block north of Mimosa Avenue.
"South Knoxville in general is on the upswing," Kennedy said. "There's an absolute need for more restaurants, more great restaurants, more full-service restaurants."
The restaurant would be located on the ground floor of The Davy, described on its website as "the newest in UTK living." The apartment building marketed toward University of Tennessee at Knoxville students is leasing for the fall, and a spokesperson told Knox News that 206 apartment units are being planned for the project. That adds up to 689 beds.
Additionally, the recently sold One Riverwalk apartments is located just across the street. Flagship Kerns and 303 Flats also are located nearby, with other residential projects being planned for the area.
Much of this growth has correlated with the city's resurfaced proposal to connect the University of Tennessee at Knoxville campus with the South Waterfront through a pedestrian bridge. Partners in the project are still trying to secure funding for what could be a $70 million project.
What we know about Mimosas, a South Knoxville restaurant
Wood-burning grill will drive the menu: Expect burgers, fish, steak and wings.
The name is more than a drink: Mimosa Avenue runs behind the property on the southern side.
But the drink is important: Kennedy said mimosas will be offered at all hours every day, with several types of champagne and freshly squeezed juices available. Mimosa flights also will be on the menu.
Brunch will be offered: The kitchen would fire up around 9 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
It's spacious: 5,700 square feet to be exact. "It will be one of the bigger opportunities to gather. Big parties can come and enjoy lots of tables," Kennedy said.
A new space that looks used: "The design is what we're calling rustic modern," Kennedy said. "It's going to really have a great vibe. It's going to not look brand new, not contemporary. It's going to be a little bit of rustic woods and different textures, so it will look like it's been there a while. Just a little more intimate than what everybody else is doing."
Ample outdoor seating in the plans: Roughly 40 seats would wrap around the building, with fire pits and cornhole.
Private space would be available: A separate room would be open for seating or could accommodate customers' private events of around 24 people. Kennedy is considering adding a self-service drink station similar to what's offered at Pour Taproom.
Seven days a week with late-night hours: The business will stay open until at least 2 a.m. for three or four of those nights.
Prepare to be entertained: A stage would be built in the restaurant to accommodate live music, karaoke and other events.
Delivery available for nearby residents: Rather than deal with third-party delivery, Mimosas would bring orders to residents in apartments nearby. Many of those residents will be college students, especially once The Davy opens.
Parking shouldn't be a problem: Kennedy is securing nearly 50 parking spots just for the restaurant.
The big game will be playing: While Kennedy would not describe Mimosas as a sports bar, several TVs will be showing Vols games all year long. A big TV is also planned for the patio.
Target date is far off: Kennedy plans to open Mimosas in February 2025.
Mimosas part of a growing South Knoxville food scene: Kern's Food Hall is under construction practically next door at the former Kern's Bakery property. Developers say that after multiple delays the food hall will open in 2024, joining other South Knoxville culinary concepts that have popped up in recent years, including Aretha Frankensteins and Thai Time on Chapman Highway.
Ryan Wilusz is a downtown growth and development reporter. Phone 865-317-5138. Email [email protected]. Instagram @knoxscruff.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: South Knoxville restaurant Mimosas will have brunch on Chapman Highway