Ryan WiluszKnoxville News Sentinel
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Everyone's excited about the South Knoxville food hall opening, but let's be clear. It's not just one business but a collection of more than 20 vendors opening over the next few months.
The result? A new dining and entertainment hub in South Knoxville.
Just a short walk from the southern banks of the Tennessee River − the subject of many big discussions about Knoxville's future − Kern's Food Hall is ready to make a splash.
After multiple delays, opening day is just around the corner. Here's everything you need to know before you go.
When will Kern's Food Hall open in Knoxville?
Not all vendors will be ready for business opening day, which is April 13, but those that are ready should be open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days. Some may open earlier or stay open later depending on their business model, lead developer Alex Dominguez told Knox News.
Official food hall hours are 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday through Saturday.
What are the shopping, restaurant vendors at Kern's Food Hall?
Kern's has more than 20 vendors opening inside the facility, which you can check out below. Businesses open on April 13 are in bold.
- Archer Paper Goods
- AVA Italian
- Awaken Coffee
- Amaryllis Taqueria
- Clean Smoke BBQ
- Eggspectation
- F45 Training
- Flourish Flowers
- Hemmingway's Cuban Kitchen
- Hey Bear Café
- Irvey's Ice Cream
- Jessica Wang (jewelry)
- Kandilige Spicy Food
- Mae Lee's Boutique
- Mellow Knox
- Monday Night Brewing
- Myrtle's Bakehouse
- Ooh LALA Indian Kitchen
- T. Ralph's Burgers
- Vella Crew Studios
- Vols Nail Spa
- Won Kitchen
- Zukku Sushi
Vella Crew Owner Suzanne Young, a spokesperson for Kern's, told Knox News the food hall will have a food truck schedule for the first month until more businesses open inside. Those food trucks include: Clean Smoke BBQ, The Donut Theory, Irvey's Ice Cream and Mucho Gusto.
Flourish Flowers also will have its flower truck on site.
Where do I sit while eating at Kern's Food Hall?
Anywhere! There's open seating in the main dining area shared by all vendors. Some vendors are adding bartop seating at their counters.
Throughout the property, there are more than 600 seats.
Where can I park at Kern's Food Hall or nearby in South Knoxville?
Kern's Food Hall has roughly 250 free parking spaces for customers − at least, free for the first 90 minutes.
Dominguez told Knox News the food hall plans to charge for parking after 90 minutes.
If the parking lot does become full,the Riverwalk Garagejust around the corner at 2011 Kay St. has 720 parking spaces, according to the Public Building Authority.
How many bars are at the South Knoxville food hall?
The main "Market Bar" on the back half of the building has four bartender stations to handle capacity. There's also a smaller "Scruff Bar" near the dining area, as well as the rooftop Monday Night Brewing High Proof Loft.
Monday Night Brewing also has a brewery taproom on site.
A downstairs co*cktail bar is coming to Kern's, as well as another secret, boozy surprise.
Are there any outdoor spaces at Kern's Food Hall?
You mean like an event lawn with seating, turf, a stage and big-screen TV? Yeah, Kern's has it.
The food hall also has two rooftop lounges that share the bar at Monday Night Brewing's loft.
What about the secret bar everyone is talking about?
I have no earthly idea what you mean. ;)
In all seriousness, owners are keeping the details under wraps. But once the speakeasy is open, it will be up to customers to discover it, partially by participating in an immersive story.
What can you tell me about Monday Night Brewing in Knoxville?
You mean Monday Night Proofing Co.? That's what the Georgia-based brewery is calling the taproom and co*cktail lounge at Kern's − its sixth taproom in the Southeast.
The brewery is also managing the aforementioned bars that will be serving up drinks on opening day.
Though Monday Night Brewing is based in Atlanta, Knoxville residents have probably seen its beer around. The brewery's tart, fruity sour known as Dr. Robot seems to be a favorite all over town.
Floral patterns decorate the walls of the Knoxville taproom, along with reclaimed wood from the original Kern's Bakery and shelves displaying obscure knick knacks that include a hanging bat − like, the flying mammal − inside a glass dome.
The taproom has a walk-up bar accessible from the event lawn on the back side of the property.
Where is Kern's Food Hall address in South Knoxville?
Kern's Food Hall is located at 2201 Kerns Rising Way along Chapman Highway, just across the Henley Street bridge from downtown.
You probably know the building as the former Kern's Bakery, which opened its headquarters there in 1931. Kern's memorabilia will be on display in "a historic vestibule" near the front door of the building, Dominguez said.
Ryan Wilusz is a downtown growth and development reporter. Phone865-317-5138.Emailryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com.Instagram@knoxscruff.
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