New culinary ventures are sprouting up across various communities, promising to offer unique dining experiences and healthy eating options. From ready-to-eat meals to gluten-free baked goods, the restaurant scene is buzzing with fresh openings and developments.
Keeney’s Kitchen, owned by Matt Keeney, has made its way to Chillicothe, filling the corner storefront at Mulberry and Second streets. Approved by the Design Review Board, Keeney's Kitchen aims to revolutionize quick and healthy dining. "We’re super active on social media," Keeney says, underscoring his commitment to engaging the community. Customers can expect pre-cooked meals ranging from salads to steaks, all of which can be warmed up quickly at home or enjoyed on-site.
Keeney’s Kitchen not only serves the local area but also sources ingredients from its main operation based out of Lucasville, which caters southern Ohio and parts of Kentucky and West Virginia. Targeted to open fully by March 8, this health and wellness-focused restaurant aims to reduce stress for its patrons by providing nutritious meal options. "It’s about defeating diabetes and medications with wholesome food choices," Keeney emphasizes.
Further enriching the local food scene, Small Comforts Kitchen is soon making its debut as South Knoxville’s go-to gluten-free bakery. Opened by Jordan Smith-Cowen, this bakery will take over the former Crafty Bastard Brewery space at Baker Creek Bottoms.
“It was really hard to find space,” Smith-Cowen explained, reflecting on her search for the perfect location. With demand for her gluten-free products skyrocketing, she took this opportunity to cater directly to her clientele. The bakery plans to encourage community engagement by inviting customers to enjoy their goodies at shared picnic tables outdoors.
Meanwhile, the openings don’t stop there. Knoxville’s dining scene is embracing international flavors with the recent arrival of KPOT, the highly popular Korean BBQ & Hot Pot chain. Located at Turkey Creek and opened on February 16, KPOT offers diners the chance to cook their meals at the table, fostering communal dining. "It is a beloved culinary tradition due to its communal dining experience," their website states, highlighting the appeal of sharing food and fellowship.
Also joining the ever-growing roster of establishments is Coffee & Chocolate, which recently unveiled its third location next to Tomato Head on Kingston Pike. Known for its artisanal chocolates and gourmet coffee, the café continues to be recognized as one of the top coffee spots across Knoxville. Owner Sharif Harb has dedicated years to building this beloved brand since opening its doors back in 2005.
Beyond the new establishments, the local restaurant scene is also adjusting to the unfortunate closure of Puleo’s Pizzeria after only 20 months of operations. A post on their Facebook page highlighted the closure as "a tough and heartbreaking decision to make" as the owner Matthew Jackson prepares to transition to opening Fork & Vine, focusing on upscale Italian dining and wood-fired pizza.
Looking outside of Knoxville, Rhos-on-Sea is also seeing change. Plans are approved for the conversion of the former Kit 'n' Heels boutique site, which had been vacant since its closure, to transform it to a café restaurant. Colwyn Bay-based Spillane & Co. is planning to overhaul the space, allowing food sales and consumption both on-site and to take away. This move has sparked some debate, as the local council considers the impact of adding yet another restaurant when the village already has several dining options. One council spokesperson remarked, "Granting this application would result in loss of retail unit..." Nonetheless, the appeal of returning a vacant site to use helped sway the committee's decision to support the plans.
Overall, the restaurant openings and developments not only reflect the vibrant culinary diversity of local communities but also how these establishments are engaging effectively with the neighborhoods they serve. With new dining destinations on the horizon, patrons can look forward to delicious options, healthy selections, and the shared joy of food. The local food scene remains dynamic, offering something for everyone, from communal dining experiences to innovative restaurant concepts.