It’s been a circuitous journey for the “little market that could.” It started at 1328 North Broadway two-and-a-half years ago. The business moved just a few doors down almost a year later to 1322 Broadway, before leaving that location in search of a new home. It took over six months to land, but it has reopened under the same name, but no longer on Broadway. It’s just over the hill from the main part of downtown, at 900 East Hill Avenue, within a block and a half of two trolley stops on the Blue line or a mile from Market Square. There is also plenty of parking if you are car-bound.
I stopped in and spoke to Don DeVore, co-owner with Lauren, his wife of nearly thirty years. They’ve owned and operated restaurants in Knoxville since 1993 (see their full background here). He’s also cooked in Seattle; Charleston; and Naples, Florida. He said that Phil Lawson of LHP Capital, who owns the building the business now occupies, read the article regarding the need for a new location on this website. He asked Brad Brazier to reach out to Phil for a meeting, and the parties agreed to renovate the current location for the new Market.
A grease trap was installed, which required removal of a cement foundation. A series of subcontractors were employed, and eventually the space was ready for occupancy. Due to various delays, the business wasn’t able to open until November. Meanwhile, Don, who admits he doesn’t sit still for very long periods of time, made dozens of menus in anticipation of reopening.
Don says he and Lauren drove for Uber while they waited and he really enjoyed the people he met, “rich, poor and in between.” He got to know some of the regulars, including a woman who had had knee replacement surgery. He gave a ride and took a selfie with Darrell Taylor and had fun shuttling people all around the city. But he wanted to be back to what he does best: cooking.
Now that they’ve opened, the new Market has much more space than their previous location, with ample room for eating in. He said, “Customers are encouraged to BYOB for dinner as we do not sell booze.” Much of his business, however, is take-out, and he hopes to be signed up with Uber Eats and Bite Squad by the end of the week.
Saying, “What you liked before is still here, but we’ve raised the bar,” Phil explains the fresh seafood menu has been greatly expanded. He points out that they now have swordfish, mussels, clams, and fresh, in-the-shell, east coast oysters. The ever-popular Poke is still featured at the top of the menu. He says the quality of the seafood is as good as you’ll find anywhere in the city.
They are open 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Noon to 6:00 pm on Saturday. Presently they are closed on Sunday. You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram.