Marble City Market Opens Today

Knoxville Urban Guy·
Business
·46 Comments
Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021
Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021

It’s been a long run, but the day has finally arrived for the opening of Marble City Market. Eleven different restaurants, two bays for Top Swing Suites, and a large bar bring a powerful package to the site. All are up and running out the gate, with a wide range of cuisines, some by new faces to the city and some we know very well.

Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021
Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021

Well known chef Matt Gallaher has teamed with David Rudder on two concepts, one of which includes Blake Sallie, serving up Fantail Fish and Frites and the Paysan Sandwich shop. Italian-American cuisine is up at Penne For Your Thoughts. From Philly Cheesesteak to gulf coast Po’Boys, Po’ Richards is serving it up on Paysan Bread.

I introduced you to the Korean-fusion concept of Seoul Brothers last April along with the great story of brother and sister owners Victoria Scott and Josh Coates. You’ve got your burgers, pizza, barbeque, poke and ramen, donuts and other baked goods. And a large, full service bar anchors one end of the building.

Here’s a detailed look at the restaurants from the press release:

Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021

● FANTAIL FISH & FRITES
Inspired by the English ‘Chippy’ and Belgian Bistro Favorite ‘Moules Frites’, Fantail Fish and Frites will offer Chef Matt Gallaher’s take on these European classics. The ultra-crispy batter Chef Gallaher developed for his Italian restaurant, Emilia, inspired Andrew Bui from Tasting Table.com to note it’s ‘as shatteringly crisp at the end of a two-hour dinner as it was when the basket first hit our table’. Hand cut and twice cooked ‘frites’ will be offered alongside Battered Haddock and Jumbo Shrimp in addition to Large Bowls of Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels. The versatile batter will also be showcased in seasonal offerings such as Fish Tacos, Calamari and the Italian ‘Fritto Misto’. Principals: Chef Matt Gallaher, David Rudder.

Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021
Food from Paysan Sandwich Shop, Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021
Food from Paysan Sandwich Shop, Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021

● PAYSAN SANDWICH SHOP
Paysan Sandwich Shop is an expansion of Blake Sallie’s bakery, Paysan Bread and Bagels. His Bagel Sandwiches are popular earlier in the day so Paysan Sandwich Shop will rely heavily on Blake’s Freshly Baked Hoagie Rolls to offer more lunch and dinner friendly options. The rotating menu will feature Meatball Subs, Reubens, Cubans and some unconventional, but delicious, flavor combinations. Principals: Chef Matt Gallaher, David Rudder, Blake Sallie.

Penne For Your Thoughts, Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021

● PENNE FOR YOUR THOUGHTS
Penne For Your Thoughts is an Italian-American fusion concept offering cuisine composed of scratch made ingredients and sauces in a fun family environment. Focused on fast friendly service with top quality fares by putting a fun new spin on traditional Italian and American dishes. Principals: Geoff Bernstein, Samantha Wallenstein.

Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021

● PO’ RICHARDS
Chef crafted Cheesesteak and Po’ Boys. Using the finest and freshest available ingredients, creativity and passion, Po’ Richards will deliver a culinary experience with every bite. Principals: Rick Simek, Donald Rudder.

Food from Seoul Brothers, Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021
Food from Seoul Brothers, Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021
Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021

● SEOUL BROTHERS
Seoul Brothers serves Korean fusion food; think dishes that you already know and love with a Korean flavor spin! Their menu features delicious dishes like Seoul Pops (cheesy chorizo kimchi fried rice arancinis) and OG Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich and Wings. Seoul Brothers presents the Korean flavors of their childhood here in East Tennessee through familiar food that is approachable and unique. Principals: Chef Josh Coates, Vic Scott.

Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021

● SMASH KNOXVILLE
Smash Knoxville is a chef-driven Smash Burger concept created by owners Paul and Ashley Moody. Using locally farmed Tennessee beef, Smash Knoxville is serving handcrafted classic and specialty smash burgers as well as buttermilk brined fried chicken sandwiches and house cut fries. Principals: Chef Paul Moody, Ashley Moody.

Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021

● THE CORNERS PIZZA
A Detroit style pizza concept. Cheesy, crispy edged square pies topped with love on a pillow of soft chewy crust. Principal: Chef Noel Cruz

L&Q BBQ, Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021

● L&O BBQ
Lake and Oak pays homage to “classic BBQ techniques.” Meats are smoked using a combination of charcoal and white oak and pecan woods. The opening menu features rib tips and half and whole slabs of ribs, smoked wings, a half smoked chicken, and brisket, along with sides like Brussels sprouts and cabbage slaw, collard green fried rice, and smoked mac and cheese. Principal: Todd Richards

Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021

● GEKKO POKE & RAMEN
Gekko Poke & Ramen serves the highest quality ramen and poke bowls, specializing in fast, high quality cuisine. Principal: Julie Lee

Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021

● DONUT THEORY
The Donut Theory is Knoxville’s only exclusively gluten free donut shop, specializing in old fashioned style donuts and gluten free fried chicken. With unique flavor varieties, a rotating donut menu, and gluten free versions of traditional Southern side dishes, The Donut Theory aims to offer both comfort and excitement through each and every dish. Principles: Laura and Daniel Crawford

Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021
Myrtle’s Bakehouse, Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021

● MYRTLE’S BAKEHOUSE
Myrtle’s Bakehouse is a local bakery specializing in connecting with people through food. While Myrtle’s might be known for their cookies, which are just shy of 1/2 a pound, they are really a story of love. Myrtle loved to bake, loved to teach, and always said she “loved us more”. Drop by Myrtle’s Bakery at Marble City Market and grab a cookie, one that is big enough to share. Myrtle’s team would love to tell you about Myrtle and let you experience their stellar cookies! Principal: Dustin Cochran

● TOPGOLF SWING SUITE
The Topgolf Swing Suite features two simulator bays and a variety of virtual games- including signature Topgolf target games, Zombie Dodgeball, Hockey, Baseball, Football, Carnival games and more – paired with comfortable lounging seating, HDTV’s, food & beverage service, & perfect for business team gatherings.

Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021
Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021
Marble City Market, Depot Street, Knoxville, November 2021

.● FRANK & GEORGE’S BAR
The beverage program at Frank & George features a fresh approach to bespoke spirits with cocktails on draught, bottled cocktails, punch bowls and seasonal drinks! Frank & George offers guests access to their Cocktail Cabinet  Program, a monthly program that provides a unique and delicious bottled craft cocktail marked with their name and the history of the concocted libation.
Principal: Hospitality HQ

In the massive space, you’ll find a range of seating serving all the restaurants, from seats along the bar and bar seating in front of some of the restaurants, to small and large tables and booths. Outside (in good weather) features 3400 sq. ft. outdoor of dining space. You’ll also find a designated takeout/pickup area, an online ordering system with all the restaurants integrated is coming soon. They also offer contactless payment systems.

The restaurant concept opens today at 11 am. Hours of operation are Sunday-Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 11am, to 11pm.

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46 Responses

    1. Are you kidding me? None of the restaurants are run-of-the-mill or have run-of-the-mill food. They are all unique in their own way. Regular food courts have Burger King, Taco Bell, and other chain restaurants. Your ignorance is astounding.

      Reply

      1. I have no ignorance, but you obviously do! I guess you’re just one of those people who likes to call people’s names. You know what they say about people like you. But I guess I should have made myself a little more clear. I was talking about the look of the place which did look like a food court in a mall somewhat to me, even though a smaller version. I was not talking about the food. I have been by there pre-opening and that’s what it reminded me if. I live up the street from there and I wish them well. Anyway……………………..

        Reply

          1. I am? Didn’t mean to be. And don’t call anyone else names. I’m fair game, but no one else. And I’d rather you didn’t call anyone a crude term even with an explanation mark in the middle. Am I still being one?

      3. Your level of anger here is laughable. You’re calling people names and insulting their intelligence because they took a good look at something and formed an obvious opinion. It looks like a run of the mill downtown food court in any city. It has affordable food. It’s downtown. Salt Bae isn’t flipping tomahawk steaks in the main area… You might just be the ignorant one here. Maybe you need to get out of this tiny little city and inject some much needed culture into your life. You definitely need to calm down.

        Reply

        1. Urban Guy, I don’t think Jason was calling you a dip$hit, he was referring to me. I was not angry at all, but I was surprised at Darrel’s posts. And at no point did I call Darrell a name. I’m still not sure what a food court is supposed to look like in a downtown area compared to a suburban shopping mall. They are all food courts and all look as such. Did Darrell expect a dancing water fountain, entertainment like trapeze artists, or other Vegas-like attractions just because the Regas is downtown? It doesn’t make any sense why he would be so negative and end his statement with an exclamation point, just so we all know how mad he was that the food court looked like a food court. SMH.

          Reply

    2. Might want to try it first, my man. Nowhere in this upscale food court is a S’barro or Chick Fil A or Chipotle. But if you want Ruth’s Chris, there is one right down the road.

      Reply

  3. But I have to admit I’m glad something is going in that area and I do wish it well. I can remember when downtown workers would cross the viaduct and eat at the old regas restaurant. What a classic, elegant place it was. I was so disappointed when it closed and was hoping so much another classy restaurant would eventually take up the old regas building. But alas, it just wasn’t meant to be. But at least they developed the parking lot.

    Reply

  4. Thanks for this great write-up! A number of us plan to go at lunch today. But nowhere have I seen anything about parking!

    Reply

    1. The closest parking is on the street in front of the place. A very few steps further, there is parking on the viaduct, which is usually available on that end. A block away, there is free parking under the overpass.

      Reply

  5. This is a tremendous addition to the north end of downtown and we can’t wait to try every stall. My wife was at the soft opening the other night and was blown away by the space. She said she felt as though she was in Atlanta or Nashville. One critique I have, however, is that I wish there was a stall dedicated to the all of the amazing local craft beer we have. I’m sure Frank and George’s has great beer offerings but I guess I wish there was more of an emphasis on it since our city has made a name for itself as a brewing city. That being said I can’t wait to visit!

    Reply

    1. The closest parking is on the street in front of the place. A very few steps further, there is parking on the viaduct, which is usually available on that end. A block away, there is free parking under the overpass.

      Reply

  8. I’m so excited for Knoxville to finally get a Food Hall. I know many people critique this business concept as “just another food court”, but it really isn’t. These are local vendors in an urban setting. Young people still like having the fast and casual option of accessing food that a mall food court provides, but prefer to not venture into suburbia to go inside a mall or patron a large franchise if a local option exists. The Marble City Market solves this problem.

    Reply

  9. Just wondering if this is what was originally supposed to be at the Kern’s building south of the river-? It sure sounds like the same thing in a different location. That project has been stalled (hopefully not) even though it appears that way.

    Reply

    2. The Kern’s food hall is expected to open in the fall of 2022, which will be just what South Knoxville needs in that area.

      Reply

  10. It’s awesome! We live next door and love the variety. It’s definitely step above a mall food court; this is more like street food brought indoors (many of the vendors are coming out of food trucks or expanding a nice menu). Tons of seating, and parking is abundant under I-40 (free) as well as meters along Gay and Depot Streets. We started with Donut Theory today (finally have gluten free eatery downtown) but look forward to sampling from the others. Now, it may not be to everyone’s liking, but that’s okay too – our community with thrive with more options to suit more tastes.

    Reply

  11. This is outstanding! Thanks Urban Guy; for keeping us all informed of the latest and greatest our Urbanland has to offer. Very exciting times. Cheers!

    Reply

  12. Several of us went during opening day today. We found spots to park on the viaduct and it was a very short walk from there. We tried several different places and all the food was truly wonderful! Delicious and fresh!

    Don’t expect cheap lunches, but on the other hand, prices for everything have gone up, and given that, the prices we paid were not unexpected, especially given the superior quality of the food.

    There is lots of seating as they described, both inside and out. But it’s a narrow place, so when it’s crowded, expect to have to work your way through the people waiting to order or pick up — or just trying to read the menus, most of which are kind of hard to read unless you’re a little close.

    I’m sure opening day had a LOT to do with this, but it took 20-30 minutes to get our food at different places. We left work at noon (only 6 miles away) and got back a little after 2 pm. We knew it would be a crowded day, so we’ll try again later and maybe go at 1 or after next time.

    This is definitely worth trying!

    Reply

    1. As I posted before. It reminds me of a food court in a mall, hence ( working your way through the lines waiting for the food ).

      Reply

        1. Seriously, yes, it’s a food court. But it’s not a mall food court. It’s considerably better. If you think that McDonald’s is going to compete with the SMASH burger stand, you’re just plain wrong. Sbarro wont hold a candle to 4 Corners. The Sandwiches you get will beat a Blimpy or Subway sub hands down.

          Reply

          1. You are exactly correct. Darrell seems to think it is another typical food court like the one found in malls (that are mostly all closed now), which it is not. At first glance, it might look like a mall food court, but as you mentioned, the food is so much better with almost endless options so everyone in your group can order what they want, grab a table and enjoy their lunch and dinner together. The bottom line is that looks can be deceiving and this is no ordinary food court once you actually look at the menus and sample the food. How many mall food courts have a full bar and two Topgolf game simulators right next to the front doors? I do hope the Kern’s bakery food court is similar or even better.

    1. I can’t remember, for sure, but there are tons of them just a few yards away in front of Mill and Mine.

      Reply

  15. a) Food courts in shopping malls – the ones that aren’t closed – do have places like the one in this Marble City Market.

    b) Let’s talk about the void this fills in the cityscape.

    c) Let’s talk about the density of choices this helps create in downtown and old city.

    Reply

  16. I love it! My girlfriend and I live in 4th and Gill and walked over today. We actually tried to go Friday – walked by twice – but there wasn’t an empty seat in the place. It was still very busy at 3:30 today (Sunday). We love having eleven new casual dining options a short walk from home.

    Reply

  19. You posted this three times using copy and paste. Are you mentally ill or just a nasty person using vulgar language like that for no reason?

    Reply

    1. We have a friend that lives in the Regas building and we’ve eaten at this food court many times since they’ve opened and actually, we’ve found the food to be poor to average at best. There’s nothing there I would make the trip for again or that would make me want to go back. I think we’ve tried all the spots now and none of them are that great for what you pay. Out of them all, the burgers were probably the best.

      Reply

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