Fiori Bar and Lounge is a new concept by Jesse Vose and Corey Vose. Together, they have curated an intimate and cozy space that encourages you to sit and stay awhile. Their travels inspire them, and you can see that influence through decor and the menu. Jesse is originally from Maine and is adding some seafood options to the food menu. Corey, a Knoxville native, is adding his influence to the cocktail menu. They want to give patrons another sophisticated cocktail lounge option in the area.
Fiori is replacing the former tenant, Vid’l, at 111 W. Jackson Ave., who closed their doors in Feb 2023. They have been looking for a space that felt right for some time. When this opportunity came open, they knew they had to have it. It is in the heart of a vibrant area of Old City that will keep growing as the stadium construction is completed nearby. While neither Jesse nor Corey has owned/operated a restaurant alone, the day-to-day operations are not foreign to either. Jesse’s parents owned and operated a restaurant for years. Jesse was always part of the business, and Corey also worked with them for a time.
Fiori means “flower” in Italian. The beauty of blooms of a cherry blossom greet even before you as you enter the building. I was immediately drawn to the two pink Japanese cherry blossom trees that are showpieces in the space. Corey saw this done in a lounge on a trip to Europe. He tracked down the artist and had two made specifically for the space in Knoxville. The trees are life-sized and provide a large canopy that feels magical sitting underneath. The black, gold and pink tones throughout the dining area and bar add to the whimsical feeling that you have transported somewhere else. The glass and gold-accented bar shelving was made in New York City for this space, but the glass shelving was cut here in Knoxville. Two lion-head door knockers accentuate the doors leading to the lobby of the adjoining building. These elegant additions are from Nouveau Classics Contemporary Furniture on Gay. St.
Some changes from the previous tenant to Fiori include adding bathrooms for patrons and a full restaurant kitchen, as well as deepening the color scheme throughout. The duo has done most of the work themselves. The ceiling accent piece is gold, and four unique art pieces that will adorn the left wall are Knoxville’s Mark English originals, painted just for Fiori. There will be gold curtains covering the large windows on one side of the room to give more depth to the space and create that intimate feel they are creating.
Seating is comfortable. The vibe is cozy, intimate and fresh. The simplicity and intention of each accent give touches of elegance throughout. Black velvet couches, dark flooring, and dark walls allow your eye to travel to the art and gold accents annd pops of pink around the dining room and the soft-white marble bar ties it all in. Comfortable carpeting helps with acoustics in the room, while low lights, good food and good drinks accentuate the conversation. They have created a space that is consistent with the feel of the Old City without mimicking any part of it.
Jesse and Corey want Fiori to be a place where you can come and sit with friends in a cozy environment, enjoy delectable bites, and drink unique and memorable cocktails you won’t find anywhere else. They will be open seven days a week: 4-10 M-Th, 3-2am F-Sat, and 11am–10pm Sunday. They will open early for brunch on Sundays and serve 11a-3p. In good weather, they have the ability to utilize the covered outdoor entrance to the next door business with patio tables and chairs to accommodate more guests.
The grand opening has not been set yet, but they hope it to be in the next 2-4 weeks. Follow them along on social media HERE or HERE to see the updates.
They have hired a local bar manager with years of mixology experience but are still hiring other front and back-of-house staff. If you are interested, please apply HERE.
