Get ready for the loooooooong anticipated opening of Kern’s Food Hall this Saturday. Has the wait been worth it? Look at the pictures and I think you’ll agree lots of attention have been paid to details and the space, which was derelict not so long ago is now beautiful.
Not all businesses are open and evidence of continuing construction were easy to spot, but the group decided that after so many delays, the best idea was to move forward with the businesses that were ready. There are two more waves of openings planned, including the second in June.
A soft opening for media and friends held last night offered a preview. I enjoyed a piece of pizza compliments of Ava Pizza. Out of Tampa, the group serves up pizza wood-fired on the spot. The crust was thin, light, and delicious.
I stopped by Flourish Flowers, offering a wide assortment of fresh-cut flowers. I spoke to owner Savannah Pannell, who said she was the first person to sign on with the group and that was about four years ago. She said the wait was worth it and she was one of several who mentioned being happy to work with owner Alex Dominguez. Flourish has a location in Halls and also operates a food truck. Flowers are available by the stem so you can build your own bouquet or they will build one for you.
I met owner Kristen Heath at Mae Lee’s Boutique who said the store is named in honor of her grandparents. She said she wanted a store in Knoxville that had the kind of clothes she would wear. She has sizes to fit all bodies and prides herself on the fact that she features clothes and accessories by female vendors. She said nothing in the store is mass-manufactured and you won’t find it on Amazon. The focus is bright, colorful, and beautiful.
Myrtle’s Bakehouse has a spot in the middle of the hall, offering their delicious cookies. Hey Bear Cafe, which has a location on Middlebrook Pike serves up Boba Tea and snacks. I enjoyed some truly delicious sushi from Zukku, which also has locations in Tampa and Charlotte. They also offer Poke bowls and a few other items. I spoke with Philip Young who co-owns Vella Crew with his wife Suzanne. They create all the social media pieces for the food hall and have a space there that can be used for podcast production or as a studio.
Additional businesses which will open beginning Saturday include Awaken Coffee, Vols Nail Spa, and Monday Night Proofing Co. (You may know them as Monday Night Brewing. I’ll have more on them tomorrow as they are a major anchor operating all the bars.
And there are bars throughout, along with lots of non-alcoholic options. A rooftop lounge area (with its own bar) looks inviting. It overlooks an outdoor space where a stage is frantically under construction with lots of comfortable tables and chairs throughout. Music has been promised and that’s one of the most interesting pulls for me. Hours for the food hall (though individual business hours may differ) include opening every day at 7:00 am and closing at 9:00 pm, except for Friday and Saturday (10:00 pm).
Check in tomorrow for more details and photos of Monday Night Proofing Co.
